When the time has come for you to move out, there are quite a few steps to take in advance.
It’s very important to make sure that you fulfill your obligations, cancel your contracts and let officials know that you are moving out.
Get rid of your stuff
You can sell the things you don’t want either at recycle shops or online. In Japan, you’re not allowed to simply throw away furniture or large items: they need to be collected for a fee.
Cancel your house rental contact, utilities bills and other services
As soon as you know your departure date, contact your landlor or real estate agent to cancel your lease. Usually you’ll need to give notice at least one month in advance, but it depends on your contract. When leaving you should clean the house thoroughly. If you do a good job and there aren’t any damages you might get most of your deposit back.
Cancel utility bills
Electricity, gas, and water bills need to be cancelled. Make sure to get the final bills and be able to pay them before moving out.
Cancel your services
Internet, TV and other services you have had contracts for must be canceled.
Notification of moving out / in to the city hall転出届
When you first moved into your current house, you went to the city hall or ward office to register as a citizen. Now that you’re moving away you must inform those same officials that you’re leaving the city.
Bring your residence card (在留カード) and official seal (はんこ) to fill in a “Notification of moving-out” (転出届てんしゅつとどけ).
You will get a “Certificate of Moving-out(転出証明書 てんしゅつしょうめいしょ)” by then.
Get your mail redirected転居届
Since you might get mails after moving out, you need to go to the local post office get this redirected to your new address.
Fill in a change of address notification (転居届てんきょとどけ) at the post office. Your mail will be redirected for free for up to one year.
Notification of moving in to the city hall 転入届
When moving in to a new place, you have to go to the city hall there to turn in a “Notification of Moving-in(転入届てんにゅうとどけ)” within 14 days from the date moving in.
What to Bring (*if applicable):
- Certificate of Moving-out (転出証明書)
- Residence card
- *National Pension Record Book (国民年金手帳こくみんねんきんてちょう) if you have
