Moving Checklist in Belgium 2026

PHASE 1: 12 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

House hunting & planning:

• ☐ Set your budget (How much can you afford?)
• ☐ Research neighbourhoods (Schools? Transport? Neighbours?)
• ☐ Search for properties (Online, estate agent, word of mouth!)
• ☐ View at least 5-10 properties (COMPARE!)

Financing preparation:

• ☐ Request a mortgage pre-approval (Find out how much you can borrow!)
• ☐ Compare banks (Rates in 2026: 3.2-3.5%)
• ☐ Finalise your budget (Fixed amount!)

PHASE 2: 8 WEEKS BEFORE

House hunting - serious stage:

• ☐ Property or properties found! (Multiple options?)
• ☐ Request a valuation (€500-€1,500)
• ☐ Property inspection (Joints, roof, electrics!)
• ☐ Request the energy performance certificate (€100-€200)

Preparing to sell your current home:

• ☐ Contact estate agents (Compare 3-4 offers!)
• ☐ Agent selected! (Best value for money!)
• ☐ Energy performance certificate for current home (Compulsory!)
• ☐ Prepare the notarial file

PHASE 3: 4 WEEKS BEFORE

Purchase preparation:

• ☐ Contact the notary (Deed preparation!)
• ☐ Submit the formal mortgage application (Full application!)
• ☐ Negotiate the price (LAST CHANCE!)
• ☐ Deed preparation (The notary handles it!)

Finalising the sale of your current home:

• ☐ Photos taken by the agent (Online listing!)
• ☐ Property listed online! (Immoweb, Vlan, etc.!)
• ☐ First viewings! (Quick!)

PHASE 4: 2 WEEKS BEFORE

Signing contracts:

• ☐ Sign the purchase deed (Notary!)
• ☐ Sign the mortgage contract (Bank!)
• ☐ Book a removal company! (URGENT!)
• ☐ Arrange energy contracts for the new home

Administrative preparation:

• ☐ Draw up a list of address changes (Municipality, bank, employer, etc.!)
• ☐ Copies of address-change documents (Digital storage!)
• ☐ Sort out internet and phone (Schedule installation!)

PHASE 5: MOVING WEEK

Packing & moving:

• ☐ Pack all your belongings! (Start a week early!)
• ☐ Confirm the removal company? (Confirm the day before!)
• ☐ Pack the last items
• ☐ Disconnect utilities (Old address!)
• ☐ Hand over the keys (Notary!)

Moving day:

• ☐ Removal company present (Supervise!)
• ☐ Connect utilities (New address!)
• ☐ Read the meters (Electricity, water, gas!)
• ☐ Internet and phone installation!

PHASE 6: AFTER THE MOVE (Week 1)

Essential address changes:

• ☐ Update address at the municipality (PRIORITY!)
• ☐ Update address at the bank (PRIORITY!)
• ☐ Update address with insurers
• ☐ Notify your employer
• ☐ Update address at schools

Other address changes:

• ☐ Municipal services
• ☐ Tax authority
• ☐ Social security
• ☐ Memberships (Gym, clubs, etc.!)
• ☐ Notify friends & family!

PHASE 7: AFTER 1 MONTH

Check everything:

• ☐ All mail arriving at the new address? (Check!)
• ☐ Bills correct? (Check!)
• ☐ Utilities working? (All OK?)
• ☐ Internet speed OK? (Test!)
• ☐ Everything unpacked! (All settled in!)

MOVING BUDGET TABLE 2026

GOLDEN RULES FOR MOVING IN 2026

RULE 1: PLANNING PREVENTS STRESS!

• Start 3 months in advance!
• Follow your checklists!
• NO last-minute panic!

RULE 2: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE REDUCED REGISTRATION DUTY RATE!

• Check the CONDITIONS! (Domicile for 1 year!)
• Could save you €30,000 or more!
• ASK YOUR NOTARY!

RULE 3: INTEREST RATES ARE FAVOURABLE IN 2026!

• 3.2-3.5% (Low!)
• Lock in QUICKLY!
• Don't WAIT!

RULE 4: ADDRESS CHANGES - BE SYSTEMATIC!

• Make a LIST!
• Tick off as you go!
• Don't FORGET anything!

RULE 5: HAVE A BACKUP PLAN!

• Emergency fund for unexpected costs!
• +15% on your budget!
• Always necessary!

Next Step

Want to move without the stress?

1. Follow this checklist! (Start 12 weeks early!)
2. Plan step by step!
3. Consult your notary HONESTLY! (Check the reduced rate!)
4. Handle address changes systematically!
5. DONE! (Settle into your new home!)

Good luck with your move! 🏠🚚✨