Hurrah! You have sold your house. But wait… you haven't found a new home yet. Don't worry, we at Moving.nl understand that this can be exciting and challenging. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know if you're in this situation. From temporary housing to financial issues, we have listed it all for you.

The reality of being 'between two houses'

Imagine this: you’re standing with your suitcases on the doorstep of your old house, ready for the next adventure. But where are you going? Welcome to the world of being ‘between houses’. It could last a few weeks, or even months. It all depends on how crazy the housing market is and what exactly you’re looking for.

Emotional impact

Let's face it: not knowing where you're going to rest your head next can be quite stressful. But cheer up! Here are some tips to keep your mind healthy:

Think of it as an adventure. Who knows, you might discover a completely new side of yourself!
Focus on the benefits. Maybe you can finally explore that neighborhood where you've always wanted to live.
Talk about it. Find people who have experienced the same thing. Their stories can help you put things into perspective.

Practical challenges

Okay, enough about feelings. Let's talk about the practical side of things. Because there is quite a bit involved:

Where do you put all your stuff? It is difficult to carry your sofa on your back.
How do you arrange temporary accommodation? Camping in your backyard is no longer an option.
And what do you do with your mail? You don't want your important letters to end up with the new residents.

Don't worry, we will go through all these points with you step by step.

Temporary housing options

Your house has been sold, but your new palace is not yet in sight. What now? Fortunately, you have more options than you think. Let's take a closer look at them.

Living temporarily with family or friends

“Hey mom, dad, I'm coming back to live at home!” Does that sound familiar? It is often the first option that comes to mind. And why not? It can save you a lot of money. But be careful, because everything has a price tag.

Advantages:

Your wallet stays full
Free babysitting for your plants (and maybe even for your children)
Nostalgia: just like in the old days, mom makes your socks disappear in the wash

Cons:

Privacy? What is that again?
Your relationships can come under strain
You might feel 16 again, and not in a good way

Tips for harmonious cohabitation:

Make clear agreements. No, “I wash when I feel like it” doesn't count.
Respect each other's space. Nobody likes it when you walk into their room uninvited.
Do your part. Cook a nice meal for everyone.
Set an end date. “Until I find my dream house” is too vague.

Rent a furnished home

Imagine: you enter a house and everything is already there. Sounds like a dream, right? That is exactly what a furnished home offers you.

Advantages:

You don't have to drag your furniture around
Flexible rental periods: ideal if you don't know how long your search will take
Less worries about where to put all your stuff

Cons:

It can be a pricey affair
Maybe you don't like the owner's taste. Pink velvet sofa, anyone?
You can't just drill holes in the wall for your favorite painting

Where can you find these gems?

Check out Airbnb or Booking.com for long-term rentals
Local real estate agents sometimes have hidden treasures
Facebook Marketplace may surprise you. Who knows, you might find a hip apartment in the center!

Temporary (social) rental home

Have you been waiting patiently for a social rental home for years? Then this might be your chance!

Advantages:

It is often cheaper than private rent
You have certainty: a roof over your head is guaranteed
You can usually stay longer than with other temporary options

Cons:

The waiting lists can be frustratingly long
You have less choice in terms of location and type of home
Strict rules may apply. Consider income limits

How do you approach this?

Call the local housing association. Yes, really calling. An email disappears too easily into an inbox.
Explain your situation. Be honest and clear.
Ask about emergency options. Sometimes you're lucky!
Be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day either.

Rent a home from a private individual

Private rental sounds chic, right? It can indeed offer more flexibility, but beware of the catches.

Advantages:

More choice in where and how you want to live
Often available more quickly than social rent
You can sometimes negotiate the terms. Try to get that rent price down!

Cons:

It can really bite into your wallet
Less protection as a tenant. Read that contract carefully!
Not all landlords are equally reliable. Trust your gut feeling.

Tips to avoid getting into seven ditches at once:

Use reliable websites. Funda and Pararius are good starting points.
Ask for references. A good landlord has nothing to hide.
Read the lease as if your life depends on it. Or have a lawyer look at it.
Be careful with prepayments. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Temporary living space in a holiday park

Have you ever thought about turning your gap period into a vacation? Many holiday parks offer special rates for long-term stays.

Advantages:

You feel like you're on vacation every day. Swimming pool, anyone?
Everything is usually already present, from cutlery to bed linen
You can relax in a green environment

Cons:

It can be pricey, especially in high season
You may be far from work or the children's school
Not all parks allow long-term stays due to regulations

What should you pay attention to?

Check the maximum length of stay. You don't want to be on the street halfway through your stay.
Ask about special rates for long-term stays. Sometimes you can save a lot.
Think about extra costs, such as transportation if you are far from everything.

Financial considerations

Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does help if you know where you stand financially. Let's look at the financial side of this interim period.

Bridging loan

Do you know that feeling when you are just short of that one nice coat? That's how it feels if you want to buy a house while your old one hasn't been sold yet. A bridging loan can then offer a solution.

What is it? Simply put: a short-term loan that bridges the gap between the sale of your old house and the purchase of your new home. It allows you to start shopping for that dream home.

What should you pay attention to?

You must be able to demonstrate that your old house will be sold quickly. Otherwise it will be difficult.
The interest rate is often higher than with a regular mortgage. Don't be scared!
There are often additional costs involved. Read the fine print.

How do you arrange it?

Contact your mortgage provider or a financial advisor.
Gather all necessary papers. Yes, it's a paper shop.
Shop around! Compare offers from different providers.

Mortgage and double housing costs

Two houses, double burdens. Doesn't sound like a party, right? But with the right approach it doesn't have to become a nightmare.

What should you pay attention to?

Talk to your mortgage lender. They don't bite, really.
Ask about the possibility of temporarily deferring your repayment.
Be aware of penalty interest for early repayment. Sometimes it is cheaper to wait a while.

Pro tip: Make a detailed budget. Know exactly where your money is going during this transition period.

Budget for unforeseen costs

You know it: the moment you think you have everything under control and then... BAM! An unexpected expense. Let us help you be prepared.

Here is an overview of possible additional expenses:

Cost item	Estimated edition
Furniture storage	€50 – €200 per month
Moving costs	€500 – €1500
Temporary rental	€700 – €1500 per month
Double insurance	€20 – €50 per month
Meals away from home	€100 – €300 per month

Pro tip: Create a 'moving buffer' of approximately 5% of the sales price of your house. Think of it as your personal airbag for financial collisions.

Practical tips for the transition phase

Now that you know where you're going to live and how you're going to pay for it, let's look at the practical side of things.

Storage of belongings

Unless you plan on carrying your house on your back like a snail, you'll probably need storage for your belongings.

Storage options:

Self-storage units: Your own mini-warehouse
Garage boxes: Ideal if you also want to store your car
Storage space with family or friends: Cheap, but risky for your relationships
Mobile Storage Containers: They bring the storage to you!

Smart storage tips:

Make an inventory list. You don't want to end up like that scene from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Use vacuum bags for clothing. Your clothes become flat, your wallet stays fat.
Stack smartly and label everything. Future you will thank you.
Sell or give away what you don't need. Less stuff = less stress.

Post and administration

You don't want that important letter from the Tax Authorities to end up with the new residents, do you?

Checklist:

Arrange a PO box or forwarding service with PostNL. It's like a personal postman.
Inform important authorities about your temporary address. Think of your bank, employer, and the government.
Convert as much mail as possible to digital mail. Trees will thank you.
Keep important documents safe. A safe or with family are good options.

Insurances

You don't want to discover that you are not insured when you need it. Trust us.

What should you pay attention to?

Contents insurance: Does this also cover your things in storage?
Liability insurance: Does this also apply to your temporary address?
Health insurance: Do you need to look for a new GP or dentist?

Pro tip: Call your insurer. Yes, really calling. A short conversation can save you a lot of hassle.

Looking for your new home

While you are in your temporary accommodation, you will of course start hunting for your new dream home. Here are some tips to streamline your search:

Create a wish list: What must your new home absolutely have? A garden? An extra bedroom? A jacuzzi?
Hire a purchasing agent: Think of it like hiring a professional house hunter.
Be flexible: Sometimes your dream home is hidden behind ugly wallpaper or a dated kitchen.
Stay current: Set up email alerts housing sites. Be the first to spot that gem!
Network: Tell anyone who will listen that you are house hunting. You never know through whom you will find your dream home.

Experiences of others

Let's see how others have handled this situation. Maybe you recognize yourself in their stories!

Case 1: The Jansen family and the boomerang experience

The Jansen family sold their house faster than you can say “mortgage interest deduction”. But a new house? Whoa. They decided to move in with Mrs. Jansen's parents. Sounds like the beginning of a sitcom, right?

Challenges:

Four of us in one room. Cozy, but cramped.
Grandma's cooking skills turned out to be… interesting.

How did they approach it?

They made a schedule for using the bathroom. No more wet towels on the floor!
They held a 'family council' every week. Sounds serious, but it was really just eating pizza and chatting.

The result? After three months they found their dream home. And the best? They look back on their 'boomerang experience' with a smile.

Case 2: Jan and Annemieke go on an adventure

Jan and Annemieke thought: if we live somewhere else temporarily, why not make it an adventure? They chose a furnished home in a city where they had always wanted to live.

Challenges:

The rent was higher than expected. Ouch.
The institution? Let's just say the owner had… unique taste.

Smart solutions:

They kept a close eye on their expenses. Spreadsheets became their new best friend.
They took a few personal items with them to make the house a little more cozy. A photo here, a plant there, and voilà!

The result? They discovered a whole new side of themselves and eventually found a house in their new favorite neighborhood.

To summarize

Well, that was a lot of information! Let's summarize:

Selling your house without immediately having a new home can be a challenge. But you know what? It can also be an opportunity. An opportunity to discover new things, to reconsider your housing needs, and who knows, maybe to temporarily live in that tropical holiday resort you've always dreamed of.

Remember these key points:

Be prepared, both practically and emotionally. It will be a rollercoaster ride, but one with a great view!
Explore your options for temporary housing. From grandma's guest room to a luxury holiday villa, there is something for everyone.
Keep a close eye on your finances. You don't want any nasty surprises.
Stay flexible in your search for a new home. Sometimes your dream house is hidden behind a layer of ugly wallpaper.

Remember: this situation is temporary. Before you know it, you'll be sitting in your new dream home and laughing about all the adventures you've had along the way. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the adventure, and who knows, you might discover a whole new side of yourself!