Preparing to Move to Amsterdam: What I Learned Along the Way!

Leaving your hometown to move abroad, especially somewhere completely different from everything you’ve ever known, is both terrifying and exciting at the same time. The weeks leading up to the move can feel like a blur. One moment you feel like you have so much time, and the next, it’s suddenly tomorrow. Everything starts to feel real all at once, and the packing and goodbyes make it clear that it's actually happening. 

It can feel overwhelming. What helped me most was having some sort of structure. A list. Something to hold onto when everything felt chaotic. So, as someone who moved from the Caribbean to the Netherlands, here are a few things I did (and a few I wish I had done better) to prepare:

#1: Find Accommodation

Let’s not sugar coat it. Finding accommodation in Amsterdam is hard, but definitely not impossible. Facebook groups, rental platforms like Pararius, and rental agencies can all help. Sometimes the best finds are from unexpected places, like someone urgently looking for a tenant to take over their room. With that being said, be extra cautious of scams. Also, try not to limit yourself to Amsterdam. Places like Amstleveen, Leiden, or other nearby cities can be more realistic options, especially when you’re just starting out. A slightly longer commute is a small price to pay for having a place to live.

#2: Get Your Legal Life in Order

The Netherlands runs on systems, and your BSN (citizen service number) is a big part of that. You’ll need it to open a bank account, receive your salary, and access various services. 

Try to book your appointments early and make sure you have all your documents ready. Don’t forget to register where you’re living. It sounds small, but it’s important. Additionally, if you’re coming from outside the EU, health insurance is something you’ll need to sort out pretty quickly. It’s definitely worth looking into different options before coming so you’re not overwhelmed when you arrive. You may also be eligible for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), which can help reduce costs.

#3: Pack Smart

Packing your life into a couple of suitcases is much harder than it sounds. Speaking from experience, “two check-in bags and a dream” is cute in theory, but stressful in practice. Especially if you leave it until the last minute like I did. Make a list and prioritize the essentials. Try to avoid packing based on “what if I might need this one day?” You probably won’t. (Trust me, my black shorts are still sitting untouched at the back of my closet.)

Also, be sure to prepare for the weather. Dutch weather is famously unpredictable. It will rain, mostly at the most inconvenient times, but you learn to love it. Bring layers, a good jacket, and shoes that can handle a downpour.

#4: Prepare to Fight the Homesick

This is something no one can fully prepare you for. Or maybe they try, but it doesn’t really make sense until you experience it yourself. Homesickness is almost unavoidable. I think I even felt it before I left. What helped me more than I expected was bringing small pieces of home with me, like snacks and comfort items. My mom even made frozen snacks for me (if you have the space, I highly recommend it). Now, whenever I eat them, it feels like a small but meaningful connection to home.

#5: Give Yourself a Financial Buffer

The beginning is going to be expensive. There’s no way around it. You are building a completely new life from scratch. Deposits, rent, groceries, transport, random things you didn’t even think about all adds up quickly. Having a bit of extra money set aside can take a lot of pressure off while you’re settling in. It gives you space to adjust without constantly stressing about every euro.

Finding Your Way

And once you've prepared everything, don’t forget to prepare yourself too. There will be moments where you feel lonely, or even a little lost. That’s part of the experience. As exciting as this journey is, it also comes with a lot of change, which takes time to adjust to. Somewhere in between, you’ll start finding your people. You’ll discover what you like, what you don’t, and how to enjoy your own company. I’m definitely still figuring things out myself, but this experience has been nothing short of magical for me. And I have a feeling it will be for you too.