Moving to a rental apartment involves many procedures, and first-timers often struggle to know where to start. This article comprehensively covers everything you need to do in four stages: one month before, two weeks before, one week before, and just before moving day. We'll also explain the timing for address changes and utility setup in detail.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
A rental professional explains all procedures needed from moving day through one month later. With easily-overlooked tasks also organized chronologically, this guide ensures you can confidently start your new life.
A comprehensive breakdown of 28 essential administrative procedures needed after moving, presented as a checklist. From resident registration transfers to driver's license, My Number Card, bank, credit card, insurance, and workplace notifications—clarifying the priority order and deadlines for each procedure.
From three months before arrival through three months after moving in, this comprehensive checklist organizes all necessary procedures across six key areas—visa, housing, finance, communication, healthcare, and taxes—in chronological order. It covers practical details that foreign nationals often overlook.
Ideally, you should start moving preparations "one month in advance." Especially during the busy season (March–April), if you don't start planning early, moving companies will be fully booked.
Get competitive quotes from at least three moving companies. Here are the key points to confirm when requesting estimates:
During the busy season (March–April), prices can be 2–3 times higher than usual. If your schedule is flexible, moving on a weekday or outside the busy season can significantly reduce costs.
Most rental contracts require "notice of vacating one month in advance." Check your contract and notify your landlord or management company of your move-out by this deadline, arranging a move-out inspection date.
This is a point many people misunderstand. The timing varies depending on the procedure.
| Procedure | Timing |
|---|---|
| Postal forwarding (postal office) | Before moving is OK (specify forwarding start date) |
| Move-out notification (municipal office) | 2 weeks before moving to moving day |
| Move-in notification (municipal office) | Within 14 days after moving (legal requirement) |
| Driver's license address change | After move-in registration at police station or license center |
| Bank/credit card address change | Preferably after move-in registration |
Registering at your new residence is a registration that must be done "after you actually move in." Under the Resident Registration Law, you are legally required to register at your new municipal office within 14 days after moving. You generally cannot transfer your resident registration before move-in.
On the other hand, you can submit a postal forwarding notice before moving. If you specify the forwarding start date as your moving date, mail sent to your old address will automatically be forwarded to your new address for one year. You can apply at a post office or online (e-transfer service).
If you are moving within the same municipality, you only need to submit a "change of residence" form. If you are moving to a different municipality, you must first obtain a move-out certificate from your old municipal office, then submit a move-in registration at your new one. If you have a My Number Card, you may be able to use the move-related one-stop online service on the My Number Portal.
Arrange electricity, gas, water, and internet service no later than one week before your move. Understanding the priority and characteristics of each is important.
You'll need electricity from moving day onward. Most power companies allow you to apply online or by phone, and can activate service within one to two days. Usually, you can apply to stop service at your old home and start at your new one simultaneously.
Water service is managed by your municipality's water bureau. Submit a "start of service" application to the water bureau covering your new area. In most cases, same-day activation is possible, but procedures vary by municipality, so check in advance.
Gas activation requires a technician to be present. During busy seasons, appointments can be booked weeks in advance, so contact your gas company immediately once your move date is confirmed. Booking an appointment for moving day or the next day allows you to use hot water and cooking appliances from day one.
New fiber internet installations can take one to two months to activate. Ideally, apply immediately after signing your lease. While waiting for activation, you can temporarily use a mobile Wi-Fi router or no-installation-required home router (such as WiMAX or pocket Wi-Fi).
Always inspect your new home and take photos upon arrival. Most restoration-to-original-condition disputes at move-out arise from disagreement about whether damage was pre-existing.
1. Get moving company quotes early, keeping "busy season" in mind March–April is peak booking season. Starting two months ahead is the safest approach.
2. Book your gas activation immediately after confirming your move date Gas, which requires an appointment, is the hardest utility to book. It's fine to contact the gas company before electricity or water.
3. Apply for internet service "first of all" Fiber internet installation times are longer than you'd expect. Apply the same day you sign your lease.
4. Submit your move-in registration within 14 days Registering your new residence is a legal obligation. Until you complete move-in registration, you won't be able to update your driver's license or My Number Card. Schedule a visit to the municipal office right after moving.
5. Never forget to photograph your new home immediately after move-in The golden rule is "photograph all rooms and all fixtures in as much detail as possible." This single step prevents unnecessary trouble and expenses when moving out. Save photos to cloud storage or email to ensure they won't be deleted.
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