Moving is an important milestone that marks the beginning of a new life, but it also comes with significant expenses. Between lease agreements, hiring movers, and buying furniture and appliances, the costs can add up quickly.

If you don’t plan your budget carefully, you may end up spending far more than expected—and that financial burden can make the first few months in your new place stressful. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the total cost of moving and manage your expenses from the start.　

In this article, we’ll break down the typical cost of moving—whether you live alone or with a family—and explain what’s included in that total. You’ll also find practical tips to help lower your expenses, so if you’re planning a move, this guide is for you.

Average Total Cost of Moving

Estimated Total Cost of Moving

Moving costs can vary significantly based on your household size, how far you’re moving, and the type of property you're renting. Here’s a general estimate of total costs:

• Single-person household: ¥300,000–¥500,000
• Two-person household: ¥500,000–¥800,000
• Three-person household: ¥600,000–¥1,000,000
• Households of four or more: ¥700,000–¥1,200,000

These totals include lease-related fees, moving company charges, and the cost of new furniture and appliances. Before your move, it’s important to understand what each cost category looks like and set a realistic budget.

Breakdown of Moving Expenses

There are five major categories of moving costs:

① Property Contract Fees (Deposit, Non-refundable move in fee, Agent Fees, etc.)

The biggest portion of your moving costs will likely come from upfront payments when signing a lease. These usually total about 4–6 months' worth of rent.

• Security deposit (1–2 months’ rent): Held for potential repairs or cleaning; unused funds are typically refunded.
• Non-refundable move in fee (0–2 months’ rent): A gratuity paid to the landlord, often not refundable—depending on the region, this may not be required.
• Real estate agent fee (usually 1 month’s rent): Negotiable in some cases.
• Advance rent (1 month): Many landlords ask for the first month’s rent at signing.
• Fire insurance (¥10,000–¥20,000): Often mandatory.
• Key replacement fee (¥10,000–¥20,000): For changing the locks for safety reasons.

To save on initial costs, look for listings that don’t require a deposit or non-refundable move in fee (“zero-zero” properties), and don’t be afraid to negotiate the agent’s fee.

② Moving Company Fees (Costs vary based on distance and amount of stuff)

If you’re hiring a professional moving company, several factors will affect the cost:

• Distance: Local moves are cheaper, while long-distance moves can get expensive.
• Amount of belongings: The more furniture and large appliances you have, the more it will cost.
• Additional services: Services like AC removal/installation or junk disposal come with extra charges.
• Timing: Moving during peak season (March–April) is costly. Off-season (May–February) offers better rates.

Estimated Moving Costs

• Solo, local move (within 5 km): ¥20,000–¥50,000
• Two people, mid-distance (within 50 km): ¥50,000–¥100,000
• Family of three, long-distance (100+ km): ¥100,000–¥200,000
• Family of four, long-distance (500+ km): ¥150,000–¥300,000

③ Furniture & Appliance Purchases (Refrigerators, Washers, Beds, etc.)

Starting a new life often means buying new furniture and appliances—especially if you’re living alone for the first time. These can be some of your biggest expenses.

Typical Items & Cost Estimates

• Refrigerator: ¥50,000–¥100,000
• Washing machine: ¥30,000–¥70,000
• Bed & bedding set: ¥30,000–¥70,000
• Air conditioner: ¥50,000–¥100,000
• TV: ¥50,000–¥100,000
• Microwave/Rice cooker: ¥10,000–¥30,000
• Curtains：¥10,000–¥20,000

Pro Tip: Save money by buying secondhand, and prioritize essentials before buying everything at once.

④ Everyday Necessities (Curtains, Kitchenware, Cleaning Supplies, etc.)

Aside from major items, you’ll need small essentials to settle into your new place.

Must-Haves & Rough Costs

• Kitchen items (pans, knives, dishes): ¥5,000–¥10,000
• Cleaning supplies (vacuum, detergent, trash bags): ¥3,000–¥10,000
• Bathroom essentials (shower curtain, towels, toilet paper): ¥3,000–¥8,000
• Storage solutions (bins, hangers, racks): ¥5,000–¥10,000

You don’t need to buy everything at once—make a checklist and purchase gradually by priority.

⑤ Other Unexpected Costs (Repair fees, Transportation, Gifts)

Moving often comes with extra expenses you might not have planned for.

• Restoration/repair fees: Deducted from your deposit when moving out. You may be charged extra if it’s not enough.
• Transportation (between old and new home): Fuel or train fares can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of yen.
• Gifts for new neighbors: In Japan, it’s common to bring a small gift (¥2,000–¥5,000) when greeting your neighbors

Restoration fees are a common source of disputes, so make sure you understand what your landlord expects when you move out.

Understanding these categories will help you make smarter financial decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. In the next section, we’ll break down the expected costs based on different household sizes.

Moving Costs by Household Size

Moving expenses can vary significantly depending on your household size, home size, and moving distance. For example, single-person households and families have different needs when it comes to space, furniture, and appliances, which directly impacts both the initial setup costs and the actual moving costs.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical moving costs and what they include for different household sizes: singles, couples, and families (three or more people).

Moving Costs for a Single Person

For someone living alone, the biggest portion of moving costs usually comes from signing a new rental lease. In Japan, initial expenses like a security deposit, non refundable move in fee, and real estate agent fees typically add up to four to six months' worth of rent.

Since a single person usually doesn’t have as many belongings, there are ways to cut costs—like renting a van and moving yourself, or using courier services instead of hiring a full moving company.

Estimated Total Costs

For a Single Person: ¥300,000–¥500,000

Example (moving within city, ~5km):

Expense Item	Estimated Cost
Rental Contract (deposit, non-refundable move in fee, agency fee, etc.)	¥200,000
Moving Service or Rental Van	¥30,000
Furniture & Appliances (fridge, washer, bed, etc.)	¥50,000
Other Costs (curtains, daily items, transport, etc.)	¥50,000
Total	¥330,000

Moving Costs for a Couple

For couples or married partners, moving usually involves a larger space, like a 1LDK or 2DK, which means higher rent and therefore higher upfront costs. Since you'll need enough furniture and appliances for two people, expenses can add up quickly. Also, professional movers are often necessary, especially for longer moves outside the city.

Estimated Total Costs

For a Couple: ¥500,000–¥800,000

Example (moving outside city, ~50km):

Expense Item	Estimated Cost
Rental Contract (deposit, non-refundable move in fee, agency fee, etc.)	¥350,000
Moving Company (higher cost due to volume)	¥70,000
Furniture & Appliances (dining set, sofa, additional appliances)	¥100,000
Other Costs (curtains, household items, admin fees after move)	¥80,000
Total	¥600,000

Moving Costs for Families (3 or More People)

When moving with a family, the need for a larger home significantly increases both the rent and the initial contract costs. A bigger household also means more belongings, which drives up moving service fees.　

Additionally, family-friendly properties often come with extra costs like parking fees and building maintenance charges, so it’s essential to plan your budget carefully in advance.

Estimated Total Costs

For Families: ¥600,000–¥1,200,000

Example (moving to a suburban area, ~100km distance)

Expense Item	Estimated Cost
Rental Contract (deposit, non-refundable move in fee, agency fee, etc.)	¥500,000
Moving Company (large volume and long distance)	¥100,000
Furniture & Appliances (children’s room setup, additional items)	¥200,000
Other Costs (curtains, daily goods, paperwork, etc.)	¥100,000
Total	¥900,000

■ Moving costs for a single person (within city): ¥300,000–¥500,000
■ Moving costs for a couple (outside city): ¥500,000–¥800,000
■ Moving costs for a family (3 or more people, long-distance): ¥600,000–¥1,200,000

Moving expenses vary greatly depending on the household size, but the majority of the cost typically comes from rental contract fees, moving company charges, and the purchase of furniture and appliances.

■ Tips to Reduce Moving Costs

1. Choose properties that don’t require a security deposit or non-refundable move in fee.
2. Use second-hand furniture and appliances to cut unnecessary spending.
3. Schedule your move during the off-season (May to February) and select low-cost plans.
4. Minimize the amount of stuff you move to reduce moving company fees.

In the next section, we’ll go into more detail on specific strategies to save even more on your move!

Smart Ways to Cut Moving Costs

Moving can be expensive, but with a bit of planning, it’s possible to save a lot. Choosing the right time to move, negotiating your lease, and comparing moving company options can all significantly reduce your expenses.

Here are some specific ways to save on moving costs:

1. Be Strategic About When You Move

Moving costs vary greatly depending on the season. The peak season (March to April) coincides with job transfers and the start of the school year, making moving services more expensive. If your schedule allows, aim for the off-season (May to February) when prices are typically lower.

Tips for Timing Your Move to Save Money:

■ Avoid Peak Season (March–April)

• Prices during peak months can be 1.5 to 2 times higher.
• You’re more likely to get discounts if you move between May and February.

■ Choose Weekdays or Afternoon Moves

• Weekend and holiday moves are more expensive due to higher demand.
• Afternoon slots are often cheaper than morning slots, since movers have more flexibility later in the day.

■ Skip "Lucky" Days

• Dates like taian (considered lucky) are popular, so moving costs rise.
• If you don’t care about superstition, moving on “unlucky” days like butsumetsu can save money.

2. Cut Rental Contract Costs

Upfront costs when signing a lease make up a huge chunk of your moving expenses. But smart negotiating and selection can save you tens of thousands of yen.

How to Lower Rental Costs:

■ Look for “Zero-Zero” Properties (No Deposit, No non-refundable move in fee)

• Just choosing a zero-deposit/non-refundable move in fee rental can save you over ¥100,000.
• However, be sure to check the fine print—these properties often have higher rent or require expensive repairs when moving out.

■ Negotiate the Agency Fee

• Some real estate agencies may offer discounted brokerage fees.
• It’s worth asking if they’ll reduce the fee from one month’s rent to half a month—even if it’s a long shot.

■ Remove Unnecessary Options from Rent Guarantee Plans

• Rent guarantee companies often include extra services you might not need.
• Opting out of things like key replacement or unnecessary support services can save you several thousand to tens of thousands of yen.

3. Choose Your Moving Company Wisely

The moving company you choose can make a big difference in cost. Even under similar conditions, prices can vary greatly between companies, so it’s important to get multiple quotes.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Moving Services

■ Get multiple quotes

• Compare at least three companies to find the best price.
• Mentioning a lower quote from another company can sometimes help you negotiate a better deal.

■ Use a "Single-Person Pack" (for solo movers)

• If you don’t have much stuff, big moving companies often offer “single-person packs,” which can be ¥10,000–¥30,000 cheaper than standard plans.
• It’s a budget-friendly way to move long distances, similar to shipping by courier.

■ Take advantage of flexible-timing plans

• Specifying an exact time increases the cost.
• Choosing a "flexible time plan" (where the company decides the timing) can save you several thousand to tens of thousands of yen.

■ Don’t forget local budget movers

• Besides major companies, local moving services are often cheaper.
• Try searching “[your city] moving cheap” and check reviews for peace of mind.

4. Cut Down on Stuff Before You Move

The more things you move, the higher your moving costs. Getting rid of what you don’t need in advance helps reduce the load and lowers your total expenses.

How to Reduce the Volume of Your Belongings

■ Sell or dispose of unneeded furniture and appliances

• Use second-hand stores or apps like Mercari, Rakuma, or Yahoo Auctions to sell unused items.
• For large items, use your local government's bulky item pickup service to dispose of them affordably.

■ Ship smaller items via courier

• Sometimes, using courier services like Yu-Pack, Mercari shipping, or Yamato can be cheaper than adding items to your moving load.
• Sending clothes or small goods this way reduces the size (and cost) of your moving job.

■ Use appliance recycling or trade-in programs

• Home electronics stores sometimes offer trade-in or pickup services. You can also use municipal pickup programs to save on disposal fees.

■ How to Save on Moving Costs

1. Choose the right timing (off-season, weekdays, afternoon moves)
2. Reduce contract costs (find zero-deposit/non-refundable fee rentals, negotiate agency fees)
3. Choose moving companies wisely (get multiple quotes, use solo packs and flexible options)
4. Get rid of unwanted items (recycle, sell, or use courier shipping)

With a little planning and strategy, you can cut moving costs significantly. Avoid wasteful spending and start your new life with a smart, budget-friendly move!

Moving is an essential step in starting a new chapter, but it can quickly get expensive. Depending on your household size, distance, and whether you need to buy new furniture and appliances, the total cost of moving can vary a lot.

✔ Estimated Moving Costs

• Single person: ¥300,000–¥500,000
• Couple: ¥500,000–¥800,000
• Family of three: ¥600,000–¥1,000,000
• Family of four or more: ¥700,000–¥1,200,000

However, with smart planning, these costs can be reduced.

✔ Key Cost-Saving Tips

■ Avoid peak season (March–April)

• Moving in the off-season (May–February) can significantly lower moving company fees.
• Choosing a weekday or afternoon move brings even more savings.

■ Review your rental contract expenses

• Choosing properties with no deposit or non-refundable move in fee cuts upfront costs.
• Negotiating agent fees may also lead to savings.

■ Compare moving companies

• Get quotes from multiple providers to find the lowest offer.
• Utilizing single-person packs and flexible scheduling options is also effective.

■ Declutter before you move

• Selling unused furniture or appliances via second-hand shops or apps not only cuts costs but can earn you extra cash.
• Small items may be cheaper to ship separately via courier.

With a well-organized plan, you can reduce unnecessary spending and enjoy a smooth, cost-effective move. Take the time to prepare, and you’ll start your new life comfortably—without breaking the bank!