Once you have become accustomed to life in Japan, have you ever considered moving to a new place?
You might assume that moving simply involves transporting your belongings, and that everything will be settled once your items arrive at your new home. However, the reality is that problems almost always arise during the process.
For this reason, I will introduce common issues that frequently occur and explain how to deal with them. By understanding these challenges in advance, you can prevent problems both before and after your move. This guidance is designed to help you manage any difficulties that may arise effectively, even if you are a foreign resident staying in Japan for a relatively short period.
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Issues Related to Moving Cancellations
If you plan to use a moving company, is it possible to cancel the service?
In fact, once you have entered into an agreement with a moving company, you are allowed to cancel the contract for any reason without incurring any charges, as long as you notify the company at least three days before the scheduled moving date. If you are asked to pay a cancellation fee under these circumstances, you have the right to refuse. Details regarding cancellation policies are usually outlined in the contract, so it is important to review it carefully.
However, if you cancel approximately two days before the moving date, a cancellation fee will apply. In addition, rescheduling your move may require more time and effort. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to avoid canceling whenever possible. In particular, you should avoid changing your schedule simply because you have not completed your moving preparations.
Furthermore, if you received cardboard boxes or other packing materials when signing the agreement, you will either need to purchase them or return them if you decide to cancel the contract.
Damaged or Misdelivered Items
Moving companies are, of course, professional service providers. They carry out their work with care and attention. However, cases of misdelivered items can still occur.
This may be rare in a single, direct move. However, if the schedule for collecting your belongings from your previous residence and delivering them to your new home falls on different days, your items will be temporarily stored in a warehouse. In such situations, there is a possibility that your belongings may be mistakenly loaded onto a truck transporting another customer’s items.
For this reason, it is very important to clearly identify which items belong to you so that you can immediately notice if anything is missing. It is advisable to keep a record of how many boxes you have, what they contain, and how your items are organized. For added security, you should also take photographs of your belongings before the move.
In addition, large furniture and electronic appliances may be damaged during transportation due to impact or shifting. Before your belongings are loaded, make sure to check whether any items are already damaged or dirty. To prevent disputes later, it is recommended that you document their condition with photographs so you can verify them afterward.
Then, once your belongings arrive at your new residence, inspect their condition immediately. If you contact the moving company within three months of the move and it is confirmed that the damage was caused by the movers, you may be eligible for compensation.
For this reason, when signing a contract, it is strongly recommended that you confirm whether the moving company provides insurance coverage. You should also check the maximum compensation amount and understand which types of damage are covered under the policy.
Additional Charges
In general, moving costs will align with the initial estimate provided. However, there are situations where additional fees may arise on the day of the move, particularly when special packing or handling is required.
For example, if you have not finished packing your belongings by moving day, the movers may assist you with packing. Similarly, if you request the disposal of items that were not originally planned, extra charges will apply. Additional fees may also occur if the volume of your belongings exceeds the original estimate and cannot be transported in a single trip. Another common situation is when there is no available space to park the moving truck at your new residence, requiring the use of paid parking facilities.
In addition, there are cases where large furniture or appliances can be easily removed from your previous residence but cannot be brought into your new home due to narrow entrances or hallways. In such situations, the movers may need to use a crane to lift the items and bring them in through a window. Even if this is not explained in advance, you will still be responsible for the additional cost.
Furthermore, there are often extra fees associated with installing air conditioning units. This may be less common if you are moving into an apartment or condominium. However, if you plan to bring your own air conditioner, you should confirm whether it can be installed in your new residence without requiring modifications or additional piping.
It can be difficult to anticipate all of these scenarios. However, you can reduce the likelihood of unexpected costs by discussing key details during the contract stage. For example, confirm where the moving truck will be able to park. You should also check whether your large furniture and appliances can pass through the entrances of your new home. Of course, it is equally important to ensure that all your belongings are fully packed before moving day.
Issues Related to Cleaning Fees and Security Deposits (Shiki-kin)
This issue is not directly related to moving companies. However, when you leave your previous residence, you are responsible for returning the property to the same condition it was in when you first moved in. If dirt or damage caused during your stay is found, the landlord may request payment for cleaning and repairs.
That said, if you paid a security deposit, known as shiki-kin, at the beginning of your lease, you will generally not be charged additional fees as long as the deposit is sufficient to cover the cleaning and repair costs. It is important to review your rental agreement to confirm the specific terms.
In addition, if any portion of the deposit remains after these expenses are deducted, you should ask when and how the remaining amount will be refunded.
Conclusion
I have outlined the common issues that often arise when moving in Japan. Even Japanese residents frequently encounter these challenges. However, foreign residents may face additional difficulties due to language barriers. It is important to recognize that without clear explanations, it can be difficult for non native speakers to fully understand the details involved.
If you feel uncertain about your Japanese language skills, it is advisable to seek assistance when choosing a new residence or entering into a contract with a moving company. You may consider asking a Japanese friend or someone who is fluent in the language to help communicate on your behalf or to review the contract with you. This can provide reassurance and help ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions.