Preparing to leave Japan can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process, especially if you try to do it in less than two months, as my husband and I did. But regardless how much (or little) time you have to get ready, we learned a few things from our experience that might make yours easier. This isn't an exhaustive list, but the tips below are some of the most important to take care of before you leave.

• Start getting rid of your stuff early. This process takes time, especially if you plan to sell items. Recycle shops (リサイクルショップ, risaikuru shoppu) pay for various goods, but if making cash is your goal, try selling them elsewhere (such as online) first. Some shops will dispose of items they won't accept for a small fee. For large items, seek out stores that offer pick-up services — again, they may charge a fee to trash items they can't sell.

Some of our furniture was new, but all of the recycle shops in our area said it was unsellable. No one else wanted any of it, so we had no choice but to trash the lot. One shop offered to get rid of some of the furniture for free, but we had to pay them to take the washing machine.