Moving Within the Netherlands: A Practical Guide for Expats
Whether you’re relocating across town or to a completely new region in the Netherlands, moving house can be exciting — and a little stressful. With its charming canals, narrow streets, and sometimes tricky staircases, moving in the Netherlands has its own quirks. But with the right planning and preparation, you can make the process smooth and straightforward.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about moving within the Netherlands, including key decisions, logistics, costs, and what to do after you arrive.
Should You Hire a Moving Company or Do It Yourself?
Before anything else, decide how you want to move your belongings:
Professional Movers
Hiring a moving company can save time and physical effort. Professional movers will handle packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your items — ideal if you have a lot of furniture or valuable possessions. There are plenty of Dutch moving services experienced with local relocations and international moves.
DIY Move
If your items are few or you’re on a tight budget, you might choose to move things yourself. Renting a van and asking friends or family to help can work well — especially for smaller apartments.
Tip: Assess how much stuff you have, your budget, and your timeline before choosing which option is right for you.
Hiring a Professional Moving Company
If you decide to go with professional help, it’s worth shopping around for quotes and checking reviews. Established companies can take care of:
- Packing fragile or heavy items
- Transporting furniture safely
- Handling logistics in narrow streets or older buildings
- Providing insurance for damaged goods
You can find moving companies listed in directories like the Expatica movers directory, which highlights trusted providers operating across the Netherlands.
Cost of Moving Within the Netherlands
Moving costs can vary widely depending on:
- How much you’re moving
- The distance between homes
- Whether packing services are included
- Time of year (summer is usually busier)
Getting several quotes helps you compare prices and services. DIY moves are typically cheaper but require more effort and planning.
Preparing for Your Move
Good preparation is the key to a stress-free relocation:
Plan Early
Start planning at least a few weeks before your moving date. List all the tasks you need to complete and set dates for each.
Sort and Declutter
Before you pack, sort through your things and donate or sell what you don’t need. This reduces the volume of items you have to move — and can save money.
Pack Strategically
Pack room by room and label boxes clearly. Keep important documents and daily essentials in a separate bag so you can access them easily on moving day.
Street Permits and Logistics
If your move requires parking a big moving van, check with your municipality (gemeente) about street permits. In some neighbourhoods — especially in city centres — you’ll need permission to reserve parking space for a truck.
Moving Within Big Cities
Big Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague can present extra challenges when moving:
- Narrow streets and cobblestones can make parking and unloading tricky.
- Staircases in older buildings often lack elevators.
- Timed access for trucks or noise restrictions may apply in residential areas.
Planning in advance with your movers can help avoid delays and extra fees.
After Your Move: Settling In
Once you’ve moved into your new home, your checklist isn’t finished yet! Here’s what to do next:
Register with the Municipality
You must register your new address with your local municipality (gemeente). This is important for tax, healthcare, voting rights, and receiving official mail. In the Netherlands, residents are officially recorded in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen — BRP).
Update Your BSN Records
If your Burgerservicenummer (BSN) doesn’t show your new address, you’ll need to update it when you register.
Utilities and Services
Contact your electricity, gas, water, internet, and waste collection providers to transfer or start new contracts.
Tips for a Smooth Move
- Start packing early — last-minute panic slows everything down.
- Keep essentials separate — toiletries, chargers, snacks, and paperwork.
- Take photos of furniture before you move — useful for insurance claims.
- Introduce yourself to neighbours — good etiquette in Dutch communities.
Quick Recap: Moving Within the Netherlands
Moving house in the Netherlands is a manageable task with the right preparation and help. Whether you hire professionals or do it yourself, planning your timeline, understanding costs, and handling official registrations are all vital steps toward settling into your new home. With a little foresight and organisation, you’ll be comfortable and unpacked in no time.