Necessary Procedures When Moving

Arrange your moving with a moving company (in case you move within Japan)

In case you use moving service, you have to contact a moving company in prior to ask how much the moving expenses will incur. Moving expenses differ, depending on the amount of your property and the distance between the current apartment to the next one. Moving service package for a single household will be a good option to you.
(Reference) University Co-op (Japanese only)  https://www.univ.coop/prev/moving/unimove2.html

Landlord/Realtor

It is necessary to inform your landlord or realtor that you will be leaving. The period that you must do this is written in your rent agreement.
If you fail to inform in time, you may have to pay rent for 1 month even if you are not living there any longer.
After you leave, the condition of your room will be confirmed. Depending on the condition, money may be returned from your initial deposit.
In case you use a university guarantor system, please inform the university administrative office of your leaving. For details, please see here.

Procedures at Ward or City Office

Within 14 days before moving out, you need to submit a "notification of moving-out" at the city/ward office of your residence, and within 14 days after moving in, submit a "notification of moving in" at the new municipality where you will move in. If you are moving within the same city/ward office, submit a "notification of change of address".
You can apply for a "moving-out notification" by visiting the city/ward office, by mail, or online.
"Moving-in notification" requires an in-person procedure at the city/ward office.
[Application by mail or online]
・Applications by postal mail: Many city and ward office websites provide downloadable application forms. Some application forms are available in English. For details, please check the website of your municipality.
・Online Applications: You can apply using your My Number Card with a smartphone or other device. However, online application is not available when moving out of Japan.
*If you have to settle your National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) premium, you will need to visit the city/ward office to complete the procedures.
*Notification of moving in (both within and out of your municipality) must be completed at the city/ward office in-person.
(Reference) Bunkyo City "Notification of moving out (for those moving out of Bunkyo City or out of Japan)"
https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/tetsuzuki/koseki/jyukiido/tenshutu2.html
(Reference) Bunkyo City "Notification of Moving Out" application form *English form available.
https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/tetsuzuki/koseki/jyukiido/tenshutu2/tennshutukokunai.html

・Resident Card
Registration of new address（Within 14 days of moving）

・National Health Insurance
Return your National Health Insurance card to the city/ward office of your current residence before you move. If you apply for a notification of moving out by mail or online, you may also return it by mail. You will then be issued a new National Health Insurance card at the municipality where you will newly move in. 

・Child Procedures (If you have children)
Register for Child Allowance and Infant/Child Medical Certificate at your new residence's Ward or City Office.

Water・Electric・Gas

You will need to notify your water, electric, and gas provider of when they should stop service to your old residence and start it at your new residence. You may need your customer number that is written on your monthly receipts.

Postal Service

If you submit a "Change of Address" application to the post office, they will forward your mail to your new address for 1 year. You will need to present identification and you should bring documentation showing the address of your new residence. You can also register on the Post Office Website.
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/service/tenkyo/index_en.html
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/ems/ryugaku/intl_student/index_en.html

Large Trash

Large Waste Item Disposal Homepage:
https://sodai.tokyokankyo.or.jp/Sodai/V2Index/0/0
(Available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.)

Rules for other large sized items
Notify the center of the item before you plan to dispose of it and buy a stamp from a local convenience store. You will be given a specific day and place to bring the item for disposal. If you are moving or planning to move back to your country, and do not have a lot of time, please notify the center well in advance of your leaving date. You can also apply online or by phone.

Procedures differ according to the area you are residing in. In case you live in the area which is not shown on the website, please refer to your local administration (city/ward office) website and follow their instructions.

*There are specific rules for disposing of certain items, such as fridge, freezer, TV, Air conditioning unit, washing machine.

*Please also see Garbage & Recycling