Moving house or apartment can be a challenging task anywhere in the world, but in Japan, this process has particularities that reflect the country's culture, organization and peculiarities. Have you ever heard of Hikkoshiya? In this article, we'll explore how house moves are carried out in Japan, from hiring the services to the details that make this process unique.
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How are household removals carried out in Japan?
Planning is one of the most crucial stages in any move, and in Japan, this process is taken very seriously. Moving house in Japan involves a series of steps that ensure everything goes smoothly and without problems.
The first step in planning a domestic move is to request a quote. Most moving companies offer this service free of charge. A representative visits the home to assess the volume of items to be transported, the complexity of the move and the customer's specific needs.
Moving companies in Japan offer a range of services from packing and unpacking to assembling and disassembling furniture. Customers can choose between complete packages, where the company takes care of all the details, or opt for more basic services, depending on their budget and personal preferences.
What is Hikkoshiya?
Specialized moving companies, known as "hikkoshi-ya", offer a full range of services that go far beyond transporting furniture and boxes. Most of these companies offer packages that can include anything from packing up all the items in the house to cleaning the old residence after the move.
The services offered by moving companies in Japan, known as Hikkoshiya, are widely varied and adaptable to the needs of their clients. Basic packages usually include the transportation of items and the loading and unloading of furniture and boxes. Standard packages, on the other hand, can add packing and organization services in the new home.
For those looking for maximum convenience, the complete packages offer, in addition to all these services, the disassembly and reassembly of furniture, post-moving cleaning and unpacking of items, leaving the new home ready to move into.
Below are some of the services provided by Hikkoshiya:
- Transportation of items
- Packaging and Unpacking
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Post-move cleaning
- Vehicle Transportation
- Temporary Storage
- Insurance for Transported Items
- Document Management and International Change
- Garbage Removal and Disposal of Unused Items
- Pet Assistance Service
How much does it cost to move house in Japan?
In Japan, moving prices vary significantly depending on the type of service chosen, the distance between homes and the time of year. During the months of March and April, which coincide with the start of the fiscal year and the beginning of school, demand for moving services is high, which can drive up prices.
At times of lower demand, such as in the fall, costs can be more affordable. Generally speaking, the price of a basic moving service can start at around ¥30,000, while a full service can exceed ¥300,000.
The pricing of moving services in Japan is influenced by several factors, including the size of the home, the volume of items to be transported, and the distance between homes. The level of service chosen also significantly impacts the cost. In addition, local companies may offer more competitive prices, and discounts can be negotiated.
List of companies in Hikkoshiya
Generally, moving services in Japan are provided by reputable companies, often involved in the courier business. Yamato Transport, for example, is known for its extensive network and high-quality customer service, while Nippon Express is popular with expats due to its expertise in international moves.
Art Corporation stands out for its attention to detail, especially when handling fragile items, and Sagawa Express is valued for its speed and efficiency, ideal for moves with tight deadlines.
Below is a complete list of some Hikkoshiya companies:
- Yamato Transport (Kuro Neko)
- Nippon Express
- Art Corporation
- Sagawa Express
- Daiwa Logistics
- Sakai Moving Service
- Akabou (Red Cap)
- Japan Removal
- Maruwa Unyu Kikan
- Hitachi Transport System
In addition to the large national Hikkoshiya companies, there are several local moving companies in Japan that cater specifically to certain regions or cities. These local companies often offer more affordable and personalized services.
Some examples of local companies include:
- Tokyo Hikkoshi Center (Tóquio)
- Osaka Moving Service (Osaka)
- Nagoya Removal Service (Nagoya)
- Kyoto Hikkoshiya (Kyoto)
- Fukuoka Moving Company (Fukuoka)
- Hokkaido Hikkoshi Service (Sapporo, Hokkaido)
- Hiroshima Moving (Hiroshima)