Seeking Advice About Housing and More

Seeking advice about housing: One unique ACCESS feature is that our volunteers, being mostly internationals, often share their own experiences with each other, which in turn become subjects we share for the benefit of others. Sometimes these are practical, leading us to research the answers and possible solutions. Often, they are anecdotal, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable.

Visits from Family and Friends

When it comes to house searching or choices, take into account not only your children but also your parents. It seems logical: looking for a home in relation to children’s schooling (if applicable of course); but what about those steep staircases and visiting, perhaps elderly or mobility challenged, parents/relatives? We heard the story of the newly arrived international family who found their ‘ideal’ house: close to work, central, not too far from the school bus stop. It met all their needs in terms of space, character, price, and location. It was only after they moved in, however, that they realised that neither of their own parents would be able to stay there when they visited. The location of the bathrooms vis-à-vis the steep staircases would make the stay slightly treacherous, if not impossible. This exchange was followed by similar stories of how such considerations, and the amusing (and sometimes not so amusing) consequences thereof, were only discovered after the fact (once the home was rented). Of course, anyone who has moved to another country has endless stories about promised visits that never materialised from friends and/or family–and the frustration of having taken extra space into consideration when renting (a guest bedroom, for instance) which was never used. However, there may be a few structural issues when it comes to housing in the Netherlands that may also require some consideration among those setting up a temporary home here. So, for what it’s worth, consider what these might be for you when looking for a home.

Lunch during the school day

As mentioned earlier, children and the location of one’s home in relation to school is an obvious point. However, many internationals would be surprised to hear the story of someone who had to bike back and forth six – SIX – times a day to her child’s primary school. It turned out that this school in particular did not have a ‘stay-in lunch policy’ and that all children had to go home for lunch. Granted, more and more schools allow children to remain at school, supervised, during lunch time, but there are some where this is not the case. So, when looking into a school; do keep this small but significant detail in mind as to whether you will be required to pick up your children–or have them come home alone for lunch–on a regular basis. Biking this often on a sunny day may sound appealing, but there are fewer of these days during the school year than you think. Do note that this is only an issue for those who opt for the Dutch educational system–a choice that is increasingly being made by international families.

Not Alone

Some things can be seen, anticipated, on one’s own. However, there are other aspects of living in a new country–unfamiliar habits or cultural customs–that do require you to ask questions, talk to people. Seasoned internationals will know this from experience. Consequently, we encourage all newcomers to ask, and ask often–no matter whom they are talking to. There is no shame in not knowing… After all, how can you know what you don’t know, until you ask?

Seeking Advice About Housing and More is edited from an article written for Xpat Journal.

If you want to learn more about finding a place to live the Netherlands click here.