Ten moving-day essentials
- Toilet paper: the new apartment may not have any.
- Curtains: indoor lights make it easier to see inside at night. Measure the windows before moving.
- Lighting, if not supplied: needed for unpacking after dark. Check the ceiling fitting.
- Bedding: even a sleeping bag or blanket can help you rest until your full set is ready.
- Phone charger and power strip: you may need your phone for calls, maps and payments throughout the day.
- Towels: useful straight after washing your hands or showering.
- Rubbish bags: packaging builds up quickly. Check local sorting rules.
- Scissors or a box cutter: keep them easy to find for opening cartons.
- Toiletries and your usual medicines: include your toothbrush, shampoo and medicines you normally take.
- Hangers: for the clothes you wear that day and the next morning.
Make one first-day box
Pack these separately in one clearly labelled box or a bag. If you use a removal company, keep this box with you, or ask for it to be loaded last and unloaded first.
Prepare items such as curtains and lights in advance, after checking their dimensions and installation requirements.
PRODUCT PR
20W・USB-C充電器（色は販売ページで選択）
A2637
Anker Nano Charger (20W)
Anker / A2637
A compact USB-C charger can be useful at home and when travelling.
Before choosing
The image shows colour variants of A2637, not a multi-charger set. Choose the colour on the shop page. A cable is sold separately: use a compatible cable for your phone.
PRODUCT PR
ブラック・6個口・2.5m
T-K6A-2625BK
ELECOM individually switched power strip, 6 sockets / 2.5 m
ELECOM / T-K6A-2625BK
Rental apartments can have limited sockets or awkward socket positions. A power strip can help connect devices after you decide the furniture layout.
Before choosing
The pictured T-K6A-2625BK is black, with six sockets and a 2.5 m cable. Check the cable length and total power demand. Do not exceed the product rating.
PRODUCT PR
6畳・8畳・12畳など／適用畳数と調光・調色の有無は販売ページで選択
CEP6D／CEP8D／CEP12D ほか
IRIS OHYAMA LED ceiling light, 6–12 tatami room options
IRIS OHYAMA
A ceiling light that attaches to a suitable ceiling fitting. The shop page offers options by room size in tatami units and by dimming or colour-temperature controls.
Before choosing
First check whether your apartment already has lighting and whether a suitable ceiling fitting is present.
Checks to do on arrival
- Check that electricity, water and gas are working; a gas activation appointment may require your presence.
- Check that door and window locks close properly.
- Photograph existing marks and damage to help document the condition at move-in.
- Measure the spaces for the refrigerator and washing machine.
If you have concerns about the door or window locks, see Basic security tools for living alone (Japanese).
Common first-day snags
Checking ahead can help prevent many moving-day problems.
- Curtains are the wrong length: measure both the width and the distance from the rail to the floor or bottom of the window.
- The light does not fit: some rooms lack a suitable ceiling-light fitting. Look at the ceiling during the viewing.
- Your charger is buried in a box: keep it in your hand luggage so you can continue using maps and making calls.
- You do not know how to dispose of packaging: sorting and collection days vary by municipality. Cardboard may have a separate recycling day.
Useful extras
These are not always essential, but can make the work easier.
- Work gloves: for handling furniture and heavy boxes.
- Cleaning wipes or cloths: wipe shelves and floors before putting things down.
- A torch: for temporary light and checking the breaker.
- Drinks and a simple meal: unpacking can make it easy to miss a shopping break.
- A tape measure: check spaces for curtains, furniture and appliances on the spot.
Arrange utilities before moving in
Arrange essential services before moving day so you are not left without power or hot water.
- Electricity: apply to start service with the provider. In many cases, power is then available once you turn on the breaker.
- Water: contact the local water supplier to start service.
- Gas: activation often requires an appointment with you present. Book ahead for your move-in date.
- Internet: installation, if needed, can take several weeks after applying.
Procedures vary by location and provider. Check the instructions from your property manager.
After the first day
Keep a note of anything you missed during the first few days. For an overall shopping plan, see the ¥30,000 checklist and the ¥50,000 checklist (Japanese). For a complete bedding set, see Choosing your first bedding set (Japanese).
Prices and stock change. Check the linked shop pages before buying.
Sources and product checks
Product specifications in the original Japanese guide were checked against manufacturer official shops or shop listings on 27 September 2026. Individual shop links appear with the products.