How to furnish your Dutch apartment before you arrive (step by step)
Most internationals spend their first week in the Netherlands in a hotel or a half-empty apartment, sleeping on an air mattress and eating takeaway. It doesn't have to be that way. With a bit of planning, you can arrange everything while you're still abroad and walk into a home that's ready. Here's how.
Step 1. Find out what's already there
Before you buy anything, ask your landlord or agent exactly what the home includes. Dutch rentals come as kaal (bare), gestoffeerd (with flooring and curtains) or gemeubileerd (furnished). The difference is huge. Read Kaal, gestoffeerd or gemeubileerd? Dutch rentals explained.
Ask specifically about:
- flooring, curtains and lighting
- built-in appliances (fridge, oven, hob, dishwasher)
- a washing machine connection
Step 2. Get the floor plan and measurements
A floor plan, or even a few photos with rough measurements, prevents the classic mistake: a sofa that doesn't fit through the door or a bed that blocks the wardrobe. Check especially:
- room sizes, so you can choose your bed size and sofa length
- the width of doors and stairwells (Dutch stairs can be steep and narrow)
- whether the building has a lift
Step 3. Make your list, room by room
Work through the home room by room: bedroom, living room, dining, kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Our empty apartment checklist lists everything you're likely to need, from the bed to the bin bags.
Tip: save time by starting with ready-made sets for the boring stuff. Our household pack covers 40+ kitchen and household items for 4 persons. Our bedding pack gives you everything to make your bed. Then spend your time choosing the furniture you'll actually look at every day.
Step 4. Set your budget, and check who pays
Many employers and relocation packages include a furnishing or relocation allowance. Check with HR before you order. Some employers prefer to receive the invoice directly. Welcome2Holland can invoice your employer or relocation agency.
Step 5. Order, and choose how it's delivered
Order as early as possible, ideally a few weeks before your move-in date, so everything is in stock. Then choose:
- Delivery only: everything is delivered to your front door at street level, and you take it from there.
- Assembly service: a two-person team carries everything inside, assembles and installs it, and takes all packaging away. How delivery works
Step 6. Arrange the handover
Not in the country on delivery day? No problem. Appoint someone to open the door and sign for you: your landlord, property manager, relocation agent or a colleague. We'll coordinate the date and time with them directly.
Step 7. Arrange the "invisible" basics too
A furnished home without electricity or wifi isn't much fun. Arrange your energy contract, internet and contents insurance before you arrive. We can connect you with trusted partners.
Step 8. Walk in and unpack your suitcase
That's it. On your first evening you can cook, sit on your own sofa and sleep in your own bed. Your bed linen is still sealed, so you're the first to open it.
Start building your home today.
See how our assembly service works, or tell us about your move through our contact form.
