Search Q&A
Moving out of Belgium within the EU
We have sold our house and are scheduled to move out, to our new house in Germany on Wednesday 25 March. The removal company is due to come here from Germany to pack and pick up our stuff. Will they be allowed into Belgium as planned?
Does moving qualify as essential travel?
When the removers come to our house to pack our stuff, will we have to avoid any contact with them?
Will the latest corona virus measures permit us to cross the border?
Will we need any special documentation to show the border police to prove that we are moving?
The limitations on movement and social interaction mean it is impossible for us to empty the house of unwanted furniture. Is there any solution for this?
If we are not allowed to leave our house, will the government reimburse so us for any additional rent incurred as a result of the lockdown?
Many thanks for a swift response!
WOW! That is a tough set of questions. I have no idea but I wish you luck.
Ring your commune and ask them what the protocol is. You should also ring the commune in Germany.
In fact, thinking about it, get the removal company to do the phonecalls and get the permissions for themselves. If they can do it, so can you.
As for furniture,
a) call a "vide grenier".
b) Freecycle it and leave it outside the house when you've arranged a pickup.
Bon courage.
Belgium has not closed its borders on either direction, even if only necessary travel from Belgium to abroad is allowed, also movement inside Belgium is allowed in absolutely necessary circumstances, so you should be fine as long as you respect the rules on maintaining physical distance to other people, and it’s probably advisable to have the documentation of your new accommodation handy. However there might be limitations in German side, so you should check with the moving company. Js advice to contact the commune in GE sounds solid.
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Further on working is allowed, but the employees again need to respect the rules on social distancing and the employers should provide necessary instructions and if applicable protective gear to its employees. I saw a moving company at work this morning with gloves and masks on.
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For getting rid of staff, at least some of the depots are closed, best would be to call to Bruxelles propreté and check if they would agree to pick your staff / ask which depots are open for you to drop things yourself.
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You could also try to have a deal with the landlord / the new locataire to leave some of your unwanted things for them to deal with later.
I live on a busy main road on a route to and from a major transport hub - in the next town. There still seems to be a regular flow of long-distance freight vehicles and I have definitely seen at least one German registered truck today.
Sadly, no-one can predict what the situation will be in a week's time.
General reply from Santé Public on moving: https://www.rtbf.be/info/societe/detail_coronavirus-en-belgique-les-deme...
Ask Europe Direct for their advice.
https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en
