Moving to Belgium? How to Prepare For Your Removal

Moving home to a new country is very exciting, but extremely difficult too. There are so many things that need to be taken care of that careful planning and proper organisation is vital. Read further to find out the most important aspects to take into account when it comes to removals to Belgium.

A Short Checklist for International Removals

·    Notify your local tax authorities that you are planning to leave the country, to make sure you don't pay additional taxes you may be exempt from as an expat

·      Find a new home – it's recommended to not jump right into buying. Find something temporary for the first year, until you're a more seasoned expat.

·     Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork for employment in Belgium

·     Cancel your current insurance policies and see if you can get some money back for the period after your cancellation

·      Find out about healthcare and medical insurance, and get this set up before moving

·    See if your current bank has a branch in The Battlefield of Europe and if they can manage your future needs

·     Obtain original copies of important documents, such birth certificate, driving license, diplomas, medical reports, etc.

·      Decide what to do with your current residence – sell, rent out or terminate lease

·      Choose a reliable company for handling removals and set up all the details ahead of time

·      Sell what you don't need or can't take with you

·      Start segregating the goods you will take with you

·      Deal with anything that needs to be returned or picked up (videos, library books, dry cleaning, etc.)

·      Yet more packing

·    Make sure you have enough money to hand for the trip and the first couple of weeks in your new country of residence

·      Book your transportation

·      Get ready for your new life!

Finding the Right Moving Company

All the steps listed above are highly important for your successful move. However, one of the aspects you must pay great attention to is finding the right company to relocate your belongings with, if you want everything to arrive at your new home safely and in a timely manner. One company renowned for its quality services is Speed Removals, a family-run business with extensive experience in relocations to Belgium. With their help, you can be sure that your removal will be handled with great caution and the total costs will not burden your budget.

When in Belgium…

Once the moving process is finally over and you've settled into your new home, it's time to discover this amazing country. One of the first places to see is the capital, Brussels, a classic European city with cosmopolitan attractions but small-town charm. Next on your list should be Antwerp - with its astonishing medieval buildings and vibrant nightlife - or Bruges, an unforgettable city filled to the brim with cultural treasures.

This picturesque country has many secrets just waiting for you to discover them. Follow the abovementioned tips for international removals so that your relocation will go smoothly – then, you will have plenty of time to explore all the beauty the Battlefield of Europe has to offer.

How to Prepare Your Removal to The Netherlands

Moving house is an exciting time of new beginnings and fresh starts, a chance to become the person that you have always wanted to become. But, it is also one of the most stressful times in our lives, up there with divorce and bereavement because it does signify a cutting of ties with the known and familiar and the scary exit from our comfort zone of the tried and tested. This stress can be almost doubled in the event that you are moving to a different country; one that speaks a different language and has a different culture to that to which you are accustomed, for example the Netherlands. 

Removal Checklist

Moving to the Netherlands is somewhat different to moving to another street or city close to your previous home and as such, requires a bit more fore-thought and planning. Draw up a checklist, as soon as the decision to move has been made, that looks something like this

Residences

What will happen to your current home if you own it? Put it in the hands of a reputable leasing agent if you want to keep it, or get it onto the market promptly if you are thinking of selling. If you rent make sure that you return the property to the landlord in good condition, as per the conditions of your lease, giving him sufficient notice of your departure.

Possessions

What will be coming with you, and what will stay behind and where? Transporting your childhood mementos to another country for a fixed term contract is likely to be a waste of money. Arrange a storage unit or ask a friend or relative for a dry and secure corner of their attic or garage. If you are moving permanently, then you are more likely to want all your precious belongings to move with you, in which case you are best off speaking to the removal firm about a discount for quantity.

Work

If you are moving because of a work contract, this is something of a none-issue, but if you are moving on a whim, or to be close to a loved one, it is best to look into work prospects before you go. If your particular skills will not be necessary you may have time to re-train in a more desirable field before taking the leap.

Dates

The timing of such a move is very important as you do not want to end up having given up your current home before your future home is ready for you. Likewise, you do not want to be paying for two homes for too long as that can be financially ruinous! As soon as you know firm dates, draw up a timetable of events and mark off each milestone as it passes, constantly checking to make sure that you have a roof over your head at every stage of the process!

Getting to The Netherlands: Explore, Enjoy, Appreciate!

When you arrive in the Netherlands, try to plan your days so that you have a few days or a week or two to explore your new home. Behave like a tourist for the first few days, enjoying cruises along the many beautiful canals, admiring the colourful tulip fields and marvelling over the exquisite old architecture. Try and include a visit to the Anne Frank museum and as many art galleries as your can bear. Dutch artists, especially the Old Masters created some of the most exquisite pieces of art in existence today!

 

Speed Removals

If you are planning your move to the Netherlands, why not give Speed Removals a call? They are practiced in removal services to Europe and can get your belongings from your old home to the new one promptly, within a specified time-frame and at YOUR convenience! Their expertise will help your delicate pieces survive the sometimes strenuous trip, be it by road or ferry, and they even offer wrapping and packing services to ensure the safety and security of your goods. With Speed Removals your move to the Netherlands will be effortless and stress free!

The 5 best places to live in France

Why choose France to relocate?

Choosing the best place to live will always be a juggling act, weighing a number of different factors against each other. This is also down to personal preference; hot dry summers or a more temperate climate; a buzzing metropolis or seclusion. France has something for everyone.

Speed Removals are experts in International Removals to France

Having chosen to seek out a better life, it is important to make sure that it starts well. An efficient and reliable removals company that knows the country and its idiosyncrasies will make the international removals smoother and less stressful. Speed Removals have the knowledge and manpower, along with an excellent reputation, so you can be sure your cherished items are in safe hands. 

Aquitaine, Bordeaux

Popular with young families, Aquitaine is well known for the quality of its schools and education facilities. Situated in one of the finest wine regions in the world, the local restaurants match this with their outstanding cuisine. A comfortably warm climate and lush countryside make this one of the most popular regions for international removals to France.

Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

Blessed with a warm Mediterranean climate, this is the fourth largest city in France, and benefits from a diverse demographic mix that influences both food and culture. The local economy is technology rich, attracting talent from around the world. The area is one of many covered by Speed Removals.

Antibes, Cote D'Azur 

Offering a Mediterranean lifestyle, Antibes lies just beyond the pricier location of Nice, but is still only 13kms from its airport; which acts as a hub for many international routes. The town is well known for its spectacular coastline, which can be viewed from the train that runs along the Riviera between Cannes and Monaco.

Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany

Spanning the Vilaine River, this city is divided into two halves, both geographically and historically. The area has a thriving economy making it one of the better regions for new comers to seek employment. The city itself has a rich cultural heritage with numerous theatres, museums and art galleries.

Val d'Isère

Here in the Savoie region, the cost of living can be quite high, but the area attracts tourists all year round to enjoy the scenery and skiing. Consequently, the region is full of plenty for both the adventurous and the less intrepid. The town is only five miles from Italy and has excellent transport links, making it an excellent retreat for weekends and holidays.

It is easy to see why France tops the list of choices for International removals.

International Removals to Italy

The colder, wetter months of the year can bring on thoughts of a move to a warmer climate. For some this is just a dream although there are many that actually go through with international removals as they up sticks and move to another country. Italy is a popular place to settle, with the following being five of the best places to live.

Removals to Rome

This is the classic Italian move and anyone that wants to retain big-city living will find it Rome. Centrally located in the country, it offers all the amenities for a comfortable life and great transport links back to the UK. The culture and history also make it an ideal place to live.

International Removals to Lucca

This town is located in the central region of Tuscany and anyone that enjoys fresh air, open spaces, and beautiful mountain views will enjoy living in Lucca. Most traffic is banned inside this walled city so it’s the perfect place to get away from normal city life.

Removals to Aosta

This is the principal city of the Aosta Valley region, which is located in the northwest area of Italy. The region shares a border with France and many of the people living there speak French as well as Italian. UK residents with an understanding of French may therefore find it easier to settle in this location. The cold winters bring plenty of snow to make it a good option for skiing enthusiasts.

Removals to Alberobello

This town is located in the Apulia region, which is the southeastern strip of land that makes up the heel of Italy. It is unique for the traditional dry-stone buildings known as Trulli. This can make it a good place for those looking to live in a more interesting property.

International Removals to Taormina

The island of Sicily lies just to the south of the Italian mainland and is home to many British expats. Taormina lies on the east coast and the area around it is one of the most popular places to settle because of its warm Mediterranean climate. It is a great location for beach lovers, with many to choose from.

Considerations for an Italian Move

There are many things to consider for an Italian move, not least of which is a reliable company with extensive experience of international removals. Speed Removals is one of the best and they can offer excellent advice for a move as well as an affordable, high-quality service.

The Italian lifestyle is something that many people will enjoy and there are plenty of options when it comes to moving there. Those shown above are some of the best for anyone considering relocating to Italy.