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Shipping to Belgium
Are you looking to move to Belgium? You might have heard rumours about lots of chocolate and beer, but these are just a few of the many reasons to move to this charming country.
Planning a move abroad is a strenuous task that requires a great deal of thought and planning. You will need to use an experienced removals company to ensure that your personal belongings arrive safely and sound.
GoodMove can transport your belongings by sea or road. We are part of an extensive relocation network that has helped thousands of families move overseas.
We can also offer short and long-term storage facilities at reasonable rates. This service may be of use if you renting a property in Belgium before you buy.
To find out more about the removal and storage services we offer call us today. Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form above and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Why Choose Us for Removals to Belgium?
Moving with GoodMove couldn’t be simpler. Our experienced and friendly team will be on hand to guide you throughout the process and will tailor your move to your time and budget.
We pack your belongings using a bespoke range of packing materials and deliver them right to your new home using our extensive fleet of vehicles. We can supply the following materials so all your items can be packed properly and avoid any damage in transit:
- Boxes
- Packing Paper
- Packing Cases
- Book Cartons
- Packing Tape
- Wine dividers
- Acid free paper (for silverware)
- Portable Wardrobes
- Bubble Wrap
Once we ascertain the volume of effects being moved we will send you a free no obligation written quotation. If satisfied we will then provide you with a full schedule detailing every aspect of your move, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.
We also offer a range of flexible storage solutions should you wish to take advantage of them.
Why Move to Belgium?
Located in Western Europe, Belgium makes up one-third of the prosperous Benelux nations. The other two being the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Belgium also shares a border with Germany in the north and the east, and France in the west and south.
Three official languages are spoken: Dutch, French and German. These are important as Belgium is divided geographically and politically along its language borders into two distinct regions: Flanders and Wallonia.
Having said that, the country is very multi-cultural and expat-friendly. A community of 750,000 expats live in Belgium, almost a tenth of the population.
If you are planning to relocate to Belgium, you can look forward to a high standard of living coupled with excellent health care, education and public facilities. All of this is made available due to a very high tax but progressive tax system.
The capital city of Brussels, is often regarded as the gourmet capital of Europe and offers a wide range of delicacies. This includes Moules, the national dish of steaming mussels and Boulet à la liégeoise, a classic meatball.
If you enjoy beer and chocolate you will love Belgium as both are specialities and come in every colour, size and taste.
Belgium enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. As such Belgians enjoy an active lifestyle of various activities, including cycling and mountain climbing.
There are also more castles per square kilometre in Belgium than there are in any other country in the world. It is certainly a festival loving country too. In summer, you can attend a different festival every weekend.
Filling your spare time in Belgium will not be difficult.
Working in Belgium
EU nationals have the right to live and work in Belgium. The only requirement being that they must register for a residence permit once they receive a job offer.
Belgium is home to many working opportunities with many of the continent’s multinationals housed here. Brussels is also home to EU institutions, NATO and lots of other major international organisations.
If you have the right skills and experience needed to perform the tasks of an IT professional. Or you have skills in the field of engineering then getting work in Belgium should not pose a problem.
Work permit applications are dealt by regional capitals. Although legislation for the processing of these permits is more or less the same, the process may differ in each region.
For the best chance of finding a job in Belgium it is highly recommended that you speak two languages. Whilst English is spoken at some level by most people, it is seen as an added advantage if you can speak either Dutch, French or German.
Property Prices in Belgium
Purchasing a new house or an apartment Brussels can be a great investment for expats moving to Belgium. As with all countries, where you live can have an impact on the property value.
Property prices in Brussels and Antwerp can be cheaper than those of the UK, and you tend to get a lot more for your money.
As a guide, you can buy a family sided three bedroomed home close to Brussels for as little as €350,000 (£307,000).
If you are looking to rent first, serviced, furnished apartments offer short to long term leases. These provide you with all the amenities, and spare you much of the moving hassle. Renting is also a more flexible option and gives you time to know the areas you would like to live long-term.
Currently, the average cost to rent a three-bedroom apartment in the city is €1135 (£996). A similar home on the outskirts of the city is €927 (£814).
Education in Belgium
There are three different national education systems in Belgium. The French, Flemish and German regions each have their own government-run education system which corresponds with the regional language.
Education is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 18 for Belgians. The secondary education system is of a very high standard. Expat families need to apply for spaces urgently if they want to ensure their children get into the school of their choice.
Belgium has the third highest proportion of 18- to 21-year-olds enrolled in postsecondary education, at 42%.
The preferred option for expats is either private education or International schooling. These schools can administer non-Belgian exams such as the SATs and the worldwide recognisable, International Baccalaureate.
Students are also likely to find a wider range of extra-curricular activities than what is offered in traditional Belgium public schools. There is almost certainly a high cost attached to both options. You may find that your employment contract may cover at least some of the costs involved.
Travel in Belgium
Belgium has a comprehensive and efficient rail network which offers the most efficient way of getting around.
Larger towns and cities have plenty of train stations to choose from and rail travel is one of the most popular modes of transport in the country.
The country has an established bus network for both inner and intercity travel and many cities also have the option to travel by trams.
If you opt for driving in Belgium, you need to do some homework first. You should apply for an International driving licence. Most Belgians find it is not necessary to own a vehicle. Those wishing to drive will find that driving in Belgium is quite easy.
National roads in are generally well-maintained and toll-free motorways connect all major towns and cities. One thing that expats may take a while to get used to is the road signage, which can be confusing at times.
Belgian Healthcare
The Belgian healthcare system is one of the best in Europe.
As soon as you move to Belgium, you must register with a state insurance scheme called a mutuelle or ziekenfonds.
The system is divided into state and private sectors, with fees payable in both, funded by a combination of Belgian social security contributions and health insurance funds.
With mandatory health insurance, patients are free to choose their own medical professionals and places of treatment.
You can also choose to take out further private health insurance cover and there are plenty of institutions with health plans to suit all personal circumstances.
Currency Conversion
The Euro (€) is the current official currency of Belgium.
ATMs are widespread and common throughout Belgium’s cities and towns. Almost all banks have ATMs located inside their lobbies, so finding an ATM is as easy.
They can even be found in some of the country’s small villages.
When you are relocating to a new country, making sure you get the best currency exchange rate possible is crucial. Moving large amounts of money, such as when you purchase a new home, could potentially increase your return substantially.
If you want to beat your banks rates and services, simply contact our trusted FX partners, Frontierpay. Opening an account with them couldn’t be simpler and it is totally free of charge. You can compare their rates with your own bank and see how much you can save.
Shipping My Effects to Belgium
The whole moving experience can be incredibly stressful, especially so when relocating abroad. GoodMove has over 35 years of experience in the removal industry and can help make the process a lot less traumatic.
We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation. It will be carried out by one of our qualified surveyors, who will able to answer any of the questions and concerns you have and offer advice where necessary.
The purpose of the survey is to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping. The cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in the container. Following the visit, you will receive a written quotation.
Export Packing for Removals to Belgium from UK
You will want to know that during your door to door service, your possessions are treated with respect and care. Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export.
We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move. All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons.
Furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection. Items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates.
Upon arrival at your residence in Belgium, our trusted agents will place boxes and furniture in appropriate rooms as directed. They will unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials.
Storage
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions for a period of time prior to moving abroad.
Our depots offer secure containerised storage in personal dedicated storage containers. All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873. Just speak to our surveyor for further information.
Our partners in Belgium can also offer you storage. You may be renting for a while and may not need all of your effects to be delivered immediately. You can arrange for certain items to be delivered and once settled in your new home, the rest can follow. Please note that storage rates may apply.
Contact GoodMove
For further information on our removals service to Belgium, or any other international destination, contact our international office on 01489 854175. Alternatively complete the form below with your details and we will contact you.
Why Choose Us?
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Our experienced team of removals specialists have been relocating customers all over the world since 1984.
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With a reputation for outstanding customer service, there's no better choice of removals firm for your next move.
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Our friendly support team are always on hand to offer help and guidance, whenever when you need it.