Moving often takes a lot of time, and bring a lot of stress with itself. The main thing to understand is that this is normal. Being prepared for your move means reducing the stress. When moving from Japan to Europe, there is a lot of things to think about, and a lot of things to prepare. There is paperwork to be done and a new home to be found. Add to that the stress of getting to know new, European culture, and it can seem like a daunting task. In this article, we will go over the things you need to know when leaving Japan and moving to Europe.

What to do with your apartment?

One of the first things you will want to do is talk to your landlord about moving out. Read your leasing contract. If there is a time limit on it, you might need to cover the rent for the months you won’t be there. It is the best to have a chat with your landlord about all these issues and fees. You should also talk about cleaning fees. These are so that the landlord can call in a cleaning service to swipe up the apartment after you leave and get it ready for the new residents. Also, have a chat with the landlord about your utilities. You might need to call the companies to shut them off (if you don’t have the landlord), or maybe they will do it for you.

Packing your things for moving to Europe

The next step is to pack your things. You should start this at least 6 weeks in advance, so you can plan on what you are taking with you when moving to Europe, and what will stay in Japan. You also need to decide if you will be getting rid of. Some things you might want to store in a warehouse in Japan, while some you can sell or throw away. Also, consider donating things to charity.

When throwing things away, remember that in Japan there are special days designated for large garbage. You will need to contact the garbage collection service to get yourself informed about these days. But that is not your only option for big electronics. You can also ask around – maybe there is an electronics shop that sells used goods. Consider donating your used electronics, as well!

Finally, you will need a professional moving company like Kokusai Express Japan. They will pack and take your things with you to Europe. Consider which international movers you will use because they can significantly reduce your stress during the move.

Which paperwork you need when moving to Europe

Aside from utilities, there is a number of other services you need to cancel before moving to Europe. The first one is your phone. You will probably need to visit your service provider’s store and talk to staff about your contract. Sometimes, you might need to pay the fee for canceling the phone, or if your contract was not ending yet, you might need to cover the charges for the remaining months.

Also, remember to cancel the internet service and car insurance policy. Depending on what you want to do to your car, it will be a smart idea to talk to the insurance providers and see the options available to you.

Finally, visit the city hall or ward office and ask for the Moving Out Certificate. Filling the certificate takes little time, and you can do it as far as three weeks before leaving, but you can also doing when you have time. Be sure to also hand back your health insurance card to your health insurance provider.

You might need a visa when moving to Europe

To travel and live in some countries, you might need a visa. Depending on which country you are traveling to, you might or might not need to get yourself a travel/work visa. Be sure to check the country’s government website and see all the required paperwork you will need to fill up. Don’t forget to have a valid passport when traveling, as well!

Get to know the European culture

Moving to another country can be hard, but getting to know the country’s culture can be even harder. Especially when you compare Japanese and European culture. Europe may not be a huge continent, but its countries have a vast and diverse history as well as culture. There are a couple of ways to get to know the country you are moving to.

Get informed in advance

Preparation is often the key. Even before you leave, start reading various travel guides and articles on the internet. Consider buying a book about your new country if there is one in your local bookstore, or order it online (for example, the European Union website). By the time you leave, you should have at least some idea about the local cuisine, people, and their customs.

Get lost in your country

Going on guided tours is often nice, but getting lost in your new country is even better. Once you move, walk around the neighborhoods, watch the people. Go far from the tourists’ hotspots – you are not a tourist anymore! Another great thing to learn is some basics of the language. You can practice your language skills when asking for directions.

Get the taste of the country

One of the best ways to get to know a country is through the food. You can do this even while you are in Japan – google recipes from your new home and taste the food. Once after you are in the new country you can visit their local restaurants and try the food made locally. Later, wherever you go, you can wow your friends with your exotic new cuisine!

Hopefully, now you know more about moving to Europe than you did before reading this article. Taking time to plan every step of your move, and get to know your new home will greatly reduce the stress you will be fighting with. Don’t forget to spend some time with your friends in Japan too! They will miss you once you are away! Good luck and happy travels!