Check “What is already included” before moving in
Contract methods for electricity, gas, water, and internet vary depending on the residence. Some of this may be included in your rental agreement, or you may be responsible for starting the process yourself. In serviced apartments and short-term housing, this may even include furniture and communications. First, check with the management company or lender to avoid making duplicate applications.
For electricity, gas, and water, start dates must match.
You don't want to be in a situation where you move in and you don't have electricity or water. Once you have decided on your move-in date, check how to start using each property. Regarding gas, your presence may be required depending on the equipment and contract details. Procedures vary depending on the region and company, so please check the latest information from your contracting company.
Be careful of the construction period when using the internet.
If you wish to use a fixed line, it may take some time to open depending on the condition of the building's facilities and construction reservations. If the Internet is essential for work, it's a good idea to prepare an alternative method, such as using a mobile line until you can use a fixed line.
Manage billing methods all at once
When you start living in Japan, you will incur multiple bills such as rent, electricity, gas, water, and communications. If the payment dates and payment methods are different, management becomes complicated, so it is useful to create a list. When using a bank account or card payment, pay attention to the balance and expiration date.
When you move, remember to stop at your old address and start at your new address. Living infrastructure may not be noticeable, but just having it in place will make your life in Japan quite stable.
Things to review after actually starting your life in Japan
Things that you didn't understand during the preparation stage will become clear to you once you actually live in Japan for a few days to a few weeks. Write down the time it takes to commute to work or school, ease of shopping, language problems, monthly expenses, etc., and check for any differences from your expectations. It is not necessary to continue with the method you initially decided on, but it is important to adjust communication contracts, travel routes, shopping locations, housing conditions, etc. to suit your lifestyle.
Organize important information in one place
In life in Japan, the number of contacts increases, such as address, contact information for work or school, housing management company, hospital, insurance, bank, telecommunications company, etc. Instead of saving it only on your smartphone, it's a good idea to make a list of the information you need and share it with your family if you have them. Make sure to save contracts, receipts, and important emails in a way that you can check them later.
Check the latest information on systems and professional judgments.
It is necessary to separate general information about daily life from professional judgments such as immigration status, law, taxation, and medical care. As systems and conditions are subject to change, please check the latest information from public institutions and contracting parties before proceeding with the procedure. For work that requires qualifications, it is important to consult with an administrative scrivener, lawyer, tax accountant, or other appropriately qualified professional.
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