Removals to Belgium from Dorset
1st Choice Removals surveys, plans and manages moves from Dorset to Belgium, with the transport carried out by trusted partner removal firms. We are a family-run company trading since 1990, and we help you prepare the paperwork Belgian customs now requires, whether you are moving to Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent or elsewhere.
How a move to Belgium works
Every move starts with a quote. If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit. Everywhere else, Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone, or call 01202 570970.
- Quote: a written price based on what you are actually moving.
- Packing: we pack for you, or you pack with our packing materials.
- Loading: floors, banisters and door frames are protected while we load.
- Transport: the European road transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms, and we manage the move throughout.
- Delivery: your belongings are unloaded at your new Belgian home.
- Optional extras: unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly, charged on top of your quote.
Customs paperwork for Belgium after Brexit
Since Brexit, household goods going to Belgium need a UK export declaration and Belgian customs clearance. People moving their main residence can usually import their belongings without duty or VAT under EU transfer of residence relief.
In general you must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and have owned and used the goods for at least six months. They should not be sold or lent for 12 months after import.
Typical documents:
- passport
- detailed inventory
- proof of your Belgian address, such as a rental or purchase contract
- proof you are leaving your UK home
Fiona holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures and can guide you. Check the latest official guidance before you move.
Arriving in Belgium
- Register with your commune: new residents register at the local town hall soon after arriving, so keep your tenancy or deeds handy.
- Parking signs: many Belgian communes let you reserve kerb space for a removal lorry. Apply early for your delivery date.
- Apartments: tell us about lifts, stairs and access at the survey so we can plan the delivery.
- Euros: our partner Regency FX can help; see currency exchange.
Packing, protection and insurance
Fragile items are properly wrapped, and we can build bespoke wooden crates for antiques and artwork. Pianos go through our specialist removals service.
Your move is fully insured for goods in transit. For shipping abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by you: 1st Choice does not provide it, so sort your cover before moving day.
If your Belgian home is not ready, our storage in Dorset can hold everything until it is.
Why choose 1st Choice for Belgium
We are a family-run company founded in 1990 by Alan and Richard Vaughan, with removals now run by Chris and Fiona. We have been members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 2011, and we manage every move from the first survey to delivery.
To start planning your move to Belgium, call 01202 570970 or email admin@1stchoiceremovals.net. If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit; everywhere else, Get an online quote. See our European removals page for neighbouring countries, or read the moving abroad checklist.
Your questions answered
What paperwork do I need to move my belongings to Belgium?
You will usually need your passport, a detailed inventory of your household goods, proof of your new address in Belgium such as a rental or purchase contract, and evidence that you are leaving your UK home. Goods leaving the UK also need an export declaration. We help you prepare the paperwork, but always check current Belgian customs guidance.
Do I pay VAT or duty on furniture moving to Belgium?
Not usually, if you are moving your main home. EU transfer of residence relief generally covers belongings you have owned and used for at least six months, provided you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months. New items and goods for resale may not qualify, so list them separately.
Do I need a parking permit for the removal lorry in Belgium?
Often, yes, especially in Brussels and other cities. Many communes let you reserve space on the street for a removal vehicle, but you need to apply in advance. Check with your new commune as soon as you know your delivery date, and tell us about access at the survey.
Is my move to Belgium insured?
Your belongings are fully insured for goods in transit while we move them. For shipping abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by you, as 1st Choice Removals does not provide it. Arrange your cover before moving day and make sure the value reflects the full cost of replacing your belongings.
What should I not pack for a move to Belgium?
Leave out flammable or hazardous items such as paint, gas bottles and aerosols. Food, plants, alcohol, tobacco and weapons are restricted by customs, so check before packing them. Keep passports, documents, medicines and valuables with you. We can advise on particular items when we survey your home.
Can you collect from anywhere in Dorset?
Yes. We are based at Canford Business Park, between Wimborne, Poole and Bournemouth. Free home visits are available across all BH postcodes and DT11. If you are further away, use Get an online quote and send short room videos or photos from your phone, and we will quote from that.