Here are some Frugal Tips for moving season, which is rapidly approaching in Japan.
Don’t Move in March/April!
Did you know that almost 70% of all moves in Japan take place in March and April? This is because company transfers, the new school year, and the start date for freshman company hires are all around this time. Consequently, rental agencies, moving companies, and shippers are all swamped, and are much less likely to give you a bargain. Try, if possible, to schedule moves during the dead season of late summer or winter. You might find that realtors have a larger stock of apartments for rent, which
can increase their motivation to give you a deal.
Tips for a Successful Move-in/Move Out
1. When looking for a new home, always take along a camera for shots to help you remember the positive and negative (including damage) points of the potential places.
2. When you’ve decided and before you move in, make sure that you take photos or videos of the entire place — not just pre-existing damage. If possible, use a camera that imprints the date. Make a list of damaged areas/items.
3. On the “damage” list, note the details (damage, fix date, costs, etc.) of anything that is repaired by either the landlord or yourself.
4. When moving out, do not fail to make another photo survey of the entire place, as in you did when moving in.
5. Note any damage you’re leaving behind, adding it to your list.
6. IMPORTANT: On move-out day, make sure to have present at least one bilingual Japanese person who is “on your side.” Walk with this person through the entire place as you take notes for your damage list.
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.