From the Netherlands to Japan · De Bresser since 1923
Moving to JapanYour belongings, carefully prepared
If you are moving to Japan, your furniture travels separately from you. We arrange the packing and transport, and discuss what you need to do when you arrive so your belongings can clear customs later.
Tell us where you are moving from, where you are going and when. We will discuss your belongings and the options for a pre-move survey.
We will contact you about your request. Prefer to call? +31 13 542 59 35
9.0 on Klantenvertellen97% of all 1,555 reviews recommend us
Erkende Verhuizer and ProjectverhuizerDiscuss the cover for your destination
Since 1923 in Oisterwijkmore than a hundred years of moving experience
Member of Top Moversnational network of recognised movers
Shipping your belongings to Japan
Preparation starts before your flight
If you are moving from the Netherlands to Japan, you may need a document issued on arrival for furniture that follows later. So build the customs steps into your planning before you fly. During the survey, we discuss what you are taking and when you will arrive in Japan.
Choose what to take with your new home in mind. Measure large furniture and check whether doors, stairs and any lift leave enough room. Show us fragile collections and musical instruments too. That way we can properly judge the volume and the protection needed.
De Bresser prepares the inventory list for your shipment to Japan. We number all goods and boxes and list what each box contains. A copy is yours to keep, and customs can see the list where applicable. If you pack some personal boxes yourself, send us a list of what is in them.
At the survey, tell us the date you arrive in Japan, even if it is not yet certain. Your arrival is part of the customs steps for the shipment. So let us know straight away if your flight changes.
Measure your home in Japan
If possible, ask for a floor plan or the measurements of your home in Japan. Compare them with the dimensions of your largest furniture. If something will not fit through the door, up the stairs or into the lift, you can leave it in the Netherlands.
Collections and instruments
Show us fragile collections and musical instruments separately during the survey. We then discuss the protection they need, such as a custom-made crate. For these pieces, see also our packing service (in Dutch).
Packing for Japan
Your furniture travels separately, well packed in the container
Because your furniture reaches Japan separately from you, we protect it in the Netherlands for the whole trip to your new address.
Fragile collections and musical instruments get packing paper, bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard, and a delicate piece goes into a custom-made crate if it needs one. We secure your belongings firmly in the container. Every box and crate gets a number that appears on the inventory list.
Made-to-measure crate for a fragile piecePacked belongings in the containerWrapped panels in the removal van
Corrugated cardboard
for edges, corners and whole items
Bubble wrap
a soft layer for glass and lacquered surfaces
Boxes with packing paper
for crockery and small items
Your points of contact
The team behind your move to Japan
For a move to Japan, timing your own arrival with the later shipment needs particular attention. Henry, Marjolein and Timo coordinate your international move with you and our partner agents. They are your contacts for documents, planning and the work at your new address.
Henry Stolk
International move coordinator
Henry maintains contact with international partner agents. He helps coordinate the transport with the work at the destination.
Marjolein van Helmond
File coordinator/Agent network
Marjolein oversees international moving files from request to delivery. She keeps track of the arrangements and stays in touch with the partner agents involved.
Timo van der Schans
International move coordinator
Timo coordinates international moves. He aligns the schedule with you and the partner agents, even if arrival or delivery changes.
For unaccompanied articles, Japan Customs describes a step at your own arrival: you hand in two copies of the declaration and get one stamped copy back. Keep that original with your personal documents, not in the removal shipment.
You need this document for the later customs clearance. Customs says it cannot redo the stamping if the copy is lost or the step is skipped. Before you travel, read the procedure for unaccompanied articles and agree with us how you will pass on the original. We handle the customs formalities for your move; the declaration on your own arrival is something you do yourself.
Match your moving schedule to your arrival and to the date your home becomes available. A notice that the shipment is in port does not mean delivery. For your first weeks, keep clothes, documents and everyday things separate.
Want part of your belongings later? Then discuss the permitted import period and temporary storage (page in Dutch). For the opposite direction, see our information on moving back to the Netherlands.
Plan together
The form travels with you
Carry the two copies of the declaration for unaccompanied articles with your personal documents, not in the removal shipment. Keep the stamped original you receive after arrival there too. Agree with us how you will pass the original on.
Count from your arrival date
The rules for household goods mention import within six months of entry, for anyone who lived outside Japan for over a year or will stay longer than a year. It is a clearance deadline, not a transit time. If part arrives later, have that checked beforehand.
Bridging the gap until delivery
There may be some time between your arrival and delivery. Bring enough clothes and everyday items for the first period. Also let us know from what date you can use your home in Japan.
Japanese customs
Unaccompanied household goods need their own steps
Japan Customs specifically describes how household goods are imported when you move. Your arrival, length of stay, documents and the timing of clearance are all connected. Discuss these steps before you finalise how your flight and shipment fit together.
Import information checked on 19 October 2026. The conditions depend on your situation and the goods in your shipment.
Moving and possible duty exemption
The household goods rules cover people who have lived outside Japan for more than a year or plan to stay in Japan for more than a year. Import within six months of entry is part of that. Check in advance whether your goods and situation fall under the rules; special goods may need a different procedure.
For unaccompanied articles, Japan Customs requires two copies of the declaration on arrival. The stamped original you get back is needed for clearing the shipment later. Keep it safe and agree with us how to hand it over.
Clearing the goods requires, among other things, the stamped form, transport documents, a statement of contents and passport details. The procedure sets clearance within six months of your arrival. That is a procedural deadline, not a promised transit time. Discuss the schedule and any exceptions in advance.
How much are you taking, and how does it need to be packed? Together with transport, that forms the basis of your quote. Access at your address in Japan, assembly and any storage also play a part. Discuss what handling is included and which extra costs depend on your shipment.
How we map out your move
1
By phone or WhatsApp
You call or message us on WhatsApp about your departure address, destination and belongings. Together we work out what is needed for the quote.
2
By video survey
A video survey lets you show us what goes to Japan. Useful if you already live there.
3
Home visit
We discuss whether an adviser can visit you to look at your belongings and access.
Your crockery needs different packaging from a tabletop. For the international move, we recommend leaving the packing to us. Bubble wrap, corrugated board and packing paper protect everything all round; corners and gaps get extra attention.
For large furniture, we discuss access at the address in Japan and dismantling and assembly (page in Dutch). If a fragile piece needs a custom-made crate, we can arrange it. Have the quote state which work is done on delivery and which insurance covers transport and any storage.
On the Dutch side, exporting household goods to Japan requires a declaration and an inventory list, as set out in the Dutch Customs guidance (in Dutch). We draw up the list and handle all customs formalities for your move. You provide your personal details, the required documents and the stamped original from your arrival. Our guide to preparing your departure for Japan is in Dutch and written for Dutch nationals; visa rules depend on your passport.
When comparing movers to Japan, ask what each quote includes on the Dutch and the Japanese side, and how extra costs, such as storage or a rescheduled delivery, would be agreed.
Which items and which route?
Discuss the value of your belongings and special items. Make sure you have in writing what cover and conditions apply during collection, transport, any storage and delivery.
Prepare your departure too
Besides the transport, you also have your own departure arrangements to make. Read more about moving abroad (in Dutch). Keep personal documents and things for the first few days separate.
More services
What help suits your move?
Ask about help with packing, assembly and storage. We put in writing what your move to Japan includes. See also all our moving services (in Dutch). The service pages below are in Dutch too.
Discuss what stays in the Netherlands for now and when you want to receive these items.
Packing for abroad
Well packed for your international move
We recommend that our team packs your belongings for the move to Japan. Personal boxes? You can pack a few yourself. Our movers wrap your crockery, furniture and other fragile things with care.
Do it yourself
A few personal boxes
You can pack a few boxes of clothes and personal items yourself. Agree with us in advance what you want to do yourself.
Tell us what is in your own boxes. De Bresser makes the inventory list, numbers everything and notes what is in each box. You also get a copy.
Let us pack crockery, glassware and items that need extra protection. See our packing tips (in Dutch) for boxes you pack yourself.
Keep your passport, medication, keys and things for the first few days separate. Do not put them in with the belongings we take.
We protect your belongings all round with bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard and packing paper. We match the material to the item.
Edges and corners of furniture get extra protection. We fill empty spaces with packing paper, so items have less room to move inside the packaging.
For fragile or unusually shaped items, we arrange custom crates where needed. When loading, we make sure your belongings are well protected in the container.
We check which things may go to Japan and what could cause trouble with customs. That advice comes before packing starts.
What should I arrange on arrival in Japan for my household goods?What if I lose the stamped declaration form?Can my belongings enter Japan free of import duty?How long do I have to clear unaccompanied articles?Who makes the inventory list for Japan?Can a large wardrobe go to my home in Japan?
9.0 out of 10 on Klantenvertellen, from 1,555 reviews9.01,555 reviews
What should I arrange on arrival in Japan for my household goods?
Japan Customs states that, for unaccompanied articles, you submit two copies of the declaration when you arrive. One copy is stamped and handed back to you. Keep that original for clearing the shipment, and before your flight agree with us how you will hand it over. We take care of the customs formalities for your move; this step on your own arrival is yours to do.
What if I lose the stamped declaration form?
Japan Customs says it cannot repeat the stamping, even if the form is lost or you skipped the step on arrival. So keep the original with your travel documents. Report any problem to us straight away, so we can discuss it with the customs broker involved and with customs.
Can my belongings enter Japan free of import duty?
The rules for household goods set conditions on your stay and the import period. Japan Customs refers to people who have lived outside Japan for more than a year or plan to stay in Japan for more than a year, with import within six months of entry. Check in advance which goods qualify in your situation.
How long do I have to clear unaccompanied articles?
In principle, the procedure requires clearance within six months of your arrival. We plan the shipment around that with the customs broker involved. This is not a transit time or fixed delivery date; the voyage, document checks and delivery each have their own schedule.
Who makes the inventory list for Japan?
We make the inventory list for you and number everything. The contents of each box are listed. You get a copy of your own, and the list is there for customs when needed. For a few personal boxes you pack yourself, tell us what is inside.
Can a large wardrobe go to my home in Japan?
Show us the wardrobe and the access during the survey. Measurements of doors, stairs and any lift help decide whether it needs dismantling. Discuss assembly on delivery as well, so it is clear which work the quote includes.
Quoted verbatim from our Klantenvertellen profile, in the original Dutch, with name, place and date. Only customers invited after their move can review us. The photos show our own work. Read all reviews (in Dutch)
9.0 out of 10 on Klantenvertellen, from 1,555 reviews9.01,555 reviews
Personeel was. Vriendelijk, netjes, op elkaar ingespeeld en kundig.
John, Etten-Leur ·
9 out of 109
Zeer tevreden, over de organisatie , de medewerkers en de uitvoering van de verhuizing zelf. Vriendelijk, hardwerkend , als één team. Kan het iedereen aanbevelen.
Marian, Tilburg ·
10 out of 1010
Verhuizing zeer voorspoedig verlopen, team zeer goed op elkaar op elkaar afgestemd. Uitpakken zodanig geregeld dat na afloop alle verpakkingsmateriaal zoveel mogelijk werd meegenomen wat een ontzettende rust geeft. Afspraken worden goed nagekomen. Derde verhuizing met de Bresser, wat ons betreft van harte aan te bevelen
Ton, Goirle ·
10 out of 1010
Goed overleg met ons Netjes alle kwetsbare dingen met folie ingepakt Goed doorgewerkt en alles op de juiste plaats gezet.
Bert, Oisterwijk ·
8 out of 108
Goede ervaring.
Ad, Sint Willenrord ·
10 out of 1010
Wij zijn door -3- hardwerkende Haagse heren , van Brabant naar Gelderland verhuisd. Het werd een zorgeloze dag, in no-time was de enorme hoeveelheid dozen ingepakt en werd vervolgens bij de opslagbox in een supersnel tempo , ook alles ingepakt. In Arnhem moest alles per lift naar boven. Fluitend werden alle dozen in de bestemde kamers gebracht. Om 15.30 waren we verhuisd! Ongelooflijk! Complimenten voor de goede communicatie met de Bresser en het geweldige verhuisteam.
Maria, Andel ·
8 out of 108
zie hierboven
Cor Heerkens, GOIRLE ·
10 out of 1010
Veel waardering voor de inzet van de verhuizers
P, Tilburg ·
10 out of 1010
Vriendelijke en behulpzame medewerkers. Komen afspraken na, zoals dag en tijd.
Gerry, Oisterwijk ·
10 out of 1010
De mannen van de Bresser waren op het afgesproken tijdstip aanwezig en na een korte ronde zijn ze voortvarend aan de slag gegaan. In no time was het huis leeg en gingen we naar het nieuwe adres. Ondanks de uitdaging waar de verhuislift het beste geplaatst kon worden was het ook weer zo in orde. Rond 14.00 uur stond alles binnen en konden we de dozen gaan uitpakken
E, Oisterwijk ·
8 out of 108
afspraken worden nagekomen, flexibiliteit bij wijzigingen, zonder schade op het nieuwe adres
Martin van Gulik, Tilburg ·
10 out of 1010
Fijne verhuizers alles goed geregeld. 2de keer verhuisd was weer top. Verhuizers doen niet moeilijk kijken naar mogelijkheden.
M, Esch ·
10 out of 1010
Met verbazing gekeken hoe efficiënt de verhuizing is gegaan . Zo'n til lift is een uitkomst, vooral als je hoog woont. Niets hoeft meer met de huislift, die vaak te klein is. De kast en het bed hoefden niet gedemonteerd te worden. Perfect.
A, Tilburg ·
10 out of 1010
Topmannen! Aardig, meedenkend, zorgvuldig en wat wij belangrijk vinden, een goed humeur! In voor een geintje! Wij zagen er een beetje tegen op maar zij hebben dat zeker goedgemaakt!
Anja, Uden ·
8 out of 108
Behalve dat er een foutje was gemaakt wat betreft de tijd dat de verhuisdozen geleverd zouden worden en ik een paar uur voor niets heb zitten wachten is de verhuizing op zich prima gegaan. Op de afgesproken tijd was één verhuizer aanwezig; de andere twee verhuizers stonden in de file; door vakanties werd een beroep gedaan op verhuizers uit een ander deel van het land. Die ene verhuizer is gelijk aan het werk gegaan en toen de andere twee er waren ging het inladen razendsnel. Hetzelfde gold voor het uitladen op het nieuwe adres wat op 30 km van het inlaad-adres lag. De verhuizers in kwestie waren vriendelijke, beleefde en hardwerkende mannen voor wie niets teveel en niets te zwaar was. Ondanks de hoge temperaturen werd er nauwelijks tijd genomen om te pauzeren; een slokje water of een blikje fris tussendoor was voldoende voor de heren. Voor lunchtijd was alles klaar en kon ik beginnen met het uitpakken van de dozen. Het ophalen van de lege dozen een week later ging volgens afspraak.
Ook de contacten met de mensen op kantoor is altijd goed verlopen. Al met al een goede ervaring.
A, Tilburg ·
9 out of 109
Goed , snel en deskundig.
Harm, Oisterwijk ·
10 out of 1010
Onze verhuizing van grote spullen is voorspoedig verlopen. Fijne verhuizers die snel, efficiënt en zorgvuldig hun werk deden. Wij zijn zeer tevreden!
M, Horsten ·
10 out of 1010
Goede communicatie en vakkundig personeel - zowel gebruikgemaakt van langdurige opslag als verhuisdiensten
Marion, Den Haag ·
10 out of 1010
Zie hiervoor
P, Tilburg ·
10 out of 1010
Uitstekend
Guus, Tilburg ·
Locations
Six locations in the Netherlands and Belgium
We work from Tilburg, Oisterwijk, Breda, Venlo, Reeuwijk and Brussels. Choose a location or discuss your move with us directly.
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