If you are seeking a new and exciting adventure then moving to a new country might bring you that much needed change. Some of the benefits of leaving your comfort zone behind include better job opportunities, soaking up a new culture and making new friends.
Once you have made the decision to move the stressful task of planning begins and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with all the details that need to be taken care of.
Here are a few steps you should follow to help plan your move and minimize stress.
Moving Day
If you need to make special allowances for parking space for the removal lorry on moving day, contact the local commune so they can arrange this with the police. It is known as an emplacement de parking.
Rental contract
Tenants in Belgium are entitled to leave a property as long as three months’ notice of departure is given and rent is paid during this period. However, if moving from a property which was rented for less than three years, an indemnity may be owed to the landlord, which can be up to three month’s rent. The tenancy agreement will give details of the notice period.
Utility Bills
As is the case with any move, there are utility bills that will need to be paid for. Electricity, Gas, council tax and any other bills will need to be up to date and it’s advisable to let the companies know up to five months in advance.
Mail Re-direct
It’s a good idea to opt for a mail re-direct so that when you leave you don’t need to return to collect important letters and so that things don’t get lost. Some post offices provide fairly cheap deals so that you can inform companies that you have moved, as well as family and friends.
Education
If you have children ensure you give the school a reasonable amount of notice before your moving date. Check if there are any outstanding bills for school fees, transport expenses or meals to be settled before you move.
Request recent reports and certificates of grades passed by your child as you might need to pass these on to the new school. It’s a good idea to leave your new address with the school so you don’t miss out on any correspondence.
Banking
A Belgian bank account should be kept open for a short period to settle final bills (in Euros). Any direct debits in place should be cancelled and credit card companies will need to be notified of a new address for statements.
Many banks allow clients to close accounts and change addresses online. If this service is not available, accounts should be closed in person or by sending a letter via registered mail. Depending on the destination, some animals may require a period of quarantine.
Animals
Moving your pets overseas will require documentation and possible additional vaccinations or medical treatment.
Most domestic pets require documentation before they can travel. The EU pet passport covers dogs, cats and ferrets for movement within Europe and the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) allows qualifying domestic pets to travel to and from the UK without a period of quarantine. Local vets can provide information and documentation.
Travelling to other EU destinations with pets with passports (cats, dogs and ferrets) is relatively straightforward, relocating to a non-EU country may be more complicated. Contact the Embassy in the new country of residence for up-to-date information.
The Belgian authorities ask that departing dog owners contact the central database for pet information if they have micro-chipped animals which they have registered in the country.
As a general rule, animals have to travel in approved containers and by approved routes. Be aware that sudden outbreaks of diseases (such as avian flu) can affect pet travel.