Moving Checklist: 1 Month Before to After
A timeline of everything you need to do when moving — city hall, utilities, and more.
Moving involves many tasks. Here's a timeline to keep you on track.
1 Month
1 Month Before Moving
Book Your Mover
Get quotes early. Peak season (March–April) books up fast.
We offer easy quotes via LINE or phone.
Cancel Your Lease
Notify your property manager. Usually 1 month notice is required — check your contract.
Dispose of Bulky Items
Bulky garbage pickup requires a reservation with your city. In Osaka City, the earliest pickup is 3 days after application, but 1–2 weeks or more during the March–April peak season — apply early.
Osaka City bulky garbage center: 0120-79-0053 (landline) / 06-6530-1530 (mobile) (Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00). 24/7 online application is also available.
We also offer disposal service during your move — send photos via LINE for a quote.
School Transfer (if applicable)
Submit transfer notice to current school.
2 Weeks
2 Weeks Before Moving
City Hall Procedures
Moving-out notice (tenshutsu-todoke): Submit at your current city/ward office (available 14 days before moving).
National Health Insurance (for self-employed): Cancel at the same time as moving-out notice.
Utilities
Electricity: Contact your provider to stop and start service. In the Kansai Electric Power area, use their website or phone (0800-777-8810).
Gas: Reserve closing and opening with Osaka Gas. Opening requires in-person attendance (takes 15–20 minutes); closing usually doesn't. Book 2 weeks to 10 days in advance, especially during the March–April peak when slots fill up fast.
Water: In Osaka City, contact the Waterworks Bureau Customer Center (06-6458-1132) or use their online portal.
Internet
Arrange transfer or cancel + new contract. Installation may take 2–3 weeks.
Mail Forwarding
Submit a mail forwarding request at the post office or online (e-tenkyo). Forwarding starts 3–7 business days after submission.
Day Before
Day Before Moving
Final Packing Check
Empty the fridge (leave it plugged in).
Empty the washing machine.
Gather valuables (cash, bank book, seal) in your personal bag.
New Home
Pick up the keys from your property manager.
Clean the new place if possible.
Garbage
Take out garbage the day before — you may not be able to on moving day.
After
After Moving (Within 14 Days)
City Hall Procedures
Moving-in notice (tennyu-todoke): Submit at your new city/ward office with your moving-out certificate (or My Number Card). Required within 14 days by the Basic Resident Registration Act — a fine of up to ¥50,000 applies if you miss the deadline without good reason.
National Health Insurance: Re-enroll at the same time if you're not on a company health plan.
My Number Card: Update address at the same time. You must complete the continuation-of-use procedure within 90 days of moving or the card will expire and reissuance will cost a fee.
National Pension: Category 1 insured persons (self-employed, students) update at the new city office. Employees do it through their employer.
Child Allowance (if applicable): Apply at the new city office within 15 days of moving — delays may push back your payment month.
Driver's License
Update address at a police station, driver's license testing center, or license renewal center — no fee.
No strict deadline, but the Road Traffic Act requires "prompt" updates and failure can result in a fine of up to ¥20,000 — do it soon after moving.
Bring: your license and proof of new address (residence certificate / My Number Card).
Other Address Changes
Bank, credit cards: update via each company's website or app.
Notify your employer early (commuting allowance needs recalculation).
Mobile carrier, life/home insurance, NHK, delivery services (Amazon/Rakuten).
Dog owners: register the change at your new city office within 30 days (Rabies Prevention Act).
Need help with your move?
Get a free quote on LINE