I Can’t Finish Packing! What Should I Do?

2025-01-13

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I should have packed more efficiently,” or “I had the time, so why didn’t I start earlier?” If so, you’re not alone.

If you don’t plan your packing properly, you won’t be able to finish by the day of the move. However, some people may be so busy with work, house chores, and other everyday issues that they don’t finish packing until the day of the move.

In this article, we’ll explore practical solutions on what to do if you can’t finish packing for a move. If you are worried about not being able to finish packing, please use this as a reference.

At Village House, we offer a wide selection of affordable and charming properties all across Japan. If you’re searching for a new home, be sure to check out our website!

Failing to complete packing by moving day may result in a contract violation

When hiring a moving company, the contract between the company and the customer is based on the “Standard Terms and Conditions of Moving” established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. According to these terms, packing is the customer’s responsibility.

If packing is not completed by the moving day, it is considered a breach of contract on the customer’s part. Since companies can refuse to carry out the move in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions of Moving, if packing is not completed, it is treated as a same-day cancellation and the customer must pay a cancellation fee.

Reschedule the moving date

If you have more than three days remaining until your move, consider rescheduling the moving date.

The “Standard Terms and Conditions of Moving” used by many moving companies state that cancellation fees, postponement fees, and other penalties typically apply starting two days before the move. In other words, as long as you change the moving date at least three days in advance, you usually won’t incur any penalties.

If you don’t think you will be able to finish packing in time, it’s a good idea to contact the moving company as soon as possible and ask whether the move can be postponed.

Pay an additional fee to have the moving company assist with packing

If you won’t be able to finish packing by the day of the move, be sure to contact your moving company beforehand. Many companies will contact you to confirm the details 2-3 days before the move, so if you’re falling behind, that’s a good time to discuss your situation with them.

If you know in advance that the amount of work will increase, the company can suggest options such as additional staff or a plan that includes packing. However, keep in mind that additional fees will apply, so make sure to carefully review the details beforehand.

Packing-inclusive plans can cover anything from specific areas to the entire house. Some companies even offer unpacking services. These options can be especially helpful for busy individuals or families with young children who may struggle to find time for preparation and cleanup. If you feel troubled, consult with the moving company early on to prevent confusion on the moving day.

Use a packing service for the move

A packing service is a service that will take care of part or all of the packing for you. It is offered by moving companies, handymen, housekeeping agencies, etc. If you have more than three days until the day of the move, it is worth considering using a packing service.

Housekeeping agencies offering packing services also offer the following services:

＜Before the move＞(Approx. 2–5 hours):

Help with packing

Cleaning the new home

Advice on tidying up and decluttering when packing

Taking out the trash when packing, etc.

<On moving day> (Approx. 3–7 hours):

Cleaning the old home before the move

Help with packing on moving day

<After the move> (Approx. 2–4 hours):

Help with unpacking and organizing

Folding and discarding cardboard boxes

Cooking meals or shopping for supplies

Taking out the trash during unpacking

Source: KIDSLINE Inc.

If you’re busy with work or worried about not having enough time to pack before moving day, especially if you have young children, it’s best to consult with a service provider early.

Carry everything except large furniture by yourself

If you can’t finish packing by the day of the move, one option is to send your belongings via courier. Large furniture, home appliances, and already-packed items can be transported by the moving company first. For the remaining items, you can arrange for a courier to pick them up once they are packed. This allows you to work at your own pace without disrupting the movers’ schedule.

Moreover, if the lease of your old residence still has some time remaining, you can use that period to sort through your belongings. However, be mindful that shipping a large volume of items or sending them long distances can be expensive. Consider using a courier service only if you only have a few cardboard boxes to send or for short-distance moves.

If your new home is nearby and you have access to a car, another option is to transport smaller items by yourself at a later date. You can reduce costs by hiring movers only for essential tasks, such as transporting large furniture and installing air conditioners, while handling the rest on your own.

If you find yourself running out of time to finish packing, setting priorities and organizing items in order of necessity will help you complete your moving to-do lists more efficiently.

Make use of furniture and home appliance pick-up services

As a last resort, if you are unable to finish packing by the day of the move, you can ask a moving company to pick up your belongings. Ideally, this is something that should be discussed when getting a quote in advance, but many companies can accommodate requests on the day of the move. If you’re in a pinch, don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire.

The cost for pickup services varies by company. For example, with Kuroneko Yamato’s moving service, small items like shelves or racks can be picked up for around ¥1,000, while larger pieces like dressers cost about ¥4,000. This is also a good opportunity to dispose of any unwanted furniture before settling into your new home.

Additionally, some appliances may be eligible for a trade-in by certain moving companies. Typically, only newer products manufactured within the last six years qualify for a trade-in. However, please note that recycling fees for items such as air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines will be charged separately.

If you want to keep disposal costs down, it’s a good idea to take advantage of trade-in services. For books, DVDs, and CDs, you can use the on-site purchasing services offered by second-hand stores.

Packing for a move cannot be done overnight

Last-minute packing for a move is a challenging task. Each municipality has a set day for disposing of garbage, which makes it essential for moving preparations to proceed in a planned manner. In particular, bulk wastes like home appliances and large furniture require prior arrangements with city offices or recycling companies to set specific pickup dates.

Collection services offered by municipal city offices are generally cheaper than recycling companies because they are subsidized by government taxes. However, there are limitations, such as some items that cannot be collected under the Home Appliance Recycling Law, including air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and clothes dryers. Additionally, municipal services may not operate on weekends, further complicating last-minute moves.

As previously mentioned, moving contracts follow the “Standard Terms and Conditions of Moving” established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. This agreement clearly states that packing is the customer’s responsibility. If packing is incomplete by moving day, the moving company may refuse to proceed, resulting in the cancellation of the move.

While some moving companies offer packing assistance, it is best not to expect it. To ensure a smooth move, it’s crucial to start preparing well in advance and avoid last-minute stress.

At Village House, there are no security deposits, key money, renewal fees, or handling fees*. Moreover, rent starts at an affordable price of just ¥20,000 per month. If you’re looking to minimize initial costs and keep your rent low, feel free to reach out to us.

※Please note that a security deposit may be required depending on the contract terms and screening results.