How to Save Yourself from a Moving Nightmare 1

When we moved from a 3-story house in Chicago (2,950 sq. ft.—3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, huge kitchen, basement, and garage) to a 3LDK apartment in Japan (835 sq. ft.—3 bedrooms, living room, and kitchen, no garage), it was a nightmare. Just picture the garage—overflowing with stuff we hadn’t touched in years!

Our big lesson? Decide rigorously what needs to come with you. I get it—you might want tax returns from 1990 “just in case,” that half-broken gift from your uncle, ridiculously huge American furniture, or your beloved Weber grill (Actually they sell it in Japan ! And you can use it at a house, not an apartment due to fire/safety policy). But trust me, this is the time to let go. Sell it, donate it, or toss it. We held two garage sales (amazingly successful—someone’s trash is another’s treasure!) and invited friends to grab furniture, plates, TVs, refrigerators—you name it. Then we made countless Goodwill runs with clothes, kitchen gear, even a dog crate. If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it.

Now, in Japan, we’re living with the “elite” stuff we chose—essentials like key documents, a few sentimental items, and clothes. Japan’s apartments don’t fit giant US furniture! That garage? Mostly junk. We sold some, left the rest by the trash, and it vanished fast. Here’s the point: Give, donate, or sell your things. If you might return to the US someday, consider a rental storage unit or ask family to hold items temporarily. Downsizing for Japan doesn’t have to be a nightmare—it can be a fresh start.