How to choose a reliable mover in Belgium
Most movers do an honest job, but some signs should put you on guard. Here is what to check before you trust a company with your belongings and your money, and what Movzo checks for you.
Red flags
- Cash only, or a large cash deposit before the move: if something goes wrong, there is no record of the payment.
- No company number on the website, the quote or the invoice, or a number you cannot find in the public register.
- No written quote, or a vague one with no volume, no date and no breakdown of what is included.
- A price far below everyone else’s: it may hide extras on the day, or a van and crew that are too small.
- No questions about your move: a serious mover asks about the volume, floors, access and special items before giving a price.
- Pressure to sign straight away, or just a first name and a mobile number as contact details.
What to check
1. The company number (KBO/BCE)
Every active business in Belgium has a number in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO in Dutch, BCE in French). Check it for free on KBO Public Search, the public register: the company should be active, and its address and activities should match what it tells you.
2. The transport licence
Carrying other people’s goods for payment normally requires a goods transport licence. Ask the mover for it and check it is in the name of the company quoting you.
3. Professional liability insurance
It covers damage the mover might cause to your belongings or to the building. Ask for the insurance certificate and check what is covered, and up to what amount.
4. A detailed written quote
It should show the company name and number, both addresses, the date, the volume or inventory, floors and access, the options (lift, packing, piano, storage), the price including VAT and the cancellation terms.
5. A traceable payment
Avoid paying everything upfront in cash. A traceable payment (bank transfer, Bancontact, card) protects you better, and ideally the mover only gets paid once the move is done.
What Movzo checks for you
- The company number, before any mover is activated: we automatically check that it is active in the official registers (KBO/BCE, via the European VIES register). A suspended mover no longer receives requests.
- Your contact details protected: they only receive them if you accept their quote. You then agree and pay directly with them, according to their quote.
- Verified reviews: only clients who accepted a mover’s quote through Movzo can review them, after the move.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a mover’s company number?
For free, on KBO Public Search, the public register of the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises: search by number or name and check that the company is active, with an address and activities that match.
Should I pay a deposit?
Some movers ask for one. Choose a traceable payment and a reasonable amount set out in the written quote. With Movzo, you pay the mover directly, on the terms of their quote: check them before you accept.
Is the cheapest price the best choice?
Not necessarily. A price well below the market may hide extras, a crew that is too small or a lack of insurance. Compare what is included, not just the amount.
Does Movzo check its movers?
Yes. Before activating an account, we automatically check that the company number is active (KBO/BCE, via the European VIES register).
Ready to move?
Get a free quote from a verified mover in your area.
More guides
Work out the volume of your move
Add your furniture room by room, watch the total in m³ update live, then send the list straight to your quote request.
Read the guide →Reserving parking for your move
Why you should reserve the space outside your door, how applying to the municipality works and where to find the rules for your area.
Read the guide →Furniture lift: when do you need one?
Upper floors, narrow stairs, bulky furniture: when an external lift is worth it, and what to plan for access and safety.
Read the guide →