Moving to a larger home

On behalf of the Moving team, we would like to welcome you to this guide. Here you can read all about moving to a larger home. We focus on topics such as possible moving arrangements, financial implications and practical steps. Whether you have outgrown a starter home or have a family that requires more rooms, our information will help you take the next step with confidence. When you are moving, whether it is to a social housing unit or a home that you own, it is of course nice to inform yourself first.

Why move to a bigger home?

Many people long for extra space when their family grows or when they work from home and need a separate office. Sometimes you just want a bigger living room where you can relax. I once spoke to a young couple who felt cramped in their two-room apartment. They longed for a garden and an extra bedroom for their future children. When they finally moved, I noticed how relieved they were: they suddenly had room for a large dining table, making it easier to have friends over for dinner. Finding a large home in Amsterdam or in the municipality of Amsterdam at all can sometimes be difficult.

Moving arrangements and your mortgage

Such a larger home does cost more. Think of a higher rent or mortgage. However, these costs often outweigh the comfort and peace you get in return. After all, you want to enjoy your home and not trip over things lying around.

Moving arrangement from big to better and priority

Some municipalities and housing corporations offer a relocation scheme from larger to better. This may sound formal, but it means that your old home will be released for someone who is looking for smaller living space. In return, you can get priority for a new, more spacious home. Sometimes you will receive a relocation allowance as a thank you for the flow. Do you want to receive relocation allowance? Then you can usually apply for a subsidy for this relocation scheme. You can also get priority from your housing corporation. Check the website of your municipality carefully so that you know exactly what the rules are for this. 

Moving arrangements are usually fine

This scheme encourages people to move out of a house that is too big. Suppose you had small children and rented a four-room house. Now that the children live on their own, the house remains half empty. The municipality can give you a push to move to a more compact place. At the same time, a larger family gets the space they were looking for. Are you looking for a wheelchair-accessible house? In this case, you may be eligible for a subsidy. You can apply for a subsidy from your municipality. 

When is moving with priority possible?

There are situations in which you can get priority in finding a next home. This depends on all kinds of rules and conditions. Think of:

• A physical disability that requires you to live on one level
• An age of 65 or older when climbing stairs is no longer possible
• A family expansion that makes your current space impractical

You may be wondering how you know if you qualify. Contact your landlord or housing association. They can tell you if there are any special arrangements that can speed up the process. If you can no longer stay in your current home, you may receive compensation to help you move in. moving costs to cover. You can also contact your landlord for information about, for example, a corporation in Amsterdam, additional costs and the maximum amount you can borrow. With a certain arrangement, tenants can also receive a monthly allowance. Do you rent a social housing unit? Then there is a good chance that you are entitled to this. 

Financial aspects of moving

When you move, you will have to deal with various costs. A new house often has a different rent or higher mortgage payments. In addition, the energy bill can increase because a larger house simply uses more gas or electricity. You also have to take into account one-off costs such as:

• Renting a moving van
• Packing materials, such as boxes and protective film
• Possible storage costs if there is temporarily no room for all your belongings

Pay attention to your monthly expenses when you choose a larger home. Calculate your income, fixed costs and your expected living expenses. It feels great to have more space, but you also want to be able to live relaxed without financial stress. Do you want to calculate the costs of your move? Do you have trouble with mental arithmetic? Then you can now easily use our free moving costs calculator on our website.  

Step-by-step: how to tackle the move

1. Orient yourself early: Check the housing supply in your region. Ask the municipality or corporation about regulations such as moving with priority. Of course, don't start in 2023 for a move in 2025, but a few months in advance should be enough.
2. Prepare yourself: Find out if you need extra budget need for a higher rent or a new mortgage which costs more money €.
3. Organize the move: Decide whether to hire friends or a moving company. With a large family or lots of furniture, a professional company can provide peace of mind.
4. Make a packing plan: Label your boxes and sort by room. This will make it easier to find everything in your new home.
5. Arrange the paperwork: Report your change of address to the municipality, your bank and other institutions. Switch your internet and energy in time. You do not have to refuse the subsidy. Do you already know exactly what needs to be done and do you think you can fill it in on the computer? Open the form on the website and sometimes you need the program Adobe Reader for this. Fill in the PDF form and send it.

A good preparation works as a safety net. You prevent chaotic situations where no one knows where the cutlery drawer or the bedding boxes are. When all activities have been carried out and the move is over, you can take it easy again.

Special relocation regulations and municipalities

Several municipalities are encouraging flow in the housing market. They want large homes to become available for families who need all the rooms. At the same time, they want to make it easier for seniors or small households to move to a more compact home.

When you want to move with priority

In Amsterdam, for example, there are special relocation regulations for people who can no longer stay in their old home due to a physical disability. They are given priority for a place with a lift or on the ground floor. Some rules also apply if you are looking for more space, such as when you are expecting a child or want to live with multiple generations under one roof. Do you want to move from a high floor to a lower floor? Are you 65 or older? Then it is worth submitting an application. 

Case study: relocation in the Amsterdam region

We recently helped a family from the Amsterdam region who lived on the third floor without an elevator. The father had knee problems and had difficulty climbing the stairs. The housing association offered priority relocation because the house was no longer suitable. Thanks to a suitable arrangement, they were able to move into a comfortable house on the ground floor within three months.

This family even received a small moving allowance for leaving their old rental home behind. With that amount they paid half of the professional movers. Their new home not only offered peace and quiet but also a small garden of their own. Previously, the children looked out onto a busy street. Now they play in the grass without fear of traffic.

Moving is happy to help you

A larger home can change your life. You will feel freer and have room for a separate office or a cozy play corner. However, you should not rush into things. Find out if you are entitled to a relocation scheme and think about how you are going to pay the costs.

Request free quotes from Moving for your move

Compare rental companies when you go that route. Look at quality but also at price. Investigate subsidies or other benefits. Some municipalities are happy to help you, especially if your old home becomes available for another tenant. Contact the housing corporation or municipality early and ask what they can do for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I also move to a smaller home?

Yes, if you are living in a place that is too big, there are sometimes arrangements that help you move to a smaller place. You will then receive priority or compensation so that others can take over your spacious place. Discuss this with your partner and look carefully at what exactly you want. 

2. How do I apply for a relocation scheme?

Usually you arrange this via your housing corporation. You first check whether you meet the conditions. Then you fill in a form and submit supporting documents, such as medical papers or family details.

3. What happens to my old rent and the landlord?

Sometimes you can take your old rent with you to a new home, but often you make a new agreement. It depends on the agreements you make with the landlord.

4. How high can a moving expenses allowance be?

This varies per municipality or corporation. In some cases it is a few hundred euros, in other cases it can amount to a few thousand euros.

5. When can I move with priority?

This is allowed if your housing situation is untenable. For example, if you have physical complaints, too many or too few rooms or an income that no longer fits your current home.

Moving is happy to help you

We hope this guide gives you a clear picture of the possibilities and consequences when you move to a larger home. If you have any questions or would like advice about your own situation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you on behalf of the Moving team. Good luck with your next step!