Moving to Belgium from Netherlands is easier than you think. Short distance. Big life upgrade. Picture cobbled squares, warm waffles, and a fresh set of keys in your new Belgian doorway. Because you are moving within the EU, there is no complex customs process for normal household goods. What you do need is a crisp plan, the right paperwork, and a moving crew that protects your belongings as if they were their own.
Choose a partner that delivers speed and peace of mind. With VANonsite you get punctual teams, careful packing, and live GPS tracking from pickup to delivery.
TL:DR
Here are the essentials at a glance so you can move with confidence:
- EU move means simple rules. Register with your Belgian commune if you stay longer than 3 months and report short stays when required.
- Follow a clear 7 step timeline from booking to move in to avoid last minute stress.
- Bring the right documents. ID, proof of address, and health insurance are your core trio.
- Pick the perfect van size. From 5 m³ for micro moves up to 90 m³ for full house relocations.
- Control costs. Volume, access, and services shape your price. Declutter and choose mid week slots to save.
- Pack like a pro. Double wall boxes, smart labeling, and white glove care for fragile or designer pieces.
- Track everything. Your load is visible in real time with VANonsite’s GPS and responsive support.
Get a fast quote now: Removals to Belgium
Why Belgium is an easy next step
Moving from the Netherlands to Belgium is straightforward for EU citizens. You cross a friendly border, settle into a new commune, and register locally. The biggest wins for movers who plan well are speed, safety, and zero late surprises. With VANonsite you also get visible GPS tracking and responsive support in English, Dutch, and more.
Why people love this move
- Short travel time means less downtime for work and family.
- Familiar culture with fresh flavor. Dutch, French, and English are widely spoken.
- Excellent public transport and cycling infrastructure for easy city living.
- Dynamic hubs to choose from: Brussels for international careers, Antwerp for fashion and port industries, Ghent and Leuven for research and student life, Liège for logistics.
- Minimal red tape for household goods within the EU. Focus on registration, not customs.
How VANonsite removes friction
- Live GPS tracking so you always know where your belongings are.
- Trained crews for stairs, tight lifts, and fragile pieces.
- Optional disassembly and reassembly of furniture, bed frames, wardrobes.
- Floor and doorway protection, plus clean packing materials that do not shed.
- Certificates of insurance for buildings available on request.
- Storage solutions if keys or renovations are delayed.
Explore our specialist services:
- Last Minute Moving for urgent relocations and tight deadlines
- Furniture Removals for single items or full rooms with careful wrapping
- Home Removals for apartments and houses with predictable timing
- Packing Service with premium materials and room by room labeling
- White Glove Delivery for art, antiques, and designer pieces that demand extra care
- Office Removals with minimal downtime and staged handovers
- Storage on request for flexible handovers and staged moves
- Student Removals for compact, budget friendly relocations
Tip: Share photos or a short video walk through. We will estimate volume quickly and recommend the ideal van size.
Your 7‑Step Timeline
Eight to six weeks out
- Choose a move window and reserve your slot.
- Shortlist communes and neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and commute.
- Start a documents folder for IDs, contracts, and registrations.
- Decide on storage if there is a gap between handover dates.
- Measure large items and check access in both homes: lifts, stairwells, door widths.
- If your building requires it, request a certificate of insurance for moving day.
Four weeks out
- Book Packing Service or secure boxes, wrap, and labels.
- Notify your landlord, VvE, or building manager about the move date and lift reservation.
- Sell, donate, or recycle items you will not bring to shrink volume and price.
- Set up utilities in Belgium and schedule cancellations in the Netherlands.
- Choose internet and mobile providers and book installation dates.
- Flag any fragile, oversized, or high value items that need white glove care.
Two weeks out
- Confirm parking and loading permissions at both addresses; arrange temporary no parking zones if needed.
- Photograph valuables and record serial numbers for peace of mind.
- Pack non essentials and label boxes on two sides and the top.
- Share a simple floor plan so the crew can place boxes by room on arrival.
- Arrange childcare or pet care for a calmer moving day.
- Prepare a “do not move” bag with passports, keys, chargers, and medications.
Move week
- Empty, defrost, and drain appliances 24 to 48 hours before loading.
- Dismantle furniture that will not fit through doors and place fittings in labeled bags.
- Protect floors with blankets or cardboard and hold the lift if possible.
- Walk through your inventory with the team leader and confirm the route and ETA.
- Pack a first night kit: bedding, towels, basic cookware, toiletries, snacks, and tools.
Arrival day
- Supervise unloading and room by room placement using your labels and floor plan.
- Check furniture for stability, reassemble beds first, and test appliances.
- Take meter readings and photos at both properties for your records.
- Note any issues immediately so we can resolve them on the spot.
Within 10 days if short stay
- If staying under three months, report your presence to your commune and keep copies of your rental contract and ID ready.
Within first weeks if long stay
- Register your residence at the commune, then arrange health insurance with a mutuality.
- If relevant, explore driving licence exchange, vehicle registration, resident parking, and waste permits.
- Update banks, employer, and schools with your new address.
Required Documents and Registrations
These links take you to official government sources. Always check the latest requirements for your situation.
Residence registration for EU citizens
- What to do first
- If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, book a registration appointment with your local commune after you move in.
- Expect a police address check. An officer may visit to verify you actually live at the address you declare.
- At registration you receive a certificate of application and later your EU residence card once approved. Details and timelines: Right of entry and residence – EU citizen and Right of residence for more than three months.
- Documents to bring
- Valid passport or ID card
- Proof of Belgian address such as a rental contract or property deed
- 1 to 2 recent passport photos according to commune specs
- Proof of status depending on your case:
- Worker or self‑employed: employment contract or registration of self‑employment
- Student: school enrolment and proof of sufficient means
- Self‑sufficient: proof of funds and health insurance
- You may be asked for birth or marriage certificates for the population register.
- Short stays under 3 months
- Report your presence to the commune within 10 working days of arrival when required. Guidance: Obligation to report presence.
Health insurance
- Join a Belgian mutual health insurance fund to access reimbursements. Many communes ask for proof during registration. Learn how mutualities work and how to enroll: Mutual health insurance overview.
Driving licence
- EU licences are generally recognised in Belgium. In some cases you may need or choose to exchange it, for example after loss or expiry, or for certain categories. Rules and exceptions: Recognition of foreign driving licences.
Customs and personal goods inside the EU
- Moves between the Netherlands and Belgium usually do not require a customs declaration for normal household goods. See Belgian Customs: Moving from Belgium to an EU country.
Registration cheat sheet
| Situation | What the commune will usually ask for | Where to handle it | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worker or self‑employed | ID, rental contract, employment contract or self‑employment proof, health insurance | Local commune | Book soon after move in. Police address check can take 1 to 4 weeks |
| Student | ID, rental contract or dorm attest, school enrolment, proof of funds, health insurance | Local commune | Register within first weeks of arrival |
| Self‑sufficient | ID, address proof, bank statements or income proof, comprehensive health insurance | Local commune | Register within first weeks of arrival |
| Short stay under 3 months | ID, address details, sometimes proof of purpose of stay | Local commune | Report presence within 10 working days |
Cars, Pets, and Special Items
Registering a vehicle in Belgium
If you bring a car you intend to register in Belgium, follow this flow:
- Arrange Belgian motor insurance. Your insurer can start the registration with the DIV.
- Complete the registration application and pay the fee. Some cars need a technical inspection before registration, especially if previously registered abroad.
- Receive Belgian number plates and the registration certificate.
Official guidance: Registration and deregistration.
Driving licence recognition
For EU licences, recognition rules and exchange conditions are here: Foreign driving licences. For general EU rules, see EU licence recognition and exchange.
Pets
Moving with a dog or cat is smooth when you have:
- An EU Pet Passport issued by a veterinarian
- An ISO compatible microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel
Read official EU guidance: Travelling with pets in the EU and Belgian public health info: Travelling with pets.
What about customs?
Between the Netherlands and Belgium personal household goods usually do not require a customs declaration. Always check restrictions for excise goods, vehicles, weapons, and cultural goods on the Belgian Customs site.
Choose the Right Van Size
You get more control with the right capacity. Here is how our fleet maps to real life moves.
| VANonsite service | Capacity | Typical load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³, 300 kg | 10 to 15 medium boxes | Students, micro moves |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³, 600 kg | 1 studio set, small furniture | Partial apartment |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³, 1,000 kg | 1 bedroom, appliances, sofa | Standard apartment |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³, 3,500 kg | 2 to 3 bedrooms | Family move |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³, 20,000 kg | Full house, office floor | Big homes or offices |
If you are unsure, we will estimate your cubic meters in minutes and suggest the smartest option.
Smart moving essentials
Pricing factors and savings: Distance, total volume in cubic metres, weight, floors, long carries, packing time, special handling, and city permits shape your quote; to save, declutter early, donate heavy pieces you can replace, book mid week, bundle Packing Service with Furniture Removals, and reserve building lifts and loading bays in advance; Van planning: send quick photos or a short walk through and we will estimate m³ precisely so you choose the perfect fit from 5 m³ micro moves to 90 m³ full house relocations without paying for empty space; City permits, parking and low emission zones: some communes require short term loading permits and several cities use LEZ rules that restrict older vehicles, we secure permits and plan compliant routes while you confirm lift bookings, access codes, and a legal curbside spot; Popular routes and timing windows: most moving to Belgium from Netherlands jobs complete same day, for example Amsterdam to Brussels about 6 to 9 hours, Rotterdam to Antwerp 5 to 8, Eindhoven to Leuven 4 to 6, Utrecht to Ghent 6 to 9, depending on traffic, lift access, and walking distances; Move budget: think in five buckets, transport, packing, access, special care, storage, then trim costs by reducing volume, self packing non fragile items, securing closer parking, and booking white glove only for art or designer pieces; Materials and eco choices: double wall boxes, paper wrap, and wardrobe cartons protect better and can be reused, we recycle used cardboard and can provide reusable crates on request; Insurance and proof of coverage: your goods travel under appropriate cover, on request we issue building or VvE certificates of insurance and create photo inventories for high value items so any claim is simple and fast; Communication and tracking: you receive a single point of contact, live GPS tracking from pickup to delivery, and updates at key milestones so you always know what happens next; Office removals to Belgium: we minimise downtime with pre move surveys, colour coded labelling, IT crates, and evening or weekend slots, permits and building certificates handled end to end; Storage made simple: if keys slip or renovations overrun we hold your items short or long term and deliver straight to rooms when you are ready; Aftercare: we remove packing waste, can return for a second placement pass, and share quick fix guides for furniture care so your new home feels settled fast.
City permits, parking, and low emission zones
Belgian cities protect their streets. Some require a temporary parking or loading permit for removal vans. Several also operate a low emission zone that restricts older vehicles. We handle permits and route planning for you so delivery stays smooth.
What to expect
- Ask your building manager about any lift reservations and quiet hours.
- Some communes issue short term loading permits. Share your move date early so we can apply when needed.
- Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent operate low emission zones. Our fleet complies and we plan routes accordingly.
- If you plan to drive your own vehicle, check the official city website for entry rules before the big day.
Handy prep list
- Building or street access code
- Lift booking confirmation
- Preferred loading bay or nearest legal spot
- Contact person on site with phone number
Popular routes and timing windows
Every move is unique. Still, these typical windows help you plan your day. Times include loading, normal traffic, and unloading.
| Route | Typical time window |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam → Brussels | 6 to 9 hours door to door |
| Rotterdam → Antwerp | 5 to 8 hours door to door |
| Eindhoven → Leuven | 4 to 6 hours door to door |
| Utrecht → Ghent | 6 to 9 hours door to door |
Traffic, lift access, and walking distances can stretch these windows. Sharing photos helps us tune the ETA.
Move budget template
A smart budget brings peace of mind. Use this sample to pressure test your plan.
| Cost component | What it includes | How to reduce it |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Van, fuel, crew time | Choose mid week, reduce volume |
| Packing | Materials, wrapping, labeling | Declutter, pack non fragile items yourself |
| Access | Long carries, stairs, permits | Reserve lifts, secure a closer loading zone |
| Special care | Piano, art, aquariums | Book white glove only where needed |
| Storage | Short or long term | Combine deliveries to limit handling |
Insurance and proof of coverage
Your belongings deserve protection. We provide coverage suitable for cross border removals and can tailor limits for especially valuable shipments. On request we issue a certificate of insurance for your building or VvE. To maximise protection, tell us about high value pieces so we can document them, photograph condition, and prepare custom packing. Typical protection includes goods in transit cover for professionally packed items, optional extended cover for accidental damage, and specific declarations for art and instruments. Common exclusions everywhere in the industry include pre existing damage, inadequate customer packing, cash or jewellery, hazardous materials, and leaks from liquids, so flag anything unusual before move day. For a smooth claims process, keep your inventory, serial numbers, and photos handy and report issues promptly; we will guide you on next steps and repairs or replacement.
Office removals to Belgium
Business moves thrive on precision. We keep your teams productive with a focused plan: a pre move survey and inventory template that maps every department, colour coded labels and desk maps for quick reassembly, IT decommissioning and safe transport with screen sleeves and anti static wraps, and weekend or evening slots to limit downtime. We coordinate loading bay permits, lift reservations, and building COIs, then phase the move by team so critical functions stay live. On delivery we rebuild workstations to your plan, remove packing waste, and walk the floor with your lead to confirm readiness before staff arrive.
Storage made simple
Renovating or waiting for keys? We can hold your items short or long term. We pack, list, and load once into sealed, labelled containers so handling stays minimal. You receive a photo inventory and item numbers, making partial deliveries easy. Storage is clean and monitored, with access by appointment. When you are ready, we deliver straight to your door, place boxes by room, and reassemble furniture. Pro tip: separate seasonal items and archive boxes so they can stay in storage without blocking day to day essentials.
Packing Pro Tips
Smart packing stops damage before it starts. Use double wall boxes for books and plates and keep each box under a comfortable lifting weight. Wrap glasses vertically and fill gaps so nothing rattles. Label on two sides and the top using a simple code like Room Number plus Box Number, then add a short content note. Protect TVs in their original box or a dedicated TV carton. Remove bulbs and shades from lamps and wrap separately. Tape drawers shut, wrap mattresses in covers, and use wardrobe cartons for hanging clothes so they arrive crease free. Keep chargers, keys, and meds in your essentials bag together with a basic toolkit and first night bedding. Avoid bin bags for anything fragile and never pack liquids with soft goods. For art or designer pieces choose White Glove Delivery so we can fabricate custom crates and padding.
Moving Day Checklist
Night before
- Charge phones and power banks
- Pack your do not move bag with IDs, keys, contracts, chargers, medications, and a basic toolkit
- Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer, run a towel to catch condensation
- Confirm lift booking and parking plan with your building and neighbours
- Take final meter readings and photos, back them up to the cloud
Before the crew arrives
- Clear access and hold the lift
- Protect floors with blankets or cardboard
- Photograph condition of both homes
- Set aside items that must not be loaded and mark them clearly
- Secure pets in one room or arrange pet care
- Keep cash, jewellery, and important documents with you
During loading
- Keep passports and documents on you
- Walk the inventory with the team leader and confirm box count by room
- Verify lift protection and house rules with the crew
- Confirm the route, GPS tracking link, and ETA at the destination
- Keep pathways clear and children away from loading zones
On the road
- Stay reachable by phone
- Follow the GPS link to monitor progress
- If you are driving, check fuel, tolls, and any low emission zone rules for your route
At delivery
- Direct boxes to rooms by label color and code
- Assemble beds first for a calmer first night
- Check large appliances for level and connect safely
- Place felt pads under furniture feet to protect floors
- Keep packing materials in one spot for fast cleanup or reuse
- Sign off when you are happy
Within 72 hours after delivery
- Report any issues immediately and attach photos for quick resolution
- Register presence or complete commune registration steps if applicable
- Update your address with banks, employer, insurance, and subscriptions
- Book recycling pickup for flattened boxes or ask us to collect materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or permit to move from the Netherlands to Belgium?
If you are an EU citizen, you can move and live in Belgium. For stays over 3 months you register with your commune and follow the long stay process.
Do I need to declare my personal goods at customs?
Not within the EU for normal household goods. Check special rules for excise items and vehicles.
Will my Dutch driving licence work in Belgium?
Yes for EU licences. Some situations require an exchange. Check official guidance before you drive.
How far in advance should I book the move?
Two to four weeks is comfortable for popular routes. We also run Last Minute Moving when you need a fast turnaround.
Do Belgian cities require parking or loading permits?
Some communes do. Tell us your exact addresses and we will advise and apply where needed. Buildings may also ask for a certificate of insurance, which we can provide.
What van size fits a one bedroom apartment?
Most one bed moves land in the 15 m³ range. Larger furniture or heavy appliances may push you to 30 m³. Share photos and a quick list and we will size it precisely.
Can you dismantle and rebuild furniture?
Yes. We handle beds, wardrobes, tables, and modular systems. Hardware goes into labelled bags so nothing gets lost.
Do you offer storage if my keys are delayed?
Yes. We can store short or long term and deliver when you are ready.
How do I track my shipment?
We share a live GPS link so you can follow your van all the way and receive updates at key milestones.
Final Word
Moving to Belgium from the Netherlands becomes effortless when you follow a simple plan: pick your date, gather the essentials (ID, proof of address, health insurance), register with your commune for longer stays, and handle any vehicle or pet requirements ahead of time. This guide maps every step, from smart budgeting and permit checks to eco friendly materials, packing that prevents damage, and a calm moving day routine. Choose the right capacity for your home, from 5 m³ micro moves to 90 m³ full house relocations, keep costs in check by decluttering and booking mid week, and rely on live GPS tracking, insured transport, and professional assembly on arrival. If keys are delayed, short or long term storage keeps your timeline flexible, and for offices we stage moves so your teams stay productive. With punctual crews, careful handling, and precise communication, VANonsite turns a border hop into a smooth, secure start. Ready to move with confidence? Get your quote here: Removals to Belgium.
