Unexpected move-in costs in Tokyo — am I being overcharged?

TL;DR: Moved from a share house to my own apartment in Tokyo and got overwhelmed by all the hidden costs (guarantor company fee increase + gas company asking 20,000 yen cash deposit). I’m basically broke until March. Is this normal? Do all gas companies require deposits? Any advice for managing move-in costs and getting furniture cheaply?

Hi guys,

I’ve been arranging my move into a new apartment in Tokyo. Up until now, I’ve always lived in a share house, so most of the essentials were already provided (utilities, furniture, etc.). Moving out on my own has been… kind of shocking.

There’s so much paperwork and so many companies involved.

For example, the guarantor company suddenly raised its price to almost double what I was initially told. I managed to cover that increase, but now I’ve found out that my gas company is asking for a 20,000 yen cash deposit.

It’s not the most insane amount ever, but after all the payments I’ve had to make this past month — new school fees, equipment, management fee, agency fee, various insurances — I’m basically broke until March.

I asked my move-in agent to give me a full breakdown of the expected costs, and I thought I had prepared for everything. But this gas deposit wasn’t something I anticipated, and right now I simply don’t have 20,000 yen in cash. Even if I wanted to pay it, I literally can’t.

I don’t really mind (okay, I do a little lol) showering with cold water until my next paycheck, but I’m wondering:

Is this kind of situation normal when moving in Japan?

Do all gas companies require a cash deposit like this?

Is there any way to negotiate or delay the payment?

My friend even told me "are you getting scammed bro?"

Also, I clearly made a lot of rookie mistakes. For next time, what should I keep in mind when moving?

And how do people handle furniture when moving alone? Do most people just go to IKEA and pay for delivery? Do you use second-hand shops? Facebook groups? Any tips would be appreciated.

Hopefully this post can also help someone else going through the same thing.