For expats: "good sleep, no frills"

Sleepwise Expats Bedding Services! When you first arrive in Belgium (Antwerp region) , there is always a period of settling in. From little things like making your new place feel like home, to understanding the intricacies of life in your new country.

One good rule of thumb during this transition is “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”. So prepare for all eventualities and expect everything to take longer than usual. With these two rules in mind, settling in may actually go smoothly!

The main expertise of Sleepwise itself is bedding and good sleep. When you need advice concerning your bedroom, bedding, are looking for exceptional bed- or linen measures, duvet covers, pillows, ... please contact or visit Sleepwise and plan your visit.

Furthermore to help expats, we have tried to list a few of the details specific to settling into Belgium (Antwerp region). Our so called Sleepwise Expats Bedding Services.

Accommodation
While it is not necessary to have found accommodation prior to the move, it is advisable. For those with less time, there are plenty of very nice short term serviced flats which can be used in the interim - either before you find permanent accommodation or even while you are waiting for your shipment to arrive. It also advisable to work with a reliable estate broker. In the Antwerp region we can recommend Expat Immo of Brasschaat.

Utilities
Once you have found your accommodation, there are several maintenance issues that should be addressed straightaway. It is important to check the water, gas and electricity meters so your payments commence from your initial reading. At the same time, establish or confirm the name change and contact information for the bills. A good estate broker will help you to fill out all the paperwork, like we mentioned above.

Insurance, Mortgages & Financial Support
No matter how good the movers are, it is necessary to insure your belongings with a well established insurance company. Do not insure it with the shipping company if they have their own insurers as damages are often hard to recover if there is a claim. In this matter it is also advisable to work with a good agent. In the Antwerp region you can rely on Luc Olluyn Verzekeringen of Kapellen (Antwerp)

Council Tax & General Tax Support
In addition to basic utilities, in Belgium there is a system of local taxation on domestic property. Generally, the larger the property the higher the tax. Contact your local council for more information on council tax requirements. For other expats´ tax matters we can introduce you to an excellent tax manager and/or bookkeeper.

Domestic Service
Before you move in, it is always helpful to check with previous owners/tenants for any handymen, gardeners, cleaners, schools, etc. who are familiar with the accommodation. If you are starting completely from scratch, we from Sleepwise can support you with names and companies that may suit your individual requirements. We can only do this while we work together with trusted partners in the region. A good start is also The Americans Women´s Club of Antwerp.

You can reach us by telephone +32 3 385 31 21 or sent us an email: info(at)sleepwise.be. We are looking forward to your call or email.

In our Schilde branch you will be welcomed by our well trained and also english speaking staff. When you have some time? Need some extra information? Come over and we buy you a drink in our wunderfull winebar to see how we can help.