Introduction

Moving can be exciting, no doubt – an adventure towards something new. However, one of the biggest headaches that come with the attraction of moving to a new place is the financial burden that is inevitably placed on the mover. Thus, in this article, we’ll be looking at some ways one can save money and stay within budget when moving.

Also, if you are considering moving, why not check out Village House, a real estate organization that provides up to ¥30,000 in moving support as part of their contract for tenants?

Moving Boxes

Moving and packing boxes are a necessity when one moves. Where else are you going to put your belongings when you pack them? When moving to Japan, securing cardboard boxes for free is actually quite easy thanks in part to the country’s fastidious recycling mentality. Many supermarkets and pharmacies will stack up empty cardboard boxes for customers to use either at the bagging area or entrance. If not, you can simply ask for some from where they are stored in the back rooms.

Cardboard boxes and various packing materials can also be bought cheaply at one of Japan’s numerous 100 yen stores – Daiso, CanDo, Seria, etc. Depending on the branch you visit, they may have available, cardboard boxes of varying sizes, bubble wrap, packing sleeves for fragile items, etc.

Off-Season

Peak moving season in Japan is arguably from January to March because the new school and business fiscal year starts anew in April and would-be students and fresh-faced employees use the months before to find new abodes to move into. This has resulted in prices hiking up and being less negotiable during these months.

To save money, try moving during the off-peak season, when rent prices, availability of accommodations, and price of hiring a moving company may be lower. Campaign discounts may also be more readily available during the off-peak months and the landlord or real estate agent may be more open to negotiations on rent, utilities, etc. in a bid to get empty units filled up as soon as possible.

Move Yourself

If you’re someone who has subscribed to a minimalist lifestyle or just doesn’t have that many belongings in the first place, consider moving without the help of a professional moving company. Instead, plan out enough time between your moving-out and moving-in date so that you can space out moving your belongings over the span of a couple of days. Sure, this might mean a few trips back and forth from your old place to your new place but Japan’s extensive public transport network is still cheaper than hiring a moving company.

You can also ask family and friends to lend you a helping hand; and if the aforementioned family member or friend has a car, all the better for an easier move.

Rental Truck

Having a driver’s license is advantageous in many scenarios, and the same holds true for when you’re planning to move. Rather than relying on a moving company, which can get pricey depending on what company you go with, and how much stuff you need to pack and move, consider the alternatives and hire a rental truck to drive yourself instead.

If you aren’t the proud owner of a driver’s license, why not ask a friend who is? You can pay for the rental truck and have them help you drive your belongings to your new abode, and thank them with lunch or dinner.

Living Alone

Living alone usually means having fewer things to pack up and move and single tenants may even want to consider moving into a furnished or partly furnished apartment to save on moving costs. At Village House, certain household appliances can be rented for the duration of your lease if you feel buying and later disposing of furniture and appliances too daunting a task.

Conclusion

In sum, there are a variety of options available to those planning to move but want to save money and stay within a certain budget as much as possible. Depending on your needs, situation, and requirements, it’s possible to be financially economical when moving so long as you plan ahead and consider all the possibilities.