Changing address in Belgium: a moving box of tips

We may move a lot, but that doesn’t mean we’re good at it

According to an internet survey, 53% of us move five times or more in our lifetime. As expats, this number is doubled, tripled – or perhaps you’ve just stopped counting. Still, no matter how many times we change addresses in life, the process never seems to get any easier – and Belgium is no exception to that.

So, the next time you are preparing to move from one Belgian abode to another, give your already mobile mind a well-needed rest: we’ve collected some useful information and resources to help the process go smoothly.

Checklists, checklists, checklists

No matter what kind of self-organiser you are, a moving checklist exists in the Belgian expat info-scape that meets your individual sorting logic.

Those who function better using a timeline: Dockx Movers offers a checklist organised by month, week and day. For those who like an extensive guide, Gosselin offers a very nice step-by-step guide. 

If you prefer having your information straight from the source, Belgium.be, New in Town and Irisnet.be offer by far the most detailed lists. Note that clicking on the “EN” version of these websites often means getting only a fraction of the information. The better technique remains using a online web-page translator of the French or Dutch pages.

Your address change companions: let’s just say it's complicated

In browsing the above checklists, you will discover that one simple address change involves interaction with numerous contacts. To ensure a blossoming relationship, read up on each one using the information below.  

Landlord – The trickiest relationship of your move. Giving the legally required notice (usually three months) to your tenant as well as dealing with the famous état-des-lieux (house inventory) are complicated processes. To avoid incurring penalties or losing your security deposit, get the upper hand in the relationship by learning about Belgium's pro-tenant rights , how to end a tenancy contract and how to deal legally with landlord disagreements.

Utilities – The Belgian website MesFournisseurs.be gives you detailed information about how to deal with each utility supplier during a move in its many Q&A sections.  Also, if moving is the occasion to reconsider a provider, this website is the place for comparing prices and plans throughout Belgium.

Insurance and banks – Make sure your insurance follows you as you move and to your new home. Also, make sure to pass by your bank to update your address.

The movers – Search for a certified Belgian mover in Belgium to guide you on how to handle moving day on your own. The Belgian Chamber of Movers is a great resource. Meanwhile, to ensure a happy moving company, follow these packing tips.

Administrative authorities – Your new commune’s town hall – found in this directory of 589 Belgian communes/gemeenten – is the place to go. Declaring your address change here will not only update your Belgian residence card, but the information will be applied to your social security, CPAS, mutuelle, tax authorities and beyond.

Post – Strangely, Belgian administration does not keep the post abreast of your postcode change. You must do this instead at the post office, or using DoMyMove. The Post also forwards mail for the first few months for a small fee.

Community and personal – Moving on to more everyday relationships, remember to inform your kids’ school as well as the family doctor of your move. If done in due time, your medical/academic files will be transferred before you arrive.

Nervous you’ve left someone out? Check this list of potential affected parties.

Complicated relationships are better well-documented

Warm up those printers and get your signing pen ready. Even in the 21st century, moving house remains a heavily documented affair. From the three months’ notice to terminate your lease with your landlord, to rescinding contracts with utilities, these parties want the break-ups in writing. What’s more, sticking to their old-fashioned ways, most of the concerned parties do not accept email break-ups as the real deal, so have some stamps on hand to send the documentation on its way.

 Photo by Flickr/colemama