Relocation

Moving in the Netherlands

Feel like a change of scenery? Transport all your treasured belongings to your new Dutch home with our guide to moving in the Netherlands.

Moving in the Netherlands
writer

By Expatica

Updated 9-1-2024

When you’re moving home within the Netherlands, there is a lot to arrange – no matter how close or how far you are going. To make it easier, get some insight into the two ways to move: organizing the move yourself or hiring professionals to take care of it for you.

The Relocator

Planning a new life in the Netherlands? Give yourself some peace of mind with The Relocator. On their easy-to-use platform, you'll be able to compare your options quickly, getting quotes from some of the biggest names in global relocations. Move abroad confidently with The Relocator.

Handling the move yourself

If you decide to do everything yourself, it is usually the cheapest option. However, there are a few points to take into consideration:

  • You are responsible and liable for any damage to property during your move. Your own goods are not insured during transport.
  • You’ll likely need to rent a truck, paying for the gasoline, insurance, and for the kilometres driven. Vehicle insurance also involves a deductible.
  • You will probably need to ask people to help you carry, load, unload, and reassemble your household items.
  • You may need to drive back and forth from your previous residence to your new one several times. If the new residence is more than an hour away, the move may take several days.

Hiring a professional moving company

A professional moving company usually costs more than moving everything yourself. It is important to be aware of the following benefits, however:

  • A professional mover works faster and more efficiently than you can thanks to years of experience.
  • All of your goods have insurance against damage and/or loss. The standard insurance is usually up to €100,000, and there is no risk for the client.
  • The moving company provides the necessary materials, including packing boxes and protective wraps as well as mobile lifts if needed.
  • The mover has a variety of vehicles at their disposal.
  • Storage is possible.
  • An experienced, professional mover relieves much of the stress of moving by taking care of nearly everything involved in your move. 

How much does it cost to move within the Netherlands?

If you ask for a price quote, the first thing a moving company does is determine the volume of goods. The mover usually sends a surveyor to your home to assess the amount of goods, how long it will take, and what packing materials are necessary. To make an accurate quote, the following points are also taken into consideration:

  • Accessibility to the residence
  • The type of residence at the loading and unloading addresses
  • Necessity of a lift or other equipment
  • Which pieces of furniture can be disassembled for transport
  • Fragile or special items requiring specific handling and/or packing

Arranging your move in the Netherlands online

The moving industry has not been stagnant; there have been some recent developments in innovative online products to make moving easier. You can now arrange a professional move online whenever it suits you. There are a number of logistics companies operating in the Netherlands, including:

Regardless of the option you choose, when moving within the Netherlands, you must notify the municipality where you are moving to 30 days or fewer before your moving date or maximum five days afterwards. Find more information about this on the Dutch government’s website.

Editor's picks