by Hannah B (ALT 2013~present, Saiki)
PA Disclaimer [06.17.2014]
This is a step-by-step guide for how to move in Oita based on the experience of a single JET, and is not an official PA stance on the matter of moving in Oita Prefecture. We ask that anyone reading this take into consideration that not all COs/supervisors are as supportive as they were in this case, and that it is important to realize that it is possible that your CO could be actively against their JETs moving while under their employment. In addition, COs may be uncomfortable with JETs living with partners if you are not married or with friends of the opposite gender regardless of relationship status. Please keep this in mind when you begin thinking about whether moving is right for you.
Moving (again!) in Japan
So you've come to Japan, settled down into your new apartment and made a cozy little place for yourself. You're happy there for a while, but then something happens: the space gets too small, you realize you want a lower rent or to live in a different area, or you decide to move in with a friend. In my case, all of the above happened to be true. This meant that I got to experience the absolute pleasure of moving from one apartment to another, just eight months after having moved into my first apartment in Japan. As my friend and I planned our move, we realized there were more steps to consider and more actions to take than we had previously thought. Luckily for you, I've been taking notes along the way. Here are the most important steps and tips to consider during your move according to my experience.
Now you`re in the moving in stage. What did you have to do again? Internet, utilities, mail? What are you forgetting? How do you turn on the gas and water again? This is the hectic part of your move- an uphill battle with time and responsibilities. Push past it and you`ll reach the blissful flat area above where you can relax a little and enjoy the slow unpacking stage.
Congrats! Now that you've somehow managed to move all your things to your new place, all you have to do is unpack! Treat yourself and those brave souls who helped you move with some relaxation and a good meal. You all deserve it.
Some extra notes:
Summary:
So you've come to Japan, settled down into your new apartment and made a cozy little place for yourself. You're happy there for a while, but then something happens: the space gets too small, you realize you want a lower rent or to live in a different area, or you decide to move in with a friend. In my case, all of the above happened to be true. This meant that I got to experience the absolute pleasure of moving from one apartment to another, just eight months after having moved into my first apartment in Japan. As my friend and I planned our move, we realized there were more steps to consider and more actions to take than we had previously thought. Luckily for you, I've been taking notes along the way. Here are the most important steps and tips to consider during your move according to my experience.
- First, looking for a place. That's a no-brainer, right? You have a few options for this. You can ask your supervisor to help you look (my supervisor was a pro at moving, so she was the best resource I could have asked for), you can use online real estate agent websites, or you can go to a real estate agent directly. Many cities will have multiple agencies who all offer different selections, so going to a few may not be a bad idea. I lost count after four…
(ア) Tip: If you are going to go to a real estate agent, be prepared to pay a hefty fee. When I finally chose a place, the final fee included the agent's fee as well, which was a third the price of our key money! Real estate agents are very helpful, but if you want to save a few yen and do some exploring of your own, searching online is also a great resource. - Once you've found a place, you'll need to do all the necessary paperwork, which includes a guarantee-er form. What is a guarantee-er? A guarantee-er is a person who vouches for you. In essence, they're co-signing the apartment for you. If you skip a payment or run out on the apartment, your guarantee-er will cover the expenses. This means you need to find someone you trust, and who would be willing to co-sign for you. My supervisor and Kyoto sensei both offered to sign for me, so if you have that close of a relationship or are comfortable asking, they are good options.
(ア) Tip: Most places will ask for a guarantee-er, so be prepared with one BEFORE you find your place. There's nothing worse than finding the perfect place and then having to hunt down a person to guarantee you. So start asking as soon as you start looking! - Key money. This is lost money. Wave it goodbye and don't look back, because it is very unlikely you will see any of it ever again. The key money for my place was 150,000円. As I gaped at this figure, trying to figure out what in the world my landlord was trying to pull, my supervisor helpfully asked if I would like an explanation of why it was so high. Nodding numbly, I listened. First you have to replace the tatami mats (kiss about 50,000円 goodbye), then there's the cleaning and repainting (sayonara 30,000円), first month`s rent (50,000 invested into the place), and a safety deposit (a fabled 20,000円 that may come back later).
(ア) Thankfully my roommate and I were splitting the cost so it didn't hurt us too much, but if you're moving alone or in general, keep the key money cost in mind before you move in.
Now you`re in the moving in stage. What did you have to do again? Internet, utilities, mail? What are you forgetting? How do you turn on the gas and water again? This is the hectic part of your move- an uphill battle with time and responsibilities. Push past it and you`ll reach the blissful flat area above where you can relax a little and enjoy the slow unpacking stage.
- Since you've finalized that you're moving, you should tell your landlord (if you haven't already) that you'll be moving. Give them a specific date that you'll be out by (two weeks is a good timeframe), and ask some important questions: Does my rent cover the month before or the month behind? Are there any extra expenses I should pay for before leaving? When should I turn in the key? If you have tatami, ask about any special conditions pertaining to its replacement: is that your problem, or the next person's?
- Next on your list is to forward all mail to your new address and change your mailing address. This requires going to city hall, usually during the work day since those are the only hours they're available. The process was relatively quick for me, however, every situation is different. I was moving during spring break and had an understanding Kyoto Sensei so I didn't have to take nenkyu but that won't always be the case. You should ask your supervisor to go with you if you aren't confident in your Japanese skills (or if you'd just like some support).
(ア) At city hall you can also change your official address. For this you will need your Residency Card and your inkan. Always take your inkan when filing important paperwork since you never know when you'll need it. - Changing utilities is surprisingly quick and easy to do. You can start and stop electricity and water at any time simply by calling the companies and making appointments to do so. No one needs to be home, and you'll receive the bill for the utilities used after your last bill. Turning on the gas, unlike turning it off, requires someone to be home. Keep this in mind in case you need to take nenkyu.
(ア) Watch out here. If you don't have automatic withdrawal for your utilities the bill will be sent to your home address. Whether that's your old or new one is hard to say, so keep an eye on both and check them frequently. - Internet is the same as electricity, except that depending on when you are calling (if it's a busy time of year) you may have to wait two weeks or more from the time you call to set up internet at your new place. Thankfully you don't have to be there when they shut it off or turn it on, unless you have wireless. In that case you may have to present, but I'm not sure.
- **Cultural note! When you leave your old apartment and move into your new one, there's an important step you must make. This is hikkoshi no aisatsu (moving greeting) and the buying of soshina or aisatsushin. Just like omiyage is the giving of a present after a trip and giri-choco is obligation chocolate, soshina is the obligatory “bribe” gift for your new neighbors and landlord, and a “thank you” gift for your old landlord and former neighbors (if you're close to them). A small tin of chocolate, cookies, or senbei will work for the neighbors, and a larger one for your past and future landlords. Of course buy special gifts according to how close you are to people, and whether they helped you at one point or another.
[**PA Note: While this is an incredibly thoughtful gesture that will undoubtedly be appreciated by your old and new neighbors, it may be better to first consult with a Japanese friend or supervisor to ask for advice on whether this is necessary. There is generally quite a lot more wiggle room for foreigners, and just because it is a custom does not mean that all Japanese people expect it or do it either, particularly in the cities.]
Congrats! Now that you've somehow managed to move all your things to your new place, all you have to do is unpack! Treat yourself and those brave souls who helped you move with some relaxation and a good meal. You all deserve it.
Some extra notes:
- If you're moving in with a roommate, make sure you decide whose fridge and washing machine you're going to keep. Find out who the unwanted ones belong to (your school, BOE etc.) and make arrangements for them to be moved.
- If you're registered under any governmental sites such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), make sure to change your address so they can reach you in case of an emergency.
- Fill out the change of address form with CLAIR (http://www.jetprogramme.org/documents/JET%20Address%20Change%20Form.pdf)
- If you are a US citizen, you will need to file an 8288 form with the IRS before you file taxes. This lets them know that you have changed addresses. For other nationalities, check with your federal government for their particular requirements.
Summary:
- Find a place
(ア) Choose whether to use a real estate agent or not. - Find a guarantee-er
(ア) File necessary paperwork - Pay key money
- Notify old landlord
- Change mailing address and forward all mail
- Change official address
- Stop utilities and internet at the old apartment, start at the new.
- Hand out presents to old landlord and neighbors, as well as new ones.**
- Change address with:
(ア) Governmental sites
(イ) CLAIR
(ウ) IRS/Tax agencies
Want to download a copy of Hannah's Moving Tips and Advice? :)
| moving_tips_and_advice.docx |
