Register at a local office

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Garbage and Recycling

Trash collection, when not done correct, could be a cause of trouble with neighbors. Following the local regulations of sorting the garbage as well as remembering when to put out the garbage for collection is therefor important if you want to have a harmonious relationship with your neighbors. In Japan trash (gomi) is divided into three categories, combustible trash (moeru gomi), non-combustible trash (moenai gomi) and recyclable trash (shigen gomen). The definition of the categories varies between municipality and each category is collected on different days. Collection days and hours depend on where you live. Signs in the neighborhood inform about garbage collection days. Large size garbage such as furniture and electric appliances is collected by a special collection service against a pick-up fee and you usually need to make an appointment.

Furniture lease

An alternative to buying or perhaps even shipping your furniture from your home country is to rent the interior during you stay in Japan. This has many advantages, one being that since the apartments in Japan usually are very small, compared to many other western countries, the furniture will be fitted to Japanese standard sizes thus making it easier to furniture the apartment. Another advantages of leasing is that you will not have any problem with selling the furniture or paying to get them picked up if you can’t bring them with you. There are several different companies leasing out furniture to foreigners, many advertise in magazines directed towards the expat community.

Sayonara sales

Sayonara sales are a common and excellent way of both finding stuff to you apartment as well as getting rid of everything if you are moving. You can often find new appliances and furniture to very reasonable prices and sometimes even for free. You will find sayonara sales ads in the classifieds section of GaijinPot. Sayonara sales are also a good way of getting rid of your own furniture and things if you don’t want to or can’t bring them with you. Having a sayonara sale will then eliminate any problems with garbage pick-up time and costs.