TL;DR: As a foreign resident, moving in Japan means 6 steps — secure housing, book a mover, file your move-in notice and update your residence card within 14 days, set up utilities, clear out unwanted items, and update your address everywhere. IeGo handles it all bilingually.
Moving in Japan for Foreigners
Updated: June 2026
- 1
Secure housing and understand the contract
Budget 4–6 months' rent upfront: deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), guarantor-company fee, and agency fee. Most rentals require a guarantor or guarantor company.
- 2
Compare and book a mover
IeGo is fully bilingual — find single-item plans and English-friendly movers, and compare free quotes from several at once.
Learn more → - 3
Register your move at city hall
File a move-out notice (tenshutsu-todoke) at your old ward, a move-in notice (tennyu-todoke) at your new ward within 14 days, and update your residence card (zairyu card) address within 14 days.
- 4
Set up utilities and internet
Electricity and water need only a call; gas usually needs an in-person appointment. Internet can take 2–4 weeks, so arrange it early.
- 5
Deal with unwanted furniture and appliances
Sell on IeGo Marketplace or book junk removal. Fridges, washers, TVs, and ACs fall under Japan's appliance-recycling law and can't go out as regular garbage.
Learn more → - 6
Update everything else
Change your address with your bank, phone carrier, My Number, and set up mail forwarding (tenso-todoke) at the post office.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners hire movers in Japan?
Yes — anyone can, regardless of visa status or nationality. IeGo is fully bilingual, so you can request quotes, book, and pay in English or Japanese.
How much money do I need upfront to move?
Rental move-in costs (deposit, key money, guarantor fee, agency fee) typically run 4–6 months' rent. The mover itself is roughly ¥15,000–100,000 for a single person.
Do I need a guarantor (hoshonin)?
Most rentals require a guarantor or a guarantor company. A guarantor company (about 0.5–1 month's rent) usually lets you sign without a personal guarantor.
Do I need to update my residence card?
Yes. Within 14 days of moving, update the address on your residence card (zairyu card) at the municipal office for your new address.