Moving to a new home is the ideal time to wave goodbye to things you no longer use, such as your old electronic and electric appliances. A recent survey revealed that the average Belgian household has around 11 devices and appliances lying around that they no longer use. So don’t give yourself a hernia lifting boxes of junk you no longer need!
3 months before the big day
1. Set a date for moving:
Ask several removal companies for a quote, or check if your friends are free to help out that day (ideally the ones with gigantic biceps and a huge smile)
2. Check the size of your furniture:
Do your large appliances and the sofa fit through the door? And can you get them down the stairs? If not, will they go through the window? Or would you be better off with a professional removal company?
3. Don’t forget to give notice if you rent your home.
1month before big day
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1 month before the big day:
- Request a temporary parking exclusion in front of your house (if you’re moving out of to a different town, you’ll need to apply to both local councils)
- Make a list of everything you plan to take with you:
Are there things you haven’t used for at least a year? Time to say goodbye!
Go through all the rooms in your house with two boxes: one for the devices you no longer use that still work, and another for devices that have been broken for ages, as well as all those old cables at the back of a drawer. You know the ones: you probably can’t even remember what they’re for.
Take the broken devices to a Recupel point near you or a recycling centre. The devices collected will be recycled there into new raw materials!
And why not take the devices that still work to a or sell them to someone else?
Everyone benefits: you, your friends who are helping you move, and the planet!
Want to find a collection point near you? Find one here.
3. Be as organised as you can about filling your boxes:
Don’t make them too heavy, because you need to carry them (20kg is the maximum).
Wrap the most breakable items and fragile electrical devices in paper or cloth (old sheets, clothing, etc.).
Don’t pack anything you might still need while you’re moving (cleaning supplies, scissors, etc.).
4. Arrange for childcare and someone to look after your pets.
5. Inform your gas, electricity and water suppliers so that they can transfer your contract to your new home, or cut off your connection and set up a new one.
The day before the big day
1. Unplug and defrost your fridge and freezer (leave the doors open once they’re empty)
2. Get your washing machine ready to move:
Disconnect the water supply and drain the hose completely into a bucket before taping the hose to the machine. Also fix the drum in place with the drum immobilisers provided or by stuffing a blanket between the body and the drum. Only then is your washing machine ready to move.
3. Provide snacks and drinks for your friends. Moving house is hungry work!
Once you have moved, you still need to remember a few formalities: let the authorities, your bank and your insurance company know your new address, and get your post sent on to the new address as well.
We wish you all the best in your new home!
