Hey you over there! Are you about to live on your own for the first time? Exciting right? At Moving.nl we understand all too well that you have a lot to deal with. From arranging insurance to furnishing your new home - there is so much to think about! But don't worry, we've got your back. We have put together this extensive checklist so that you don't forget anything when you take the big leap towards independent living. Let's dive into it together!

Housing: Buy or rent?

First of all you have to decide: are you going to buy or rent? For most first-year self-employed people, renting is the logical choice. It's like buying your first car – you don't usually start with a Ferrari, right?

Renting a home: What should you pay attention to?

If you decide to rent, there are a few things to keep your eyes peeled for:

Rental price: Does it fit within you budget? Remember that there are often additional charges, such as service charges. It’s like an unexpected tip at a restaurant – always a little more than you expected.
Lease agreement: Read it thoroughly. Yes, we know it's boring, but it's more important than the terms of use of your favorite app. Pay attention to things like notice periods, renovations, and whether you can keep that cute puppy.
Condition of the house: Inspect the house as if you were Sherlock Holmes. Take pictures of anything that is out of order. You don't want to pay for the damage caused by your hyperactive predecessor.

Emma de Vries of the Tenants' Association Netherlands puts it succinctly: “A good start is half the battle. Take the time to read your rental contract thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear. It is better to be difficult now than to regret later.”

Checklist for renting a home:

Determine your budget (including those annoying additional costs)
Go house hunting (online, through real estate agents, or shout it from the rooftops)
Visit potential homes (and bring a discerning friend)
Read the rental contract (yes, everything)
Negotiate like a pro (or pretend)
Sign your signature (exciting!)
Arrange the key transfer (welcome to your new kingdom)
Make an inventory list (boring job, but your future self will thank you)

Finances in order: Budgeting for independent living

Now that you have your own place, it's time to let go of your inner accountant. Here are some tips to stay afloat financially:

Make a budget

Prepare a detailed budget. It's like planning an epic road trip – you have to know how much gas (money) you have and what you're going to spend it on. Think of:

Rent (your biggest expense, probably)
Energy costs (because no one wants to be in the cold)
Groceries (you can't live on instant noodles alone... can you?)
Insurance (boring, but necessary)
Telephone and internet (because how else can you watch Netflix?)
Transportation (unless you invented a teleporter)
Clothing and personal care (you want to look good, right?)
Save for unforeseen expenses (because life is full of surprises)

Check whether you are entitled to benefits

The government has some pocket money ready for you if you meet the conditions. Check the Tax Authorities website for:

Rent allowance: For if you rent an independent living space and do not earn too much. It's like a discount on your rent, but from the government.
Healthcare allowance: Are you 18+ and do you have Dutch health insurance? Then you may be entitled to healthcare allowance. It depends on how much you earn.
Student grants: If you are going to study and live on your own, you may be able to claim student financing. It's like a reward for leaving the parental nest.

Joost Bakker, financial advisor and hero in socks, says: “Many young people leave money behind because they do not know that they are entitled to benefits. Always check your options! It's free money, people!”

Table: Income limits for allowances (2024)

Bonus	Maximum annual income (single)
Rent allowance	€32.000
Healthcare allowance	€38.000

Please note: These amounts are an indication. The Tax Authorities always have the final say, so check their website for the most recent information.

Insurance: Protect yourself and your belongings

Insurance is like an umbrella – you hope you won't need it, but you're glad you have it when you need it. Here are the most important:

Contents insurance

This covers damage to or theft of your belongings. Think of:

Fire (for when your cooking experiments get out of hand)
Water damage (because the upstairs neighbor may just decide to build a swimming pool)
Burglary (unfortunately there are still people who want to 'borrow' other people's things)
Storm (just in case Mother Nature decides to get wild)

Liability insurance

This covers damage that you accidentally cause to others or their belongings. Because yes, accidents happen. It's like an 'oops, sorry' in insurance form.

Health insurance

If you are 18+, you are legally required to have health insurance. It's not the most fun expense, but it will come in handy if you ever get sick or break a leg during your first attempt at skateboarding.

Lisa Jansen, insurance expert and part-time superhero, says: “Many young people think that they do not need home contents insurance because they have few belongings. But even basic furnishings can quickly be worth thousands of euros. Just add up your PlayStation, laptop and designer sneakers!”

Arrange your utilities

Welcome to the wonderful world of utilities! Here's what you need to arrange:

Energy contract

Choose an energy supplier. It's like dating, but for electricity and gas. NB:

Fixed or variable rates (a gamble or certainty?)
Contract duration (do you want a long-term relationship or do you like your freedom?)
Green or gray energy (do you want to save the planet or not?)

Water

In most cases you do not have to request water separately. Check with your landlord or the local water company. Because showering with a garden hose is not ideal.

Internet and TV

Choose a provider for internet, TV and possibly calling. Consider whether you want a bundle or separate services. Because watching Netflix via the neighbors' WiFi eventually becomes a bit embarrassing.

Collect your trousseau

Time to decorate your new palace! Here's a basic list to get you started:

Essential items for your trousseau:

Bed and bedding (because sleeping on the floor is so high school)
Kitchen items (you can't eat everything with a fork)
Basic furniture (unless you plan to picnic on the ground)
Cleaning supplies (yes, also that toilet brush)
Bathroom items (because smelling fresh is important)
Basic electronics (a lamp, so you don't have to sit in the dark)

Tim de Boer, interior designer and Tetris champion, advises: “Start with the basics and build up your layout slowly. Not everything has to be perfect right away when you start living on your own. Rome wasn't built in a day either!”

Change of address and administration

Time for the least sexy part of living on your own: administration. But hey, it's part of it! Here's your to-do list:

Municipality (within 5 days after moving, otherwise you will be reprimanded)
Bank (so that your mail doesn't end up with your ex-housemate)
Employer or school (so your salary or student loans can find you)
Tax authorities (because they really want to be able to reach you)
Health insurer (in case you fall off that skateboard)
General practitioner, dentist, and other healthcare providers (because health is important)
Subscriptions and memberships (so your favorite magazine can reach your new bathroom)

Pro tip: You can request a moving service from the postal service. This way, your mail will arrive neatly at your new address, and not at that strange neighbor who always collects the mail in his bathrobe.

Personal development and skills

Living on your own also means that you have to learn a lot of new skills. Here are some life hacks:

To cook: Learn some simple recipes. Pasta pesto also counts.
Financial management: Learn how to set a budget and stick to it. Your banking app is your new best friend.
To clean: Develop a routine. A little every day is better than one big cleaning a year.
Time management: Balance work or study with your household chores and social life. Yes, you still have a social life.

Social life and mental health

Sometimes living on your own can be quite lonely. Here are some tips to keep you mentally fit:

Stay in touch with family and friends. A call or message works wonders.
Get to know your neighbors. You never know when you'll need a cup of sugar.
Find hobbies or activities in your new neighborhood. Who knows, you might discover your hidden talent for underwater basket weaving.
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're having a hard time. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes.

Let's summarize again

Well, that was quite something, huh? Living on your own is a big step, but with the right preparation it will be a great adventure. Use this checklist, breathe deeply, and enjoy your newfound freedom!

Have you checked off all the points on this checklist? Then you're ready to rock into your new independent life. On behalf of the entire Moving.nl team, we wish you much success and fun in this new phase. And remember, if you ever need advice, we're here for you. Even if it is to explain how your washing machine works. Have fun in your new palace!