The first step is to let the authorities know your new address. Simply go onto the website for your town or city council. You can make the changes yourself online, for free. Or you can visit the council offices in person. Make sure you do this within eight working days of your moving date.
Your local police officer will also call round once you have changed your address to check you really live at that address. After this inspection, you’ll have to go back to visit the population department so that the details on your ID card can be changed. Make sure you bring your ID card pin code!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"2. Your bank"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Once the local council has been informed of your new address, the next step is to let your bank know the big news. This can also be done from your couch these days. At ING, you can simply use your ING Banking app (click your avatar in the top right corner > ‘Settings’ > ‘Personal details’). Under ‘Legal address’, click ‘Edit’ and start by confirming your email address and phone number. Then you can register your new address. Itsme is the easiest way to confirm your identity.
You can also change your address in the self-service corner on our website under ‘My personal details’. Here, you can use either itsme or your ID card and card reader. Just follow the steps and it will all be done quickly.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Tip;","richBody":{"value":"Are you renting? Make sure you arrange your home insurance for tenants before you move in. In Flanders this is mandatory. Did you know that you can also insure your furniture and other belongings, even against theft?
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"3. Utilities"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Fill out a transfer form for your energy and water suppliers with the previous resident or with your landlord. This will also inform the utility companies of your new address. Don’t worry: this only transfers the actual supply and the meter readings. You can still choose the utility company you want.
An extra win in this situation: you won’t have to pay extra for reopening the meters.
Also remember that other companies won’t automatically know that you’ve moved, so make sure you send the necessary emails in good time. Then you won’t be stuck without internet or television.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Tip:","richBody":{"value":"Keep in mind all the costs associated with moving house. These include renting a moving van and perhaps a removals ladder lift. Or maybe you’ve hired a moving company.
But also think beyond the move itself. You might have to get new furniture, or your insurance premium could go up. And if you’re moving further away from work, your commute may get more expensive.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"4. Your employer"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"It’s also best to let your boss know your new address. First of all, this ensures that important letters (like pay slips) come through the right letterbox. But it’s also important for your commute to be reimbursed correctly. The amount you get on a monthly basis depends on the distance you travel between home and work.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Tip:","richBody":{"value":"Take a few days’ leave before or after moving to make sure everything goes smoothly. Just be aware that you probably won’t be granted an extra day of paid leave for moving: this is not considered a reason for a free leave of absence.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"5. The postal service"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Have your mail forwarded to your new address automatically. With bpost you can use this service anywhere within Belgium, it’s even possible if you’re moving abroad. That way, no letters get lost.
But bear in mind that this forwarding service isn’t free. If you want your mail forwarded to a new address in Belgium for six months, you’ll pay €51.90. It does give you extra time to inform everyone of your new address, such as family and friends, but also your gym, newspaper provider, etc.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Moving out of home?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Moving out of home?
This is the perfect time to get a head start on some admin and consider which bank account you want to have your wages paid into.
Need a current account?
Open your ING Do more account now!
"}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting!"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"5 tips for people cohabiting for the first time","body":"5 tips","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/c7a8d9d8-112a-4f28-b177-d5b3dda323c6/move-in-living-together-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6d6ecf6a53e573b1/original/move-in-living-together-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2021-04-30","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/my-life/housing/living-together-tips"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Renting a property","body":"All you need to know","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/592d2ed7-81a5-4012-ae54-478095c4d1cb/renting-need-to-know-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/62302d3567fd39e/original/renting-need-to-know-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2022-03-31","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/my-life/housing/renting-what-to-know"}}]}]}}}