When you start considering a move, one of the first concerns that comes to mind is the cost. Many people wonder, "How much will moving actually cost?" or "Will it end up being more expensive than expected?" These are common worries.

In reality, the total cost of moving is generally estimated to be 6 to 13 times the monthly rent. For example, if you are moving into a property with a rent of ¥80,000, the total cost could range from ¥480,000 to ¥1,040,000. This is a significant range because moving expenses vary greatly depending on factors such as distance, season, property conditions, and the amount of furniture and appliances to be purchased.

Although moving requires a substantial amount of money, careful planning can significantly reduce costs. Adjusting the timing of the move, choosing cost-effective payment methods, and spreading out large payments can help ease the financial burden.

This article will provide a detailed breakdown of moving expenses, along with practical tips for managing costs wisely. If you're planning a move, understanding the full picture of moving expenses in advance will help you prepare efficiently and avoid unexpected financial strain.

Up next, we'll dive into specific cost breakdowns, case-based cost simulations, and smart budgeting strategies to help you move with confidence.

---

Overview of Moving Costs

Moving expenses can be categorized into four main areas. Let’s take a look at each type of cost in detail.

Initial Costs for the Rental Contract

These are expenses required when signing a new lease, and they usually make up the largest portion of moving costs. The main components include:

• Security Deposit (Shikikin): 1–2 months’ rent
• Reikin (non-refundable move-in fee): 0–2 months’ rent
• Brokerage Fee: 1 month’s rent + consumption tax
• Fire Insurance Fee: Around ¥15,000–¥20,000
• Advance Rent/ Prorated Rent
• Guarantor Company Fee: 0.5–1 month’s rent

Moving Service Costs

These are the costs associated with the actual moving process:

• Hiring a Moving Company
  • For a single-person move: ¥30,000–¥80,000
  • For a family move: ¥100,000–¥300,000
• Moving by Yourself (DIY Move)
  • Rental Truck Fee: ¥10,000–¥30,000
  • Packing Supplies: ¥5,000–¥20,000

Estimated Costs for Setting Up a New Life

These are the essential items you'll need for daily life in your new place.

• Furniture & Appliances
  • Refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, etc.
  • Bed, curtains, lighting fixtures, etc.
• Daily Essentials
  • Tableware, cookware
  • Towels, cleaning supplies, etc.

For someone living alone, the total cost typically ranges from ¥150,000 to ¥300,000. However, if you already own some items, you can reduce the cost accordingly.

Other Miscellaneous Expenses

Don't forget about these often overlooked costs:

• Move-Out Expenses
  • Restoration costs (to return the property to original condition)
  • House cleaning fees
• Administrative Costs
  • Address change fees
  • Mail forwarding fees
• Transportation costs during the move
• Lock replacement fees for the new home

When you total all of these costs, moving can add up to 6 to 13 times the monthly rent. However, by carefully selecting your property, moving during a low-demand season, and using smart payment methods, you can significantly cut costs.

In the next section, we’ll break down the average costs for each item and share money-saving tips to help you manage your move more efficiently.　

---

Detailed Cost Breakdown and Market Price

【Initial Expenses】

1. Security Deposit (Shikikin) & Non-Refundable Move-in Fee (Reikin)

Let's take a closer look at the typical upfront costs required when signing a lease for a new residence.

• Security Deposit (Shikikin): Equivalent to 1–2 months' rent
  • A deposit that is refundable upon moving out
  • Any costs for cleaning or damage will be deducted before refund
• Non-Refundable Move-in Fee (Reikin): Equivalent to 0–2 months' rent
  • Non-refundable gratuity paid to the landlord
  • Increasing number of properties are now listed with "no Reikin"

2. Brokerage Fee

• Typically 1 month’s rent + consumption tax
• Capped by law in Japan
• Some real estate agencies offer discounts such as “half-price brokerage fee” campaigns

3. Fire Insurance

• Around ¥15,000–20,000 for a 2-year term
• Often mandatory
• Costs vary depending on coverage

4. Guarantor Company Fee

• Generally 0.5–1 month’s rent
• Varies by company
• May also require an annual renewal fee

5. Advance & Prorated Rent

• Prorated rent for the move-in month
• Advance payment for the following month
• Often includes communal service fees

【Moving Costs】

1. Average Moving Company Fees

• Single person household: ¥30,000–80,000
• Two person household: ¥80,000–150,000
• Families: ¥150,000–300,000
  ※ Depends on volume of belongings

2. Cost by Distance

• Within same city (up to 15km): ¥30,000–50,000
• Within same prefecture (up to 50km): ¥50,000–100,000
• Out of prefecture (up to 500km): ¥100,000–300,000
• Long-distance (500km+): ¥300,000 and up

3. Peak Season vs Off-Season Rates

• Peak season (March–April): 1.5–2x normal rates
• Off-season (June–February): Discount campaigns often available
• Weekday vs weekend: ¥10,000–20,000 difference

【New Life Setup Costs】

1. Essential Furniture & Appliances (approximate costs)

• Refrigerator: ¥30,000–50,000
• Washing machine: ¥30,000–50,000
• Microwave: ¥10,000–20,000
• Bed: ¥20,000–50,000
• Air conditioner: ¥50,000–100,000
• TV: ¥20,000–50,000

2. Daily Necessities

• Kitchenware: ¥20,000–30,000
  • Cookware, dishes, etc.
• Bathroom & cleaning supplies: ¥10,000–20,000
  • Towels, tools, etc.
• Storage items: ¥10,000–20,000
  • Hangers, bins, etc.

3. Other Essentials

• Lighting fixtures: ¥10,000–30,000
• Curtains: ¥10,000–30,000
• Small appliances: ¥20,000–30,000
  • Hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, etc.

※ These costs assume purchasing all new items. You can reduce expenses significantly by using secondhand stores or bringing items from home. You can also prioritize and purchase gradually.

Next, we’ll introduce case-by-case simulations based on these cost categories.

---

Total Cost Simulation by Case

Now, let’s simulate the total moving cost based on specific scenarios. By understanding the cost differences in each case, you can create a more realistic budget plan.

Moving Alone (Single-Person Household)

【Conditions】

• 1-room apartment with ¥60,000 monthly rent
• Moving within the same city (within 15km)
• Purchasing basic furniture and appliances

＜Breakdown of Costs＞

• Initial Costs : Total ¥310,000
  • Security Deposit (Shikikin): ¥60,000
  • Non-Refundable Move-in Fee (Reikin): ¥60,000
  • Agent Fee: ¥66,000
  • Fire Insurance: ¥15,000
  • Guarantee Company Fee: ¥30,000
  • Advance/Prorated Rent: ¥79,000
• Moving Service Fees: ¥40,000
  • Base Fee: ¥30,000
  • Packing Materials: ¥10,000
• New Living Setup: ¥150,000
  • Furniture/Appliances: ¥120,000
  • Daily Necessities: ¥30,000

Estimated Total: Approximately ¥500,000

Couple/Two-Person Household

【Conditions】

• 1DK apartment with ¥80,000 monthly rent
• Moving to a neighboring prefecture (within 50km)
• Bringing some furniture/appliances

＜Breakdown of Costs＞

• Initial Costs: Total ¥420,000
  • Security Deposit (Shikikin): ¥80,000
  • Non-Refundable Move-in Fee (Reikin): ¥80,000
  • Agent Fee: ¥88,000
  • Fire Insurance: ¥15,000
  • Guarantee Company Fee: ¥40,000
  • Advance/Prorated Rent: ¥117,000
• Moving Service Fees: ¥80,000
  • Base Fee: ¥60,000
  • Packing Materials: ¥20,000
• New Living Setup: ¥200,000
  • Furniture/Appliances: ¥150,000
  • Daily Necessities: ¥50,000

Estimated Total: Approximately ¥700,000

For Families

【Conditions】

• Rent: ¥120,000/month for a 3LDK
• Long-distance move (approx. 300km)
• Replacement of large furniture and appliances

＜Cost Breakdown＞

• Initial Costs: Total ¥630,000
  • Security Deposit (Shikikin): ¥120,000
  • Non-Refundable Move-in Fee (Reikin): 12万円
  • Agent Fee: ¥132,000
  • Fire Insurance: ¥20,000
  • Guarantor Company Fee: ¥60,000
  • Advance/Prorated Rent: ¥178,000
• Moving Service Fees: ¥250,000
  • Basic Fee: ¥200,000
  • Optional Services: ¥30,000
  • Packing Materials: ¥20,000
• New Living Setup: ¥350,000
  • Furniture/Appliances: ¥250,000
  • Daily Necessities: ¥100,000

Estimated Total: Approximately ¥1,230,000

As shown, the required moving costs can vary significantly depending on the number of household members, moving distance, and the amount of new furniture and appliances to be purchased. In particular, initial costs tend to increase proportionally with higher rent, so careful budget planning is essential.

However, these are only general examples, and it is possible to reduce the total cost with a few smart strategies, such as:

• Choosing properties with no security deposit or non-refundable move-in fee
• Scheduling your move during the off-season
• Using secondhand shops
• Considering installment payments or alternative payment methods

Let’s go over some practical tips to help you reduce your moving expenses wisely.

---

Smart Ways to Save on Moving Costs

Although moving often involves high expenses, you can manage your budget more efficiently by keeping a few key points in mind. Use the following tips to plan your move smartly and cost-effectively.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Cost Variations

Avoid Peak Season

• Moving costs can be up to double during March–April
• This period sees a surge in demand due to graduations, new school terms, and employee transfers
• Initial rental costs also tend to be higher

Recommended Moving Seasons

• June to August: Summer off-season
• November to January: Winter off-season
• Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends → If possible, schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season to maximize savings

Tips for Comparing Quotes

Get Quotes from Multiple Companies

• Compare estimates from at least three companies
• Ensure all quotes are based on the same conditions for an accurate comparison
• Confirm the detailed conditions

Be sure to review these points carefully

• Breakdown of base charges
• Fees for optional or extra services
• Whether any promotional discounts apply
• Cost of packing materials → By going over the details closely, you can avoid overpaying and find the best deal.

Benefits of Using a Credit Card

Spread out payments through installments

• Avoid paying large upfront costs all at once
• Make payments in a more planned and manageable way
• Earn rewards points for added savings

Things to Keep in Mind

• Check for any transaction or service fees
• Confirm whether your property management company accepts credit card payments
• Make sure your credit limit is sufficient for rent payments

Use RentEase to Pay Rent by Credit Card

Even after moving, you can manage your monthly rent payments more efficiently by using tools like RentEase.

Benefits of RentEase

• Switch your monthly rent payments to a credit card, even for properties that usually require bank transfers or direct debit
• Earn double the benefits with your credit card points/miles plus up to 1.2% in RentEase points
• No initial or monthly service fees, making it easy to get started

RentEase allows you to pay rent by credit card—even for properties that don’t typically support this payment method. You can use it not only for initial move-in costs but also for monthly rent payments.　

By being smart about when you move and how you manage your payments, you can significantly reduce costs and stress. In particular, we recommend making a plan early on for how you'll handle ongoing rent payments after your move.

---

Summary

We’ve taken a detailed look at the various costs involved in moving. Let’s wrap up with the key points to remember.

Understand the Full Scope of Moving Costs

The total cost of moving is generally said to be 6 to 13 times your monthly rent. The main categories include:　

• Initial rental costs (e.g. security deposit, key money, agency fees)
• Moving service fees (e.g. payment to movers)
• New home setup costs (e.g. furniture, appliances)

Estimated total expenses vary depending on household size and conditions:

• Single person: Around ¥400,000–¥500,000
• Couple: Around ¥600,000–¥800,000
• Family: Around ¥1,000,000–¥1,300,000

Planning Ahead Is Crucial

To ensure a smooth moving process, it’s important to plan ahead based on timing and budget.

Timing Tips

• Avoid peak moving season (March–April), when costs can double
• Consider off-peak months to significantly cut expenses
• Moving on weekdays is usually more affordable than weekends

Start Early

• Begin your apartment search 2–3 months in advance
• Get quotes from multiple moving companies
• Purchase essential household items gradually based on priority

Reduce One-Time Expenses with Smart Payment Options

Moving can be extremely costly, so finding ways to ease the financial burden—especially when it comes to upfront costs and monthly rent—is essential.

Managing Upfront Costs

• Look for properties with no security deposit or non-refundable move-in fee
• Use credit card installment plans to spread payments
• Take advantage of seasonal promotions from real estate agents or moving companies

Monthly Rent Payments

• Pay rent with a credit card
• Make use of reward points or cashback programs
• Use helpful services like RentEase to simplify rent payments

As you can see, while moving does require a significant financial investment, careful planning and smart payment strategies can help you keep costs under control. Use the tips in this article to create a moving plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.

We especially recommend thinking ahead about your rent payment method after the move. By choosing a payment method that works for you, you can reduce the monthly burden and start your new life with greater peace of mind.