Team Moving takes you step by step to ensure your move is smooth, fast and affordable.
To hire a moving company or not?
You are at a crossroads. Are you going to do the moving yourself or are you going to hire professional moving companies?
Doing it yourself seems cheap but do the math. Rent for a van, diesel, boxes, lifting straps, parking permit and maybe a visit to physio because your back is protesting. It adds up. But a moving service doesn't always have to be expensive.
Your move and all costs
Experienced movers bring strength, routine and insurance. That peace often weighs more than the few tens of euros difference. When you are moving this can be difficult.
“When I saw Grandma's piano coming down the stairs, I knew: I'm never letting my friends do this again.” – Lisa, moved in 2024
| Scenario | Average budget * | Working hours for you | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move yourself | €400–€800 | 20+ | High |
| Hybrid (self-packing) | €900–€1,500 | 8–12 | Average |
| Complete moving company | €1,500–€2,400 | < 4 | Low |
*3-room apartment, drive up to 50 km.
Choose your route
- Small household effects? You can do it yourself.
- 300 kg cabinet? Hire a certified moving company.
- Busy schedule? Outsource everything and save yourself headaches.
Comparing moving companies is important
The 5-step plan for finding moving companies in the Netherlands
Step 1. Specific wishes for your move
Note cubic meters, moving date and additional services such as disassembly or temporary storage. Hiring a moving company has never been easier with Moving. Of course, comparing moving companies in your area is also possible.
Step 2. Compare moving companies and moving costs
Request three free quotes via Moving. You will immediately see price differences and service levels. Move with peace of mind, move with professionals.
Step 3. Check quality marks of the best moving companies
Find the NIWO number, read reviews and ask for the general terms and conditions. This way you will quickly find the moving company for your move. We all want a carefree move, right?
Step 4. Schedule a home visit with a local moving company
An inspection prevents surprises on moving day. Show the mover the entrance to the porch and tell them about the narrow spiral staircase. You can of course also hire multiple moving companies for this. This is very useful when you have to compare moving companies.
Step 5. Record everything during a move
Put all the costs in one document. This way you can refer to agreements later if something goes wrong. This way you know exactly what needs to be done during the move.
Download checklist? You can find it at useful downloads & tools
Compare moving companies on price & quality
Why do rates vary so much?
Four factors determine the bill.
| Factor | What's happening? | How does it affect the price? |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff model | Hourly wage ↔ fixed amount | Hourly wage feels transparent but adds up during traffic jams. |
| Distance | Kilometers + call-out charges | Outside your region = higher fuel and labor costs. |
| Season | May–September is peak | Up to 20 % more expensive because everyone wants to move “before the summer”. |
| Service package | Transport only ↔ full service | Packing, dismantling and unpacking sometimes doubles the price, but saves days of work. |
Comparison matrix
| Criterion | Moving company A | Moving company B | Moving company C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | €52 | €59 | €48 |
| Call-out charges | Inclusive | €0.70/km | Inclusive |
| Recognized movers | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Moving lift | €95 | €130 | €90 |
| Reviews ★★★★★ | 4,7 | 4,2 | 3,8 |
| Total moving costs | €1.850 | €2.120 | €1.690 |
Look beyond the last line. A low total price without insurance can be expensive if that glass table breaks. This can vary per moving company.
Costs of a move in detail
What are the costs of a moving company?
| Post | Average rate | What do you get? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic transport (20 km) | €550 | Truck + two experienced movers (4 hours) |
| Packing service | €30–€40 p/h | Boxes, bubble wrap and heavy duty tape included |
| Moving lift | €90–€150 | Up to 7th floor, faster and safer than stairs |
| Temporary storage | €6–€12 per m³ / month | Secured warehouse, climate stable |
| Disassembly/assembly | €40 p/h | Specialist with tools |
| International transport | €1.20–€1.80 per km | Toll, ferry and paperwork arranged |
An average family move costs between €1,400 and €2,300. The size of your belongings and the distance will push this amount up or down.
How to find a good moving company? And save smart.
- Choose a Tuesday. Monday and Friday cost more due to demand. Every moving company in the Netherlands does this.
- Share the ride if another family takes the same highway. This is useful when choosing a moving company.
- Disassemble IKEA cabinets yourself. You save one hour of labor costs. This makes your move a lot cheaper because you save on the costs of movers.
- Rent reusable crates. Cardboard must be disposed of later. These are very handy moving boxes.
Compare moving companies
We see quotes, success stories and fiascos every day. Learn from our notes.
- Take pictures of anything that feels valuable. Evidence speeds up the claim. This way, the moving company can see exactly what happened. If the moving company is insured, they will quickly reimburse you. It is important to read the general terms and conditions carefully. These can differ considerably between moving companies. Is the moving company affiliated with the trade association of, for example, Erkende Verhuizers? Then this is usually well arranged.
- Always ask for three quotes. Some movers only offer a discount when they smell competition. It is nice when you can compare moving companies and fortunately you can now easily use the free services of Moving.
- Check the moving van. Will it fit in your street without the garbage truck getting stuck? Choosing a moving company also means that you have to think about other things.
- Book 6 weeks in advance, during peak months even 8 weeks. Those who book earlier save stress and money. This applies to national and international transport. Of course, international transport with vehicles is sometimes a bit more difficult, but this does not matter to professionals.
- Never place heavy boxes on top of light boxes. Sounds logical but we see it go wrong every week. This is something you have to take into account. Fortunately, moving companies offer the best services and your move will go as smoothly as possible.
Case study: Janssen family
- Situation – Utrecht → Apeldoorn, 45 m³ furnishings + piano.
- Approach – Quotes via Moving from four different moving companies.
- Price range – €1,920 to €2,450.
- Choice – Middle option €2,100, recognized moving company with NIWO license.
- Result – €350 saved, piano without a scratch, moving day ready at 4pm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1. How far in advance should I book a moving company?
| Period | Recommended booking period | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Low season (Nov–Mar, mid week) | 4 – 6 weeks | Enough time for quotes and planning. |
| High season (Apr–Sept, end of month, weekends & holidays) | 6 – 8 weeks (sometimes 10 – 12 weeks for international moves) | Extra crowds and fewer available cars. |
| Urgent / last minute | 1 – 3 weeks | Only possible if you are flexible regarding date & loading/unloading times. |
Tip: only set your preferred date after you have compared several specified quotes; changing it is then still free or cheap.
Question 2. What is the average cost of a moving company?
Netherlands (indication 2024-2025)
- Studio / small apartment (10-15 m³): €550 – €1,200.
- Terraced house (25-35 m³): €1,260 – €1,900 including basic mounting.
- Hourly rate moving van 20 m³ (vehicles with a load capacity of more than 500 kg) + 1 mover: ± €70/hour; 50 m³ wagon: ± €80/hour.
Price determiners everywhere: volume & weight, distance, number of movers/hours, (dis)assembly, packing/unpacking service, floor without elevator, moving lift, parking costs & permits. Make the best choice? Request free quotes from Moving.
Question 3. How do I recognize a rogue moving company?
| Red flag | Reliable check |
|---|---|
| Very low 'from-price' without home visit or volume list. | Request 2-3 written, itemized quotes. |
| No Chamber of Commerce or VAT number / no physical address. | Check registration Chamber of Commerce (NL) |
| No Euro license / NIWO license for load capacity > 500 kg. | Search for a company in the NIWO register. |
| No quality mark Recognized Movers (NL) | Membership provides insurance & dispute resolution. |
| Cash only, blank contract, vague about insurance. | Demand written terms, coverage and payment plan. |
| Negative or missing reviews, changing names. | Check Google, Trustpilot, local forums. |
Question 4. Do I need a permit for a moving lift?
| Situation | The Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Elevator is standing on own premises | No permit. |
| Elevator occupied sidewalk / parking space / roadway | Usually required:Object permit or free online notification at municipality (e.g. Amsterdam). Applications ≥ 7 days in advance; rate ± € 45-150 depending on street and surface. |
| Parking ban/barriers required | Additional costs for placing traffic signs or fences; often arranged through a removal company. |
Permit checklist:
- Measure the number of linear meters of road you take up.
- Ask the municipality if there are any events/market days on your date.
- Print the permit and place a copy in the cabin; enforcement officers can check it immediately.
Compare regional & international
International? Find the best movers
Within the EU you enjoy free movement but check the insured value in euros. Outside the EU you must show a customs inventory and sign a CMR transport letter. Trade association FEDEMAC maintains a list of reliable partners abroad.
Insurance & liability of moving companies in your area
Every certified mover uses the AVC 2002. This covers €613 per cubic meter as standard. Do you want more certainty? Take out an all-risk moving insurance. This costs about one percent of the contents value and also covers damage caused by you tripping yourself. Take photos of every damaged item as soon as it goes in and out of the truck. This speeds up the claim.
Sustainable moving and saving on costs
An electric moving van emits zero CO₂ in the city. Some moving companies offer HVO fuel as an interim solution. Route optimization saves up to fifteen percent fuel. You benefit because less diesel means lower rates. Do you have requirements regarding your move? Discuss these thoroughly with the moving company. Rent reusable crates. They last four hundred trips and save stacks of cardboard.
Useful downloads & tools
| File name | What's in it for you? |
|---|---|
| Moving checklist | 50 Points to Prevent You from Taking Your Neighbor's Pet |
| Inventory excel | Calculates cubic meters and shows all costs per room |
| Quotation matrix | Compare five moving companies based on twelve criteria |
Click, download and get started right away. No email required.
Request free quotes from Moving
- Enter your zip code.
- Describe the contents.
- Receive three clear moving quotes within one working day.
You choose, we take care of the rest, you save time and money.
Moving is happy to help you
Comparing moving companies pays off. By comparing early, asking critical questions and planning smartly, you will find the right moving company that suits your needs and budget. Use our checklists and tips so that your move runs smoothly and you have money left for something more fun than cardboard boxes.
About Moving
We are Team Moving. For ten years, we have been connecting people to the best moving companies. We test tools, talk to certified movers and analyze hundreds of quotes every year. In this way, we share advice that works in the real world. Questions? Let us know and we will be happy to help you.
