How should I handle my large luggage and furniture? (Sea freight, air freight, or sell everything?)

Luggage HandlingFurniture TransportationInternational RelocationItem DisposalTransportation MethodsRelocating to Japan
Created At: 8/11/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

Hey! This question really hits home for me. I had the same headache when I moved years ago. Don't worry, it's not complicated. Let me break it down for you so you can make a clear choice.

Moving, in essence, is about finding a balance between "Cost," "Time," and "Convenience." There's no perfect solution, only the one that best fits you.

First, the quick answer for reference:

  • Money isn't an issue, few items but needed urgently → Air Freight
  • Lots of items, not urgent, want to save money → Sea Freight
  • Want maximum convenience, unsure how long you'll stay in Japan, or want a fresh start → Sell Everything

Now, let's dive into the pros, cons, and who each option suits best.

1. Sea Freight: The "Slow and Steady" Option (Time for Money)

Think of sea freight as a giant, slow boat that can carry your entire household, but it takes its time.

  • Pros:

    • Cheap! This is its biggest advantage. Compared to air freight, it can cost just a fraction, especially for large volumes – great value for money.
    • Capacity! Almost anything goes (except prohibited items). Furniture, boxes of books, bikes, even a piano (if you have one). Pricing is by cubic meter (CBM), so packing more saves you more per item.

  • Cons:

    • Slow! This is the major drawback. From packing to delivery, 1 to 2 months is standard. Unexpected delays (like customs inspections) can happen. Be prepared for a potentially bare-bones existence for at least a month or two.
    • Relatively complex process. You (or a moving company) need to pack, inventory, and handle export customs. Upon arrival in Japan, there's import clearance and final delivery. While international movers offer door-to-door service, you'll still need to provide various documents and information.

  • Who is it for?

    • Those settling long-term who want to bring their entire "home" feeling.
    • People with many books, sentimental items, or non-urgent furniture with special meaning.
    • Budget-conscious individuals willing to trade time for savings.

2. Air Freight: The "Express" Option (Money for Time)

Air freight is like buying a plane ticket for your luggage – fast, but expensive.

  • Pros:

    • Fast! Usually arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. A lifesaver for urgent work documents or seasonal clothes.
    • Convenient. Generally simpler than sea freight. Many companies offer door-to-door service, making it hassle-free.

  • Cons:

    • Expensive! Expensive! Expensive! Crucial point repeated. Charged by weight and volume (whichever is greater), costs are very high. A few boxes of clothes and books can easily cost thousands. Shipping furniture? Prohibitively expensive unless it's small and extremely valuable.
    • Restrictions. Many items like liquids, batteries, and powders are prohibited or strictly regulated for air transport.

  • Who is it for?

    • Shipping only essential, urgent items like a few boxes of books, clothes, and important documents.
    • Those with ample budgets who can't afford to wait.
    • Lucky folks with company relocation packages (envy.jpg).

3. Sell/Dispose of Everything: The "Clean Slate" (Minimalist) Option

The simplest, most direct approach, and often the wisest.

  • Pros:

    • Super convenient! No packing headaches, no customs hassles, no waiting anxiety. Just pack your suitcases and start fresh.
    • Saves money! You avoid shipping costs and potential future headaches (e.g., your large sofa might not fit through Japanese apartment doors or elevators).
    • Flexibility. In Japan, buy furniture and appliances tailored to your actual space and style from stores like Nitori, MUJI, or recycle shops (リサイクルショップ), helping you integrate better.

  • Cons:

    • Replacement cost. Buying a full set of furniture and appliances in Japan is a significant expense.
    • Emotional attachment. It can be hard to part with well-used or sentimental items.

  • Who is it for?

    • Minimalists wanting a major decluttering opportunity.
    • Those unsure of their long-term stay in Japan (e.g., maybe 1-2 years).
    • People whose current furniture/appliances are old or stylistically mismatched with typical Japanese rentals.

So, how to decide? A Decision Flowchart

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. 【Core Question】What are you shipping?

    • Large Furniture (Sofa, Bed, Wardrobe): I strongly recommend selling!
      • Size Issues: Japanese homes are generally smaller. Your furniture might not fit or will make the space feel cramped.
      • Disposal Cost: Getting rid of oversized garbage (粗大ごみ) in Japan costs money and is a hassle. If it doesn't fit, disposal is another expense.
    • Appliances (Fridge, Washer, TV): Generally, sell them all!
      • Voltage: Japan uses 100V; China uses 220V. While transformers exist, they are inconvenient, potentially unsafe for long-term/heavy use, and hard to find for high-power appliances.
      • Upgrades: Japanese appliances are energy-efficient, advanced, user-friendly, and reasonably priced. Buying new offers a better experience.
    • Books, Clothes, Sentimental Items, Kitchenware: These are the most worth shipping!
      • Small, high-value (emotionally or practically), and inconvenient to replace in Japan. Perfect for sea or air freight.

  2. 【Budget & Timeline】What's your budget and timeframe?

    • Ample budget, need items within a month → Air Freight essential items.
    • Limited budget, can wait 1-2 months → Sea Freight books, clothes, etc.
    • Tight budget, want to start immediately → Sell everything, bring only luggage.

My Recommended Best Practice (Common Approach):

Hybrid Strategy: Sea Freight + Downsizing + Checked Luggage

  1. Downsize: Sell all large furniture and appliances. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.
  2. Sea Freight: Box up books, winter clothes, sentimental items, good kitchenware, etc., and ship them by sea. Start preparing a month in advance.
  3. Checked Luggage: Fly with essential documents, a week's worth of clothes, your laptop, etc., to cover your immediate needs upon arrival.

This way, you save money, keep your most important belongings, start your new life unburdened, and can gradually buy items suited to your new Japanese home.

Crucial Final Step: At Japanese customs, fill out the "Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles" (《携带品・别送品申告書》). Check the "Unaccompanied Goods" box. This ensures your shipped items are cleared tax-free as personal effects. Submit one copy to customs and keep the other for when your shipment arrives for clearance!

Hope this helps! Wishing you a smooth move and a wonderful new chapter in Japan!

Created At: 08-11 12:21:06Updated At: 08-12 02:25:59