Your First Move After Getting a Job Offer: Timeline and Budget Planning for Apartment Hunting

Congratulations on Your Job Offer—When Should You Start Preparing to Move?

For those who have graduated from university, received a job offer, and are about to start living alone for the first time: when and how should you begin your apartment search for your new life starting in April?

Simply put, it's crucial to start your search promptly once you receive your job offer. Especially if you want to move in March or April, you should begin your apartment search by early February—otherwise, apartments matching your preferences may become unavailable.

The Ideal Timeline for Your Apartment Search

Immediately After Job Offer to 2 Months Before: Preparation Period

What to do:

• •Confirm your workplace address and narrow down neighborhoods within your commute range
• •Calculate your budget for initial costs and living expenses
• •Research rental market prices on property search sites (SUUMO, HOME'S, etc.)
• •Ask whether your company offers company housing or dormitories (ideally check before joining)

Tip: Some companies provide company housing or dormitories for new employees, and many offer housing allowances. Confirm these benefits with your human resources department before starting work.

2 Months to 1.5 Months Before: Serious Apartment Hunting

What to do:

• •Contact and make appointments with real estate agencies (contact multiple agencies)
• •View properties you're interested in (use weekends to view multiple apartments at once)
• •Use a property viewing checklist to compare apartments
• •Narrow down your choices to one or two apartments to apply for

Important note: You may not be able to obtain income documentation with just a job offer. You'll typically need your "job offer letter" or "employment certification letter" for the screening process, so request this from your company in advance.

1.5 Months to 1 Month Before: Application, Screening, and Contract

What to do:

• •Submit your rental application for the apartment you like
• •Wait for screening results (typically 3–5 business days)
• •Review the contract after passing screening, then sign and affix your seal
• •Pay initial costs (ideally one to two weeks before moving in)

Generally required for application:

• •ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
• •Job offer letter or employment certification letter
• •Student ID (if still a student)
• •Emergency contact information (parent or family member)

1–2 Weeks Before Moving In: Moving Preparations

What to do:

• •Arrange with moving companies (obtain multiple quotes early)
• •Contact utility companies (electricity, gas, water) to set up service
• •Submit a change of address form at your local post office
• •Update your address with your mobile phone company and online shopping sites

Moving-In Day: Key Handover and Occupancy

What to do:

• •Receive your keys from the management company
• •Conduct an initial inspection (document any damage or marks with photos and report to the management company)
• •Have your moving truck unload your belongings

How to Calculate Initial Costs—How Much Do You Need?

Initial costs for renting an apartment when relocating for employment typically amount to 4–6 months of rent.

Breakdown of initial costs (example: apartment with ¥70,000/month rent):

• •Security deposit: ¥70,000 (one month's rent)
• •Key money: ¥70,000 (one month's rent)
• •Agency fee: ¥70,000–¥80,500 (one month's rent plus consumption tax)
• •Prepaid rent: ¥70,000–¥140,000 (first month plus following month)
• •Renter's insurance: ¥15,000–¥20,000
• •Key replacement fee: ¥15,000–¥20,000
• •Total: approximately ¥310,000–¥400,000

Additionally, furniture and appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bedding, etc.) typically cost ¥100,000–¥300,000. If you have limited savings, consider furnished apartments or furniture rental services.

Tips for reducing initial costs:

• •Choose properties with zero security deposit and zero key money
• •Move during the off-peak season (May–August) instead of the busy season
• •Get quotes from multiple moving companies and compare
• •Stay in a furnished apartment or monthly mansion for your first month or two

Commute Time from Your Workplace—How Long Can You Accept?

One of the first dilemmas when moving to live alone is balancing commute time against rent.

General guidelines:

• •Within 30 minutes one way: Ideal. Less fatigue in the mornings and more energy after work
• •30 to 50 minutes one way: Acceptable range. Most working professionals choose this distance
• •1 hour or more one way: High cost in energy and time. Often becomes a long-term burden

New employees often face unexpected overtime and emergency trips to the office, so a shorter commute reduces stress. Even if rent is slightly higher, choosing to live closer to work—what's called "proximity of workplace and residence"—is particularly advantageous for your mental and physical well-being during your first one to two years.

Practical Checklist: What to Look For When Choosing an Apartment

Security: For your first time living alone, we recommend choosing an apartment with an auto-lock system or double locks. Ground-floor units in particular carry higher security risks, so confirm that adequate security measures are in place.

Storage space: Check for closets or built-in closets. If you have lots of belongings, insufficient storage can significantly reduce your quality of life.

Lifestyle convenience: Confirm whether convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores are within walking distance. This is especially important if your job involves frequent late-night hours, as you need reliable access to food and essentials.

Internet environment: If you work from home or spend time online, confirm whether the apartment supports fiber optic internet. "Free internet" properties sometimes have slower speeds.

Summary—Taking Action Early Is the Key to a Smooth New Life

Your first move for a new job involves many procedures and significant initial expenses. Once you receive your job offer, create a timeline and begin taking action promptly so you can secure your desired apartment and prepare comfortably for your new life.

As you evaluate apartments, confirm your company's benefits (company housing or housing allowances), calculate your initial costs, and balance commute time against rent to find the right fit for you. Start your new life as a working professional from a comfortable living environment.

What should you do first on moving day? From furniture delivery to electricity and gas setup, to unpacking priorities—this guide explains a complete timeline to help you spend your first day in a new apartment comfortably while living alone.