Moving to Japan - International Moving Guide

"Move-In Day"

6 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day"

Start getting the details of your move organized as soon as you can.
Create a "move information" file. Using a brightly colored organizer folder with interior pockets makes it easy to store important information and collect receipts for moving-related expenses.
Ask the Internal Revenue Service for information about tax deductions on moving expenses and what receipts you'll need to keep.
Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
When organizing dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
Contact any clubs or associations you are affiliated with for information on transferring, selling or ending your memberships.
Wills, stock certificates and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos, home videos) are difficult or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.
Start becoming acclimated to your new community. Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Bureau to request information on schools, parks and recreation, community calendars and maps.

Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Books you've read and will never read again? The pan with the broken handle or the children's long-neglected games? Remember - extra weight costs more money.
Sit down and start organizing your move. Make a list with three columns: items to leave behind, items for Mayflower to move, and items you'll move by yourself.
For each item you aren't going to take with you, decide whether you'll sell it, give it away to charity, or otherwise dispose of it before your move.
Get your mail moving. Your post office will have change-of-address cards to help you with this task.
Change your address using the United States Postal Service website here.

Start including your children in the move planning. Make it exciting and fun by having your kids do some of their own packing, and let them suggest layouts for their new room. Ask your agent about Mayflower's "My Move" kit for children. Designed under the guidance of child psychologist Dr. Richard K. Grana, the kit includes games, stickers, activities and an original story to help kids adjust to the idea of "leaving home."
Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to do any part of the packing yourself. You can obtain these materials for a reasonable fee from your Mayflower agent.
Ask your agent for Mayflower's helpful "Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide."
It's a good idea to let us do most of the packing. That's what we do for a living, so we know the proven methods for keeping items safe.