With a city full of breath-taking architecture, charming culture, captivating history, and delicious food, it’s easy to fall in love with Netherlands’ capital Amsterdam. If moving to Amsterdam is on your laundry list, here is a guide on moving to the City of Canals.

• Housing
• Education
• Climate
• Transport
• Healthcare

Housing

Moving to a new country is a big step and certainly not easy. Amsterdam, unfortunately, is an expensive city to live in but we will guide you so you’re aware of your budget when moving to Amsterdam.

Depending on your lifestyle, there are ways to get by. If you’re living alone, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you between €900 – €2,000 monthly but if you’re planning to share accommodation, it will cost you €400 – €1,200 per month.  Unsurprisingly, rent is the biggest expense.

To lower costs, we recommend booking an Airbnb for a few months until you find the right place to live, finding apartments in Amsterdam does take time.

We also suggest looking at Laundryheap, it’s cheap, convenient and will save you cost when it comes to laundry.

Education

With a city full of vibrant nightlife, it is no surprise Amsterdam is popular with university students. If you’re a student wanting to experience the University of Amsterdam, let’s guide you on the essentials!

When compared to the United States, tuition fees are affordable and there are options for living on campus which is perfect for meeting new people! The benefits of scholarship programs significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

For students, we do offer laundry services in Amsterdam. You enjoy your weekend fun; we’ll take care of your laundry!

Climate

Settling into a new environment and climate takes some time, so it’s best to come prepared as Amsterdam isn’t always sunny. You don’t want to get a cold or the flu when arriving, so pack the winter essentials. The canals are gorgeous, but they can be extremely freezing!

If you’re moving in with a big family or kids, the climate in the spring and summer welcomes plenty of outdoor activity and a chance to relax in the park.

Outdoor activities will likely mean your laundry needs doing but no stress, we’ve got that covered!

Transport

Amsterdam is known for its fantastic cycling infrastructure but with an efficient and reliable public transport system, finding your way around the city is easy! To guide you through Amsterdam, the local train network operated by NS is your friend when commuting. In the Netherlands, be sure to apply for an OV-chipkaart which is a national smart card for paying your transport fees.

We’ll give you a heads up; in the winter, train stations tend to be busier so make sure your daily house chores are done in an efficient way as the busier journeys do make you tired later!

Like with other places around the world, there are shops in and around train stations so if you need your coffee fix, you are in luck.

Healthcare

Health is wealth and the Dutch do know how to take care of themselves. Living in the Netherlands would mean you have basic insurance that covers GP visits and hospital stays but it will only cost you €100-€120 and a small percentage is from your employer.

To register with a healthcare provider, be sure to get in contact with the local council to receive a citizen service number and register for health insurance and a local doctor.

Additionally, we recommend getting a borderless multi-currency account to manage your health insurance fees. When it comes to fee organisation, this is just what the doctor ordered!

Whether you’re moving to Amsterdam by yourself, with family or with your spouse, relocating is a difficult yet exciting chapter. Get used to the locals and get to know the city.

To help you get settled quickly, we’ll do your laundry for you. Simply download the Laundryheap app (available on iOS and Android) and we’ll pick up, wash and deliver your clothes to you within 24 hours.