Moving Services
- International Moving Services

Moving from Japan to Overseas: Step by Step

Our international moving service provides comprehensive support, from professional packing for international shipment to delivery and unpacking at your new residence.
(Door-to-Door Service)

1. STEP 01When Your Move Is Confirmed / Home Survey / After Selecting Your Mover

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   • When Your Move Is Confirmed

     Start by requesting a quote from Yamatane International Division.
     To request our services, simply call us at 03-3820-1130 or use the contact form below. We will confirm your departure date, visa status, family situation, and other key details.
     Based on this information, we will determine whether we can provide a quotation via phone and email or if a home survey is required.
     
     For individuals moving from Japan without their family and therefore having fewer belongings, we can often provide a quotation based solely on phone and email communication.
     For family relocations with larger shipments, we typically conduct a home survey before providing a quotation.

     Contact Us

     

   • Home Survey

     Your dedicated coordinator will visit your home.
     The survey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
     We will assess the volume of items by destination (overseas, storage, domestic, etc.), explain the required documentation, and coordinate according to your schedule.
     We will guide you through the entire moving process, so please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
     Your sales representative will send you a quotation within a few days after the survey.

     Home Survey FAQ

     

   • After Selecting Your Mover

     Set your moving date and book your move at least one month in advance.
     During peak seasons (March–April, late July, and late December), please allow extra time when contacting us.
     
     Once you’ve set your moving date, it’s time to begin preparing for your move.
     In the period leading up to your departure, you’ll have many responsibilities beyond packing—such as vaccinations, medical checkups, canceling utilities, and closing real estate contracts. Advance preparation is key to avoiding last-minute stress.
     At Yamatane, we will support you throughout the entire moving preparation process. Let us guide you step by step—this overview is designed to help you at every stage of your move.

     

2. STEP 02Preparing for Your Move / Sorting / Required Documents / Important Notes

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   • Preparing for Your Move

     The key to a smooth move is advance preparation.
     It’s not complicated, but staying organized is essential.
     Please refer to 「the Quick Reference Guide」 we provided during your home survey.
     
     Moving preparations can be broken down into three main areas:
     - Sorting your belongings
     - Gathering required documents
     - Other tasks, such as disposing of unwanted items

     

   • Sorting

     Sorting means clearly separating your belongings by destination so our movers know exactly what goes where when they arrive on moving day, such as what’s going to be shipped overseas, what’s staying in Japan, and so on. Your belongings typically fall into five categories:

     

     • If Going Overseas

       • Carry-on Luggage

         • - Items you’ll use until departure
         • - Items you’ll need immediately upon arrival
         • - Passport, keys, mobile phone
         • - Securities, personal seals, valuables

       • Air Shipment

         • - Clothing and personal items you’ll need soon after arrival
         • - Items that won’t fit in your suitcase
         • ※Not suitable for sensitive equipment

       • Sea Shipment

         • - Bulky items that can’t go by air
         • - Fragile items
         • - Lower-priority items

     • If Staying in Japan

       • Full-service Household Goods Storage
         (Warehouse)

         • - Mainly furniture
         • - Items suitable for long-term storage
         • ※We generally cannot accommodate partial access during your overseas assignment.

       • Moving Domestically / Relatives’ or Friends’ Homes

         • - Photo albums, children’s artwork, and keepsakes
         • - Kimono, furs
         • - Items unsuitable for long-term storage
         • - Items requiring maintenance

     • Items We Cannot Accept

       • - Plants, food (for storage or long-distance domestic shipping)
       • - Flammable items (lighters, matches, aerosol cans, etc.)

     • Why Sorting Matters

       Poor sorting can lead to items being shipped to the wrong destination or delays that push back completion time.
       You need to be especially careful with carry-on items such as passports and house keys.
       On moving day, please double-check that you have all family members’ passports and airline tickets on hand.
       
       For successful sorting, check out our sorting tips.

       Sorting Tips

     • Convenient Sorting Stickers

       These sorting stickers are removable and safe to use on furniture.

       

   • Required Documents

     You’ll need to prepare certain documents. The main documents are listed below.

     

     • Key Documents Required

       • Passport Data

         Please provide an A4 color copy of the photo page at the actual size.

       • Flight Documents

         Please provide a copy of your e-ticket or itinerary.

       • Customer’s Instructions

         A form where you’ll provide your overseas contact information and address.

     • Documents Required Depending on Your Destination or Employer

       • Copy of your visa

         Please provide a color copy at the actual size.

       • Packing List for Insurance

         This is documentation for insurance coverage.

       • Marine Cargo Insurance (Important Information Disclosure)

     • Warehouse Documents

       Storage Application Form

       Storage Application Form Sample

       Storage Confirmation Form

       Standard Storage Unit Service Terms and Conditions

     • If You’ve Lost Required Documents

       If you’ve misplaced any required forms, you can download them here.
       Samples are also available.

       Personal Information Consent Form

       Required Documents by Country

       • ■ USA

         • Customs Forms 3299
         • Power of Attorney Personal Effects
         • Supplemental declaration
         • Samples of documents listed above

       • ■ Singapore

         • VIDEO&DVD LIST, ALCOHOL INVENTORY
         • DECLARATION OF FACTS
         • DECLARATION OF FACT (Sample)

       • ■ Vietnam

         • How to Complete the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Ho Chi Minh City)

       • ■ China

         • How to Complete the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Shanghai)
         • How to Complete the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Beijing)
         • How to Complete the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Guangzhou)
         • How to Complete the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Dalian)

       • ■ Taiwan

         • Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration
         • Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (Sample)
         • Customs Power of Attorney
         • Customs Power of Attorney (Sample)

       • ■ India

         • Electrical Appliances List
         • Electrical Appliances List (Sample)
         • Food Items List

     • Important Notes

       • - Please email these documents to us before moving day if possible.
       • - Our movers will collect the originals on moving day.

   • Other Important Reminders

     Moving generates a lot of waste.
     Please plan disposal of waste ahead of time so that it is taken care of by the moving day.
     Take special care when disposing of items covered by recycling laws (air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, TVs) and computers.
     
     Some apartment buildings require advance notification to the management office before moving work begins.
     
     Some household items cannot be shipped depending on your destination country.
     Your move coordinator will explain this in advance, but feel free to ask any questions you might have.

     

3. STEP 03Moving Day / Once Work Is Complete / Your Departure /
   Arrival at Destination

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   • Moving Day

     Our movers will arrive at your home.
     The team leader will check with you where each item is going.
     Please make sure you have all valuables and carry-on items with you.
     Examples: Cash, passports, mobile phones, keys, valuable jewelry, airline tickets, etc. The movers will create an inventory list in English as they pack. They’ll also collect your required documents.

     Moving FAQ

     

   • Once Work Is Complete

     Once packing is complete, we’ll ask you to sign the packing list.
     Thank you for your cooperation.

     

   • Your Departure

     Please keep your boarding pass stub after boarding, as you may need it later.
     If you’re traveling to a country that requires declaration of Unaccompanied Baggage upon entry, don’t forget to make this declaration.
     
     Examples: China, Vietnam
     
     If you forget to declare, it may take longer to clear customs, or you may incur additional costs, so please be careful.

     

   • Arrival at Destination

     Our overseas office or agent will contact you about your shipment’s arrival and guide you through import customs procedures. After clearing customs, we’ll deliver the shipment to your residence.
     
     Delivery Considerations Overseas
     Some residential buildings have very strict management rules.
     In some cases, moving companies cannot use building elevators on Sundays, making delivery impossible. Please be aware of these potential restrictions.