Moving to Belgium is not something to be done without preparation: it's better to be ready for each step to ensure everything goes smoothly. From choosing an international mover to customs procedures, including insurance, inventory, and waybill, this article guides you step-by-step to successfully settle in whether you are coming from an EU country or abroad.
Planning your move to Belgium
Moving to Belgium with all your belongings can be quite complicated. You need to think ahead and organize yourself before you even begin.
When planning, you can hire professional movers. They will handle the formalities, pack and load your belongings, then unpack and unload them at your destination. They can even transport your pets to Belgium safely. You can find these professional movers in the online Yellow Pages or in the "Useful Links" section of this article and request a quote. You can also find reviews to help you make your decision.
In your quote request, you will need to provide your old address, indicate your new address, and the volume of goods to be moved. This information will determine the means of transport (container, truck, ship, etc.) required and the additional services to be included in the final price.
The moving process in Belgium
You can always send most of your belongings to your new home in advance.
Most companies today offer secure temporary storage while you settle in.
This option will incur additional fees. However, you can always ask the initial mover or a second one to move your belongings to your new address when you are finally ready to move in.
Inventory before moving
Some movers will have you sign an inventory or condition report, others will not. But regardless of the method, we strongly recommend that you always list your personal effects to be able to produce a valuation statement. This will help you determine a compensation amount in case of breakage or theft. Be sure to read every clause in the contract.
Insurance in case of damage
Once you have obtained a valuation statement for your goods, the movers will offer you insurance to cover potential damages.
The cost will depend on the declared value of your goods: the higher it is, the higher the premium will be.
In any case, the movers must provide you with an insurance certificate. If it is not in the initial file, demand it.
The waybill
The final step is to sign a "waybill". This document is essentially the go-ahead for the mover to take your goods to Belgium. It must specify the conditions under which you have agreed to sign the moving contract (terms and conditions, means of transport, volume, your contact details, as well as those of the mover, etc.)
Some international moving companies allow their clients to pay in two installments: upon loading the goods and the rest upon delivery. However, you can choose to pay in full or even negotiate to spread the amount over several installments. For example, you might propose to pay 20% when the movers arrive to pack and remove your belongings, then the rest later.
Choosing an international mover
There is an International Federation of Movers; you can choose one from them as well as from the Belgian Chamber of Movers. Both institutions have their own websites. You will find their contact details in the "Useful Links" section of this article.
Customs formalities in Belgium
No formalities apply to the importation of personal effects from any EU or EEA country. There are no customs duties either.
However, certain goods (such as alcohol, tobacco, or certain excise goods) remain subject to VAT and quantity restrictions.
If you import personal effects from a non-EU/EEA country, customs formalities will apply, and customs duties or VAT may be required. These goods must be intended exclusively for your personal use and not purchased for resale.
Useful Links:
FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers (in English)
FIDI - International Federation of International Removers (in English)
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
