May 3, 2025
Moving house process
I've been in my apartment for nearly 7 years. I've got my eye on an apartment one station closer to work. But I forgot what it was like to move in here! It was all a bit traumatic... Have you got some packing tips, suggestions for how to move your household goods, and what to save for last?
Best Answer
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on May 4
It's been a while since we moved, too, but one of the biggest things it forced me to do was a thorough inventory of things we needed and things we didn't. I feel like it's the best push to declutter/reorganize, because you really get that feeling of not wanting to box up and shift stuff to a new place that doesn't really need to go! We donated a bunch and sold other things before our last move that wouldn't be practical in our new home, so that freed up both space and provided some extra cash, too. Full disclosure: we had a moving company move our stuff from Tokyo-Niigata, and honestly they were extremely efficient at both packing/unpacking. Because we originally moved to Tokyo for my husband's job, they paid for us to move to Niigata, so I don't know the breakdown of costs that a moving company incurs. However, it did take a lot of the stress out of the process, and it's something I'd recommend if finances allow for it and you have enough stuff to warrant it. If I was doing it myself, I think labeling everything well and keeping like-with-like for the smaller stuff is key. E.g. books all in one box, kitchen items all in another. Wrap any breakables really well, too. I know that probably sounds super obvious but I think it's one of those things that makes the unpacking process so much easier.
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on May 6
The best advice I recieved for moving last time was about moving companies so it's irrelevant if you're planning to get your stuff to the new place on your own. It's not far so maybe you can move bigger items with a rental car or something. For anyone in the future who might read this I'll share the advice. Before hiring a moving company, be sure to ask a few companies to come over and give you a free quote. This way you can kind of negotiate for the best price with the company you like. There can also be an option to move your things along with another household's at a discount - especially if you don't have much and the timing works out. I don't remember exactly how much this saved us but it was at least a few man so it was worth the extra time to make appointments. The moving companies provide boxes and tape, they roll up and tie any carpets, and tape up any dressers so you can leave everything inside them. It was super easy. Other small things: I would check what the new place comes with and even measure windows so you know if any curtains and appliances you have now will be needed. I set aside one box for items that would be used right away, but forgot that in the time we were waiting for the moving company to arrive, I would need toilet paper to use our new toilet and to drink water we would need cups...
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on May 6
@helloalissa Great advice, especially about the starter box! The place I have my eye on has an identical layout to my friend's place, so fortunately, I know exactly how much space is available for appliances and the size of the window coverings.
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on May 7
@genkidesu The first time I moved, I didn't have much so I chartered an Akabou truck, those light trucks. The last time, I managed to find an independent "benriya", a handyman with a truck who treated my stuff like it was treasure. I'm off-loading stuff I haven't used in ages, recycling what I can. The purge is ongoing. And thanks for the reminder about like with like, boxing, and labeling!
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on May 8
@TonetoEdo That's one thing I've noticed here -- the movers really do treat your stuff with a ton of care. There's no haphazard stuff that happens, or worries about things being broken on arrival. Just another wonderful thing about life in Japan!
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on May 8
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on May 9
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on Jun 2
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on Jun 2
@BigfamJapan I'm hanging on to hear from a friend who's got a lead on a room in his vintage building. When I get updated, I'll blog about it!
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on Sep 5
10 Answers