Congratulations, you are moving to the Netherlands for either work, education or support towards projects. The dynamics of moving, shipping belongings, another culture and being away from home can be generally hectic though. But proper preparation is half the battle when it comes to furnishing your new house. There are several ways to go about this and we are here to guide you through. 


Buying new furniture

Buying new furniture could mean that you must either sell or store the contents from your old home. Choose this option if you feel that nothing you have is irreplaceable or particularly expensive, or if you have a budget for storage. Moreover, you need time to: shop, deal with delivery times and, in many cases, assemble your new items.


Luckily, the Netherlands is home to stores for every style and budget. Global brands, small boutiques and thrift stores are available. Shopping centers for all sorts of home stores provide an effective and streamlined shopping experience. You will find such “woonboulevard” in almost every major city.


Shipping furniture

If you prefer to use what you have, you can ship your furniture. Having your own properties around you can be comforting. Since some of the top seaports in the world reside in the Netherlands, shipping by container seems a suitable solution. Still, the process of importing and clearing your possessions through customs can be a quite complex, lengthy, and costly process.


The safety of your shipment is dependent on several parties and comes with the risk of loss, damage, or delay. Depending on where you are from, the size of the freight and the shipping mode, shipping could take up-to 8 weeks, provided there is no delay. The total price depends on the size of the container(s) and any additional services you might purchase, like a packing service or storage. The costs of a one-way freight can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars/euros. So, choose this option if you are sure to use your furniture for the long term and make sure to contact a reliable international moving company for help.


International moving companies usually need a 2 week notice in order to make preparations. They will ask you to assess the volume to be shipped. Then you start packing and labelling everything. Often the labelling goes through a computerized inventory system, with large bar code labels. And then there are things to be arranged:


  • Sign an agreement and pay a deposit (remainder when it reaches port)
  • Fix passports and an address and phone number at destination to ship to
  • Fill out the custom documents needed for destination and return them before shipping
  • Insurance is required to declare all your items
  • If you want to ship your vehicle, you need to send the moving company a bill of sale and registrations prior to shipping.


TIP: you might need a range of voltage convertors and plugs. Purchasing these devices in advance can save you the hassle of having to do without your appliances, lamps, and other electrical devices when you reach your new home.


Renting a furnished house

Although there is a shortage in the Dutch housing market, you could opt for a furnished apartment. This is an excellent choice if you do not have a large budget, or if you will only stay for the short term. A furnished home has a number of permanent features. It will be upholstered and equipped with the necessary (built-in) equipment. The kitchen for example, should be equipped with a refrigerator, possibly a dishwasher, a stove, an extractor hood, oven and/or microwave, crockery, cutlery, pans and other kitchen utensils. A washing machine is required, a dryer is optional. In addition, furniture such as sitting area, television, dining area, bed(s), cupboards, linen and lamps should be present. In principle, you would only need to pack your bags to order to move into a furnished home.


The biggest (financial) advantage of renting a furnished home is that a lot of essentials are already there. After all, you don't have to buy any furniture and appliances. The disadvantage is that you cannot implement your own style. Luckily, there is another, easy way to get comfortable in the Netherlands and it does not require a big investment upfront.


Renting furniture

Have you considered renting furniture? Whether it is just to bridge the shipping time, or for the long term, this option gets you comfortable without requiring a big investment upfront. Thanks to this fast, practical, and affordable service, your house will be a home before you even set foot in it.


A professional furniture rental company can supply everything from decoration and household textiles to kitchen utensils, appliances, and any other items that you may require. They will take care of delivery, installation, and styling against an affordable monthly all-in rate. Everything from your bed up to the tablespoons will be ready on the day of your arrival. No relocation required, just take your personal belongings. This will give you the opportunity to focus on your new job.


Need help furnishing?

Home Inspirations creates your home away from home anywhere in the Netherlands. A styling team pays careful attention to your needs, optimally coordinating all aspects of your total design. Rent anything you need, for as long as you need it. Everything wil be ready on the day of your arrival, all against affordable monthly all-in price. And then there is also the possibility to rent with an option to buy.


We’re just a phone call (or email) away! Once we're done, all that is left for you to do, is opening the door to find your new life ready and waiting for you. Reach out to us and one of our stylists will be in touch.