A temporary home

If you have nowhere to stay when you arrive in Belgium, an apartment hotel may be the solution. They don’t often come cheap, but they’re usually comfortable, well-located and well-equipped to see you through the first few weeks or months.

It’s still important to do some preliminary research, as accommodation can range from basic to lavish. The most upmarket ones may have a Jacuzzi in the bathroom and a gym and sauna in the building, while others offer a full range of business services such as internet connections, fax and secretarial services.

Once settled in, you can take advantage of your new home. Most of these rented places will feel warm and welcoming but, unlike in hotels, you are normally allowed to rearrange furniture and add personal touches, such as family pictures and favourite posters.

Some apartments come unfurnished, in which case you’ll need to add a few objects to make them liveable. There are a handful of companies in Belgium that specialise in providing rented furniture to newcomers. You can rent anything from a bed to a TV, and if you order online, you can get the furniture installed before you set foot inside your new place. Ordering a pre-arranged selection of furniture can be a big time-saver, and it can sometimes be available within hours. If you want to buy the furniture after using it, many companies offer a ‘rent-to-buy’ option where you pay the price over the course of a few years.

TIP

Renting furniture

Interior Rent: tel 03/860.77.00 www.interiorrent.com

In-Lease: tel 03/238.74.66 www.in-lease.com