Moving to Belgium from UK: The Complete Guide

Traditional Brussels townhouses next to a modern glass office building, showing the mix of old and new architecture you can enjoy after moving to Belgium with VANonsite European removals

Table of Contents

Moving to Belgium from UK should feel thrilling, not stressful. Picture this: boxes packed with care, documents sorted, and a calm, punctual man and van team that treats your memories like treasure. With VANonsite you get precision packing, white glove options, and live GPS on every load. We right size the vehicle from 5 m³ to 90 m³ so you pay only for the space you need. From London terraces to Antwerp townhouses, we choreograph every step so you arrive rested and ready.

This outline is your high converting, search friendly blueprint. It reads naturally, guides you through post Brexit rules, and shows exactly how to plan house removals UK to Belgium without drama.

Secondary keywords to weave in naturally: moving from uk to belgium, house removals uk to belgium

TL;DR

  • Book a trusted man and van for fast, secure house removals UK to Belgium, even last minute
  • Track every mile with live GPS and proactive ETA updates from pickup to delivery
  • Master post Brexit paperwork with official links for customs, residence, vehicles, and pets
  • Pick the perfect van size from 5 m³ to 90 m³ for honest pricing and fewer trips
  • Add expert packing, white glove care for art and antiques, and secure storage in Brussels
  • Timed delivery windows across Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, and Charleroi with on site care
  • Start now with an instant, transparent quote at Removals to Belgium

Why Choose VANonsite

You are not just moving things. You are moving a life. That calls for a partner who is quick, careful, and completely transparent. VANonsite blends precision with heart so your moving from UK to Belgium story stays calm from start to finish.

What you feel on moving day

  • Relief because your man and van crew arrives on time, uniformed, and ready
  • Control because every load is visible through real time GPS tracking
  • Care because we treat heirlooms and everyday items with the same respect

What we actually do

  • Rapid bookings including reliable Last Minute Moving when plans change fast
  • Specialist handling with White Glove Delivery for art, antiques, and designer furniture
  • Right sized fleet so you never pay for empty space, from 5 m³ to 90 m³
  • Clear communication across the EU with punctual crews and decisive coordination
  • Door to door attention with packing, loading, delivery, and placement by room

Prefer to keep things simple? Choose transport only. Want it effortless? Add full packing and white glove placement. Either way, you stay in the loop with GPS and friendly updates.

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Brexit Essentials: Visas, Customs, Registration

Brexit changed the paperwork. The good news is that a clear, simple checklist keeps everything on track. Follow these steps and lean on us for inventories and timing.

Step 1. Confirm your right to live in Belgium

Step 2. Prepare your moving documents

  • Valid passport for each traveller
  • Proof of residence in Belgium such as a lease or employer letter
  • Detailed inventory of household goods with values for high value items
  • If you are a student or on assignment, keep study or employment documents handy

Step 3. Understand customs for household goods

Step 4. Vehicles and driving

Step 5. Pets

Good to know

  • Keep digital copies of all documents in your phone and cloud
  • Label boxes clearly and keep a small folder with passports, keys, and contracts with you
  • We prepare customs ready inventories when they are required and sync delivery with your registration timeline

That is the paperwork in plain English. Short, simple, official links only, and support from a team that has done this hundreds of times.

Step by Step Timeline

Use this simple, stress saving timeline to keep your move on the rails. Short tasks, smart sequencing, zero chaos.

WhenWhat to do
10 weeks outMap your dates, shortlist neighborhoods, request your quote, pick a service level
8 weeks outDecide van size, start decluttering, check schooling and healthcare options, book days off work
6 weeks outBook Packing Services or order materials, notify landlord, apply for temporary parking if required
4 weeks outBuild your document pack, confirm insurance, list bulky furniture, measure stairwells and doors
2 weeks outFinalise inventory, separate valuables, back up data, confirm access codes and loading bays
1 week outPack non essentials, defrost freezer, drain appliances, label by room and color, prepare an essentials box
72 hours outPhotograph cable setups, stage boxes by room, set aside passports and keys, confirm GPS link delivery
24 hours outReserve lift covers, protect floors, clear hallways, check weather and traffic for the route
Moving dayWalkthrough with crew, lift protection, sign inventory, share GPS link with family, meter readings
Arrival dayKeys ready, parking spot secured, rooms labeled, priority box opened, appliances placed but not yet plugged
First week in BelgiumRegister address, set up utilities, waste collection, and insurance updates

Micro checklists

  • Packing kit – double wall boxes, wardrobe cartons, tape, labels, bubble wrap, sofa and mattress covers
  • Admin – passports, residence proof, employment or study docs, insurance, pet and vehicle papers
  • Access – lift booking, parking permits or loading bay, door measurements, stair widths, tight corners
  • Essentials box – keys, chargers, medication, snacks, kettle, cups, basic tools, cleaning wipes

Pro tip: Share photos of tight turns and stairwells. We will tailor the man and van plan and bring hoists or stair climbers if needed.

Vehicle Options and What Fits

Right sizing saves money and time. Think in two dimensions – volume and weight. Furniture is bulky but often light. Books and appliances are dense. We balance both so your move stays efficient and safe.

OptionApprox. VolumeMax LoadIdeal For
Moving Basic5 m³300 kgStudent room, 20–30 boxes, small desk, TV
Moving Medium10 m³600 kg1 bedroom flats, 35–50 boxes, compact wardrobe
Moving Premium15 m³1000 kg2 bedroom homes, sofa set, dining table
Moving Premium Plus30 m³3500 kgFamily moves, multiple wardrobes, appliances
Moving Full House XXL90 m³20000 kgWhole house removals UK to Belgium

Quick fit guide

  • 5 m³ – 20 to 30 boxes, two chairs, light shelving, essentials
  • 10 m³ – 35 to 50 boxes, double mattress, compact wardrobe, medium appliances
  • 15 m³ – 60 to 80 boxes, sofa, dining set, wardrobes, washing machine
  • 30 m³ – typical 2 to 3 bedroom contents, bikes, larger appliances
  • 90 m³ – full house with garden tools, bulky furniture, long distance consolidation

How to choose

  • If unsure, choose one size up to avoid extra trips
  • Mix packing services with 10 m³ and above to maximise space usage
  • Tell us about elevators, stair turns, and parking so we allocate the right crew
  • For heirlooms or designer pieces, ask for white glove handling

Weight matters

  • Boxes of books add up fast. Split heavy items across boxes
  • Keep box weight friendly for safe lifting
  • Appliances travel upright and secured for stability

Need help? Ask our coordinator to right size your man and van so you only pay for the space you truly need.

Packing Like a Pro

Packing is where moves are won or lost. Do it right and everything feels lighter. Do it fast and smart and your man and van team can load like clockwork. Here is a no nonsense system that protects your memories and speeds up delivery.

Essential materials

MaterialWhy it mattersUse it forNotes
Double wall boxesStrong walls resist crushingBooks, kitchenware, electronicsKeep weights friendly per box
Wardrobe cartonsZero crease hanging spaceCoats, suits, dressesMove hangers straight in
Sofa and mattress coversClean arrival, no snagsUpholstery, mattressesTape the openings after loading
Bubble wrap and foam cornersShock absorptionFrames, mirrors, glassAdd rigid card to stop flex
Heavy duty tape and labelsSecure, scannableAll boxesSeal H pattern, label two sides

Room by room strategy

  • Kitchen – wrap plates vertically with paper, pad pans, and use dividers for glasses
  • Living room – remove TV stands, pack remotes and cables in a labeled zip bag
  • Bedrooms – wardrobe cartons save time and protect clothes from dust
  • Bathroom – seal liquids in bags, then box in a plastic tote to prevent leaks
  • Garage – empty fuel from mowers and tools and wipe down before packing

Fragile and valuable items

  • Create a soft bed of paper at the bottom of fragile boxes
  • Wrap each item individually and fill voids so nothing rattles
  • Keep jewellery, documents, and small valuables with you during travel
  • For marble, mirrors, or art, ask about custom crates and white glove handling

Labelling that speeds the unload

  • Color code by room and write destination room at the top corner
  • Add a one line contents note such as Plates – fragile or Kids room toys
  • Number boxes per room so you can check the count at delivery

The do not pack box

Keep a single box with must haves you will open first:

  • Passports, keys, chargers, medication
  • Kettle, cups, snacks, basic tools
  • Cleaning wipes, bin bags, paper towels

Need help or short on time? Book our Packing Services and we will bring materials, pack methodically, and hand you the room labels so unloading is blissfully simple.

Costs Explained

Clear pricing removes stress. Your quote reflects distance, volume, time on site, and the service level you choose. Here is how costs work and the smart ways to keep them lean without cutting care.

Drivers

  • Route and distance
    • Ferries or tunnels on UK routes can affect timing
  • Van size and volume
    • Right sizing avoids paying for empty space or extra trips
  • Access and floors
    • Long walks, narrow stairs, or lift bookings add handling time
  • Packing level and special handling
    • Owner packed is cheapest, white glove adds protection and time
  • Parking permits and waiting time
    • City centers may require temporary bays or occupation permits

Savings playbook

  • Declutter before we arrive and list bulky items precisely
  • Reserve lifts and loading bays in advance to avoid waiting
  • Pack non fragile items yourself and leave delicate pieces to us
  • Choose flexible delivery windows when possible
  • Share photos and measurements so we bring the perfect crew and gear

What defines a man and van price

  • Volume in m³ plus crew hours on collection and delivery
  • Travel time between UK address and Belgian destination
  • Any extras such as hoists, stair climbers, or shuttle vehicles

Simple matrix (illustrative only)

Move typeVolumeServiceTypical vanRoute styleCost signal
Compact flat10–15 m³Man and vanMedium or PremiumShort to mid distance€€
Family home30 m³Mixed packingPremium PlusMid to long distance€€€
Full house90 m³Full serviceFull House XXLLong distance Europe wide€€€€

Quote accuracy checklist

  • Full postcodes and any access notes for both addresses
  • Floor number, lift size, and distance from parking to door
  • Inventory of large furniture and approximate box count
  • Special items such as pianos, safes, art, or oversized wardrobes
  • Preferred dates and delivery window flexibility

Ready for numbers that fit your plan? Get a precise, transparent quote now at Removals to Belgium.

City Delivery Expertise

City moves reward good planning. Belgian cities are beautiful, compact, and busy. We coordinate permits, loading bays, stair protection, and timing so your man and van crew glides through arrival without fuss.

How we handle cities

  • We pre check access, lift sizes, and walking distances from parking to entrance
  • We advise on temporary parking bays or occupation permits where required
  • We bring floor runners, door protectors, and clean blankets for neat hallways
  • We time deliveries to match concierge hours and quiet periods

At a glance: city specifics

CityCommon constraintsWhat we doYour quick action
BrusselsBusy EU quarter, tight streets, delivery windows in some blocksReserve loading bay where possible, liaise with conciergeShare building rules and lift dimensions
AntwerpHistoric center, occasional low emission restrictions, cobbled lanesUse smaller shuttle van if streets are narrowTell us your street access and preferred time
GhentCanal houses, variable stair widths, cycling zonesBring stair protection and extra porters for long carriesMeasure tight turns and send photos
LeuvenUniversity traffic, limited day time slots in some areasPre book slot, prioritise early morning arrivalsConfirm exam periods or building quiet hours
CharleroiWider avenues but mixed parking rules near flatsArrange temporary bay or park and shuttleShare distance from parking to entrance

Local landing pages

Parking and permits, made simple

  • Many communes expect a temporary occupation permit or a signed loading bay for moving day
  • Tell us your exact address and we will advise and arrange where possible
  • If your lift is small, we plan a shuttle or balcony hoist and protect door jambs

Need a safe place between keys? Add secure storage and scheduled redelivery: Self Storage Bruxelles

Popular Cross Border Routes

Crossing the Channel adds moving parts. We simplify it with clear ETAs, customs ready inventories when needed, and GPS you can share with family. Here are frequent UK to Belgium routes and what to expect.

Typical UK to Belgium runs

UK originBelgium destinationApprox. distanceTypical transit windowNotesSuggested van options
LondonAntwerp360 km via tunnel or ferry1 to 2 daysTime slots near historic center helpMoving Medium, Moving Premium
ManchesterBrussels700 km1 to 2 daysPlan for city delivery windowsMoving Premium, Premium Plus
BirminghamGhent500 kmSame or next dayCanal area access may be tightMoving Premium
EdinburghLeuven1000 km2 to 3 daysOvernight staging improves precisionPremium Plus
BristolCharleroi650 km1 to 2 daysConfirm parking bay near entranceMoving Premium

Route checklist

  • Passports or ID ready and easily accessible
  • Inventory of household goods if required by your route
  • Ferry or tunnel booking aligned with your preferred delivery window
  • Parking bay or concierge slot reserved at destination

Related pages

Want exact timing for your address pair? Ask for a tailored ETA with your quote and track every mile with live GPS.

Create confidence with common journeys and clear time windows.

  • London to Antwerp
  • Manchester to Brussels
  • Birmingham to Ghent
  • Edinburgh to Leuven
  • Bristol to Charleroi

Related pages:

FAQs

Do I need a visa or residence permit?
It depends on your status. Start with the official guidance from the Belgian Immigration Office. After arrival, register your address with your local commune here: Residence registration. Our team times delivery so you can attend appointments calmly.

What customs forms are needed for household goods?
Used personal belongings usually enter smoothly. Keep a clear inventory and proof of residence. Check the rules at Belgian Customs and Excise. If your route involves the UK border, review UK guidance on moving goods to the EU. We prepare customs ready inventories when needed.

Can I take my car to Belgium?
Yes. First, read UK rules on taking vehicles out of the UK and the DVLA page to export a vehicle. On arrival in Belgium, register the car with the DIV: Vehicle registration.

What about pets?
Plan early. Check the UK rules for pet travel to the EU here: Taking your pet abroad. Keep vaccination records and microchip details handy. We can schedule breaks and gentle handling around pet needs.

Can I track my shipment?
Yes. Every load includes live GPS from pickup to delivery. Your link updates in real time so you can share it with family.

How long does house removals UK to Belgium take?
Typical windows: London to Antwerp 1 to 2 days. Manchester to Brussels 1 to 2 days. Edinburgh to Leuven 2 to 3 days. Timing depends on ferry or tunnel slots and access at each address.

Do I need a parking permit or loading bay?
Many communes require a temporary occupation permit or a reserved bay for moving day. Share your exact address and we will advise and help arrange it. Plan several days in advance.

What items are restricted or not allowed?
We cannot carry flammables, gas cylinders, paints, or hazardous chemicals. Plants and perishables are discouraged on long routes. Tell us about safes or pianos so we plan specialist handling.

Do you offer storage if my keys are delayed?
Yes. Secure short or long term options with itemised inventories. See Self Storage Bruxelles.

Can you provide packing materials and white glove care?
Absolutely. Order materials or book full packing. For art, antiques, and designer pieces choose White Glove Delivery and Packing Services.

How do I estimate volume for a quote?
Count boxes and list large furniture. Photos help. Our coordinator will right size the van between 5 m³ and 90 m³ so you avoid extra trips. Start here: Removals to Belgium.

Are my goods insured during transit?
Yes. Standard goods in transit cover applies. Ask about enhanced cover for high value items.

Do you offer man and van only?
Yes. Choose transport only or add packing and placement. Either way you get careful loading, clear communication, and GPS transparency.

Summary: Moving to Belgium from UK

Moving should feel simple and secure. This complete guide walked you through visas and customs, a stress saving timeline, smart packing, right sized vans from 5 m³ to 90 m³, clear costs, city permits, popular routes, and an FAQ you can trust. With VANonsite you get a caring man and van crew, white glove options, and live GPS on every mile so you stay in control.

At a glance

  • Brexit essentials with official links and plain English steps
  • Packing tactics that protect fragile pieces and speed unloading
  • Van sizing that prevents overpaying and extra trips
  • Honest pricing drivers and a savings playbook
  • Local delivery expertise in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Charleroi
  • Flexible storage and last minute moving when plans change

Ready to move with confidence? Get your instant quote at Removals to Belgium or explore city pages for local tips.

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Meet Our Team: Moving with Mike

Planning an international move and have questions? Meet Mike, our sales specialist at Vanonsite. Mike is ready to answer your questions and help plan your perfect move.

How Can Mike Help You?

With extensive experience in international relocations, Mike will help you choose the right package and estimate the size of your belongings. Contact him for professional assistance.

Get in Touch with Mike

  • Video Consultations: Schedule a convenient time

Contact Mike today to ensure your move goes smoothly and stress-free!

Saving Time, Saving Money - Elevating Your Moving Experience

At Vanonsite, we understand that every move is unique. That’s why we offer moving services that are fully customizable to meet your unique needs.

From selecting the size of the transport to the flexibility of schedules, down to tailor-made logistic solutions – our ‘Simple Moving Service’ is a testament to personalization.

Whether you’re moving from an apartment, a house, or need to transport special items, our services are designed to cater to your specific requirements.

With Vanonsite, you can be assured that every aspect of your move will be meticulously planned and tailored to your expectations, providing a personalized and seamless experience.

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