Hi just like the title says and I hope the Flair is right.
For context, I am moving soon (mid-September) out of my language school dorm. When I first moved in, there was literally nothing. So I bought pots, pans, a rice cooker, hangers, etc. I think I am able to move all my things with my friends’ help.
The only problem comes with my bike and a futon + blanket. I know you can’t bring bikes on Japanese trains (unless they are covered?), and if I place back the futon back in its original cover, it’s big. So I’m not sure if that’s allowed to be transported on trains.
I looked into delivery/moving companies, but I’m having a hard time finding “bike” or moving similar size objects as their delivery services. The conclusion I have come to is that I use their moving services to move everything I have. But they’re kind of expensive, especially since I’m looking for a temporary place to stay for about a month or two (I’m in an “in-between space” of job process like waiting for 2nd interview, screening process, and potentially moving to Osaka/or staying in Tokyo, depending on the job).
So yeah, it would be great to get any/other information I am not considering about this.
Thank you
6 comments
You can ask the courier service to come and take a look, quote you a price, and they wrap and ship it then.
I guess you’re moving a distance that’s not bike-able? Bikes need to be in a bike bag on the train.
If you’re not going during rush hour, you can get a two-wheel push cart and hop on the train. Wrap the futon tight for the trip, cover it in plastic. Is it a single? If it’s all comparable size to a big suitcase, this should be alright. So maybe two trips by train – might be cheaper than the courier service.
Most of the answers will depend on how far you are moving.
How nice is your bike? If it’s nice road bike then taking it apart to fit in a rinko bag to take on the train (or ship in a smaller container) is not difficult. If it’s a cheap mama-chari then just sell it and get a new one if you aren’t moving within biking distance. Shipping will be expensive and isn’t worth it.
If you find a bag to squash the blanket and futon in, you can take it on the train, or ship it as luggage. The linear dimensions won’t actually be that big and it should be able to fit within the maximum size for the train or shipping company.
When I moved from Kanto to Kyushu, the delivery company actually offered to put my motorcycle in with my stuff as well. Fearful of how much extra it’d cost, I asked and was told it’d be “サービス”.
It’s worth asking, but as at least one other poster has said, bag it up to at least save it from scratches (assuming it’s a decent bike).
If it’s a road bike or half decent cross bike, it only takes a minute to pop the quick release on the wheels and stuff it into a bike bag (available online or at sports/cycling shops).
If it’s a mamachari, just sell it and buy a new one at your new address.
I think most of the moving company can help moving bike and futon. Usually they care of them well, but if you need to send it separately or some special care, then it might be different story.
For instance, piano is one of common items which need special care. I used to work as a part timer for mving company, we received special instruction for those items.
How are you moving the other things? You’re just going to gather it all in boxes or bags and ride the train with your friends? It would probably be easier just to hire a moving company and move everything together at once. There are very Cheap services especially for so few items. I’ve moved for ¥30,000 or so for a 1dk with all my husband and I’s stuff which is a lot more than what you have, so I’m sure you could get s cheaper quote.