Whether you are moving to Japan or moving to a new home in Japan you are going to need a moving company or service to help you. A moving service will help you pack your treasured possessions, transport them to your new home, and unload them. Allowing you to make your new house a home as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a moving company in Japan, in this article we will introduce to you five movers we think are the best for foreign residents in Japan.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company
When you are choosing which moving company you want to trust with moving your precious items there are some things to consider before you make your final choice.
Cost
Of course, one of the first things you should consider is the cost of the moving service. There is no point in selecting a VIP, number one moving service if they are out of budget. The cost of moving can vary widely depending on which moving company you use. In some cases, the cost between two companies moving the same number of boxes, the same distance can vary by as much as 30 000 yen.
When choosing a moving company, you should get as many quotes as you can. At least five quotes from different Japanese moving companies are our recommendation. Doing this will give you an idea of the average cost of a move your size.
You may even be able to use the quotes you got to negotiate a discount with a company.
What Services are Provided
When hiring a moving company in Japan, make sure you’re aware of what services you will pay upfront for. Some services may be considered as add-ons and may cost extra, such as:
- Providing cardboard boxes
- Disposal of cardboard boxes after the move
- Furniture dismantling and set-up
- Washing machine installation
- Wall and floor protection
Some things like installing your washing machine or setting up your living room furniture is difficult by yourself. So, the moving company helping you is really great.
Check your quote from a moving company to see what services are included and what services are extras you need to buy.
English Support
You should also consider if a moving company offers English support. While many companies claim to have English support, usually they will have English customer support and an English website, but the moving staff themselves will probably not speak English.
If the moving service has an English version of their website, it’s a good sign that they will be able to offer a good level of English support.
Compensation for Lost or Broken Items
In Japan, all moving companies must adhere to a standard set of rules and regulations called the “Standard Conditions of Carriage Moving”. These rules and regulations are set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism and state that moving companies must reimburse you for any items that were lost or damaged during the move.
However, you must contact the moving company within three months of the day you received the items to be eligible for compensation.
Some moving companies though, have their own rules for compensation. Make sure to thoroughly check the moving company’s insurance policy for lost or broken items.
Reviews
Lastly, you should of course check reviews of the different moving companies.
Reading reviews will give you an idea of what the moving experience is like with a company. What is the attitude of their moving staff? Were other customers satisfied with their service? Were they careful with fragile items?
Top 5 Moving Companies in Japan
Now we will introduce to you five moving companies that we think are the best for you. Remember the considerations we talked about above. We’ll also talk about why we think each of these moving services are great.
So, in no particular order, here are our top five moving companies in Japan.
1. Tokyo Move
Tokyo Move is a small moving company based in Tokyo. They can handle international moves and aim to help the international community in Japan.
Tokyo Move not only has an English option, they in fact only offer services in English. Every step of the moving process form applicaiont to delivery is done entirely in English.
Tokyo Move offers basic services such as washing machine installation and packing materials are provided at no additional cost. They are flexible and adapt to clients’ needs.
Reviews on Facebook for Tokyo Movers offer high praise for their staff’s politeness and quick work.
It should be noted that Tokyo Move is based in and limited to the Kanto region (Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama) but are able to handle moves to outside areas using a partner company.
2. Art Corporation (アート引越センター)
Art Corporation is one of the most popular moving companies in Japan with their distinct trucks often seen on the streets of Japan. Art Corporation is a well-respected moving service that is a solid choice for families but also offer services for singles.
Art Corporation offers many extras to their moving service such as piano tuning after a move and special care for tatami mats by using charcoal sheets.
Where Art Corporation lacks is their English service. You will probably need to know some Japanese to use Art Corporation. Their website is Japanese only but has a plan simulator to help you find the best course for your requirements.
Art Corporation offers discount plans for seniors, students, and women only moves.
3. Yamato Home Convenience
Yamato Home Convenience is part of the major Japanese courier company Yamato Transport Group. Thanks to this Yamato Home Convenience is an incredibly reliable moving service and can give you full piece of mind.
Rare for such a large Japanese moving company, Yamato Home Convenience offers English support. However, this English support is limited to over the phone and email. The moving staff on the day of your move will probably not speak English.
Yamato Home Convenience does not offer a high number of services compared to other companies. You will be installing the washing machine on your own as well as paying for your own packing materials if you choose Yamato’s “Single-person” moving service.
4. PROROW Transport
PROROW Transpost is a moving company that offers excellent English support and is probably the best company to get a quote from if you need English support in your move. PROROW Transport offer not just email and phone call support in English but their moving staff can also speak English.
PROROW Transport’s price can be rather average but fairly low when compared to other moving companies with full English support. Basic services such as washing machine installation and packing materials are included in the price.
5. Allied Pickfords
Allied Pickfords is a great moving service for those moving to Japan from their home country. They are a especially international moving company, but also offer services domestically for those who are moving homes in Japan.
Allied Pickfords offer excellent English support which covers every step from requesting a move to delivery. Everything can be done in English.
Their service is very comprehensive as well offering everything from packing your household items for you to unpacking them at your new home.
In Closing
In many cases, moving means starting a new life in a new place. Often, the most time-consuming and difficult part of moving is having to manage and complete the various administrative procedures and registering for necessities like electricity, gas, and water. Thankfully, more and more today these applications can be handled smoothly and efficiently in English, just like with moving. And just as is the case with moving, it is advisable to compare and decide on the cost and service content of the various electric and gas services available to you.
Hinatao Energy, in particular, offers full English support, reasonable pricing, and–for those who want it–even a sustainable energy plan that is environmentally responsible. Knowing that your utility service is one that you will use for a long time, it’s good to keep in mind the importance of choosing a service provider that can support you in English.
