What should I do when moving home?

You should, of course, start arranging your move after finding your dream home. Even thought you’ve probably spent hours on all the property platforms out there, you can use Immoscoop to find your perfect rental house or apartment. You’ll give yourself a head start because you’ll get to view properties that can’t be found anywhere else.

If you also own a property that still has to be sold, you can go about that in several ways. For complete peace of mind, it’s best to engage the services of an estate agent thanks to Immoscoop in KBC Mobile. 

If you're currently renting, inform the landlord by registered letter that you are ending your tenancy. You should do this three months in advance. Agree on times at which prospective tenants can look round the rented property.

Are you leaving the rented house or apartment in its original condition? Good – that means you'll get all of your deposit back. But you'll have to draw up an inventory first.

Tip: carry out any repairs to your rental property first. Remember to fill in holes you've drilled in the wall and put right any other minor damage to avoid any run-ins with the landlord. You'll then be able to move out with total peace of mind.

You’re now a month away from moving, which means it’s time to inform your electricity, natural gas and water suppliers. Ask them what to do about the meter readings. You need to check them in your new home, too, preferably on the day you get the keys. Use the energieovernamedocument for this, and have it signed by the landlord at the same time. Ready? Send the form to your supplier within five working days.

• Your employer
  

Inform your health insurance fund two weeks before your moving date. And don't forget your employer. They will pass on your new address to the social insurance fund. You may also be able to request a day's leave so you have time to move all your stuff.

Self-employed? You'll have to inform all parties yourself. They are the social insurance fund, VAT office, social secretariat and commercial register.

If you receive a tide-over allowance or unemployment benefit, you should inform the Flemish Office for Employment and Vocational Training or Actiris of your change of address. Don't forget the National Employment Office and your payment agency.

And don’t forget to change your address with KBC Brussels. You can notify your KBC branch of your new address or use KBC Brussels Mobile or KBC Brussels Touch to update your address details.

How to change your address in KBC Brussels Mobile or KBC Brussels Touch:

• KBC Brussels Mobile

1. Log in to KBC Brussels Mobile
2. Tap the photo next to your name
3. Tap ‘Personal details’
4. Tap the icon at the top right and change your address

• KBC Brussels Touch

1. Log in to KBC Brussels Touch
2. Go to 'Profile' at the top right of your screen
3. Select 'Client details' and change your address

• The post office
  

Notify the post office of your new address a week before your moving date. With Bpost's moving service, all your mail will be sent to the new address.

Home insurance is a legal requirement in Belgium (except in Brussels, where it’s not currently mandatory but strongly recommended), so be sure to arrange that for your new place in good time. Should your (rental) home get damaged due to fire, water or natural disaster, home insurance will provide you with financial protection. That’s why it makes sense to be properly covered when moving to a new home.

• You've already taken out home insurance with KBC Brussels
  Drop by to adjust your policy based on your new home. Make an appointment
  
  
• You haven't taken out home insurance yet with KBC Brussels
  Work out the cost of insuring your house or apartment and then take out your home insurance online. Flexibility and convencience guaranteed! Choose your home insurance
  

• Use a removal firm
  

To ensure your moving day goes without a hitch, you need to get other people on board to help, such as a removal firm, for instance. If you want to use one, you should start looking three months before your move. Ask the removal firm to call round. You can then discuss the practicalities, such as which furniture you're taking to your new home and which you're leaving. You should also ask for a quote. Be aware that some removal firms charge a higher rate for moving on a Saturday.

• Packing
  

Manpower, lots of cardboard boxes and plenty of newspaper: that's all you need to pack up your stuff. Number all the rooms, boxes and furniture to make it easier to unpack. Also write on each box if the contents are fragile.

But what do you do about all the screws, bolts and locks for cupboards? Simple – just put them all in an envelope. You can tape them to one of the loose cupboard panels.

• Other practicalities
  

Lots of people take their freezer with them when moving to their new house or apartment. If you intend to do the same, put it on the highest setting the night before and make sure it remains upright during the actual move. Another useful tip is to load up the things you’ll need first right at the end.

When you arrive at your brand-new home, you should start by setting up your bathroom and bedroom, so you can get some rest after a long day moving house.

Act quickly and get registered with the local council (you have up to eight days to do so after moving).  The local council will inform the department at your previous municipality. Even the tax authorities will be informed for you. Have the registration document for your car or motorcycle altered within two weeks of moving. And while you're at it, you can ask what day the rubbish is collected. Very handy indeed!