Moving from the United States to The Netherlands?

Moving from the United States to the Netherlands is one of the most exciting things you can do. A new country, new culture, and new chapter, but if there's one thing that catches almost every American expat off guard - the homes.

Dutch housing looks charming from the outside, and it is. But inside, it can operate by a completely different set of rules then what you're used to. The spaces are smaller, the staircases are steeper, the appliances are more compact, and the concept of a 'big kitchen' simply doesn't exist in most properties.

None of this is a problem, once you know what to expect. This guide walks you through the biggest differences between American and Dutch homes, so you can arrive prepared rather than surprised.‍

Quick Fact: Dutch homes are smaller, older, and more compact than most American homes. Steep staircases, small refrigerators, no air conditioning, and furniture hoisted through windows are all completely normal.

How Dutch Homes Differ from American Homes: An Overview

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Space has always been at a premium — which is why Dutch architecture and interior design evolved toward efficiency, ingenuity, and verticality rather than the sprawling square footage Americans are used to.

The average Dutch apartment is around 80 to 100 square metres (roughly 860 to 1,075 square feet). In Amsterdam, however, apartments are typically smaller, averaging 50 to 65 square metres (about 540 to 700 square feet). What many people would consider a modest one-bedroom in a U.S. city is often viewed as a comfortable apartment in Amsterdam. This isn't a flaw in the housing stock—it's a reflection of a culture that has made an art form out of compact living.

Here's what that means for you in practice:

Steep Staircases and Narrow Hallways

This is the first thing most Americans notice, and the thing most likely to cause genuine logistical headaches.

Dutch staircases, particularly in older canal houses and apartment buildings, are steep. Not 'a bit steep', genuinely ladder-like in some cases, with rises of 45 degrees or more and treads narrow enough that you may have to turn sideways. Hallways are narrow too, and internal doors are often smaller than American standards.

Why? Historically, Dutch canal houses were taxed on their width, not their height. Builders went up rather than out, and staircases were made as space-efficient as possible. The result is a charming, distinctive architectural style that is also genuinely challenging to navigate with luggage, furniture, or a pushchair.

Quick Tip: If you have mobility considerations or are moving with young children, pay close attention to staircase specs when viewing properties. Some newer apartment buildings have lifts, but many don't, and ground floor or first floor units go fast for exactly this reason.

Moving Furniture Through Windows (Yes, Really)

If you're wondering how anyone gets a sofa into a fourth-floor canal house with a staircase like a ship's ladder, the answer is: through the window.

This isn't a workaround. It's the standard approach, and Dutch homes are literally built for it. Look up at almost any Amsterdam canal house and you'll see a hook protruding from the top of the gable. Historically, these were used to hoist goods into warehouse spaces. Today, professional Dutch moving companies use external hydraulic lifts, tall platforms on wheels that rise to the correct floor and allow furniture to be passed directly through a window or balcony opening.

When you're booking your international move, ask your removal company whether they have experience with Dutch staircase access. Most reputable Dutch movers are fully set up for this, but it's worth confirming in advance, and budgeting for it, since lift hire is an additional cost.

• Always measure your furniture before you move since some larger American pieces simply won't fit, even through a window.
• Check whether a permit is required for using an external moving lift at your building, as some municipalities require one.
• Ask your relocation advisor which properties in your shortlist have good access. It's a practical factor worth raising early.

Small Refrigerators and What Dutch People Call an 'American Fridge'

The refrigerator situation will stop you in your tracks if you're not ready for it.

Standard Dutch refrigerators are small. Genuinely small, typically 150 to 180cm tall (or 59 to 71 inches) with a combined fridge and freezer unit, compared to the large side-by-side or double-door models common in American kitchens. The freezer compartment can be just a small drawer or shelf at the top, sufficient for a few basics but nowhere near the capacity of a standalone American freezer.

Here's the cultural context that makes this make sense: Dutch people shop more frequently and in smaller quantities. Supermarkets are local, plentiful, and usually within walking distance. The idea of a weekly 'big shop' that fills a large fridge is less common — people buy what they need for a few days at a time.

Quick Fact: In the Netherlands, a large American-style double-door fridge is called an 'Amerikaanse koelkast', literally, an American fridge. They exist, but they're a premium item and won't come standard in most rentals.

Check the fridge size early. If you're moving into a shell or bare property and bringing your own appliances, measure carefully since Dutch kitchen units are designed around European appliance dimensions.

Heating: Yes. Air Conditioning: Almost Certainly Not.

Dutch homes are well-heated. Central heating via radiators is standard, and underfloor heating is increasingly common in newer builds. In some apartment complexes, 'block heating' (stadsverwarming or blokverwarming) is used, a shared central system that heats multiple units from one source. If your apartment uses block heating, you'll typically pay for it via your service costs rather than a separate gas bill.

Air conditioning, however, is a different story.

It is rare. In older properties, it's almost unheard of. In newer builds, it's still far from standard. Dutch summers are milder than most of the US with average highs in July and August around 22–25°C (72 to 77°F), so historically there hasn't been demand for it. But summers are warming, and a run of 30°C+ (86°F+) days is no longer unusual.

• Don't assume air conditioning is included. Ask explicitly during viewings.
• Portable air conditioning units are available to buy or rent in the Netherlands.
• Some newer apartments have mechanical ventilation systems (WTW units) that can provide mild cooling.
• North-facing properties stay noticeably cooler in summer, which is worth considering if heat is a concern for you.

Quick Tip: If air conditioning is a genuine necessity for you, look at newer apartment buildings, serviced apartments, or corporate housing. These are more likely to have climate control as standard.

Compact Kitchens and Combination Appliances

The Dutch kitchen is functional, not expansive. If you're used to a large American kitchen with a double oven, a full-sized microwave on the counter, a separate stand mixer, and a breakfast bar, prepare to recalibrate.

Standard Dutch kitchens are compact, with limited counter space and smaller appliances throughout. Ovens are typically single, built-in units. Separate microwaves are often replaced by combination microwave/oven units = compact appliances that do both jobs but are smaller than a dedicated oven. Dishwashers are common in modern rentals but not universal in older properties.

The washer-dryer setup is also different. In the US, you're used to a separate washer and dryer, often in a dedicated laundry room. In Dutch homes, you'll typically find a compact washing machine in the kitchen or bathroom, and either a separate small tumble dryer or no dryer at all; many Dutch people use drying racks.

• If you enjoy baking then check oven capacity during viewings. Some combination units are significantly smaller than a standard oven.
• Bring your favourite small kitchen appliances from the US if they're dual-voltage (most modern appliances are) and just pick up a plug adapter.
• If a washer/dryer is a must-have then flag it early. Not all rentals include one.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished: What Those Words Mean in the Netherlands

This is one of the most important things to understand before you start viewing, and it's an area where American expectations and Dutch reality often diverge significantly.

Furnished (Gemeubileerd) – Fully furnished properties that come equipped with furniture, appliances, kitchen essentials (such as cutlery, cookware, and glassware), towels, bedding, flooring, and lighting, making them move-in ready and 'turn-key' from day one. They are most common in the expat and short-term rental market and generally command higher rents. For Americans relocating to the Netherlands, especially those arriving without their household belongings, a furnished rental is often the most practical choice.

Unfurnished or Upholstered (Ongemeubileerd or Gestoffeerd) – Many rentals in the Netherlands are either unfurnished or upholstered. Both exclude furniture, but an upholstered apartment typically includes window coverings (curtains or blinds) while an unfurnished apartment may not. Both are similar to what most Americans would consider a typical unfurnished rental, which includes flooring, painted walls, a fitted kitchen, and essential appliances, but no furniture. 

Shell or Bald (Kaal) – In the Netherlands, 'kaal' means almost entirely bare. No flooring, no light fixtures, sometimes no kitchen appliances — just walls, ceilings, and plumbing connections. You are expected to supply everything, including floor coverings, ceiling lights, and sometimes painting the walls before moving in. This type of shell or bare rental is uncommon in the U.S., making it one of the biggest culture shocks for expats and newcomers renting in the Netherlands.

Quick Tip: Always ask exactly what's included before a viewing. 'Furnished' in a Dutch listing can still mean very different things. We always clarify this for our clients before they waste a trip.

Space, Storage, and a Different Way of Living

Dutch homes don't have basements. Garages are rare in urban areas. Built-in storage is limited compared to American homes. If you're arriving with a full household of belongings, you will need to make some decisions about what comes with you and what stays behind.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Many Americans who make the move find that the Dutch approach to compact, intentional living grows on them quickly. Smaller spaces are easier to maintain, cheaper to heat, and, in the Netherlands especially, often beautifully designed.

The Dutch have a concept called 'gezelligheid' = a warmth and cosiness in the home that isn't about size. A well-lit, well-decorated Dutch apartment can feel far more welcoming than a large, generic space. It's a different relationship with home, and most expats come to appreciate it.

What to Look for When Viewing Dutch Properties as an American

The Dutch have a concept called 'gezelligheid' = a warmth and cosiness in the home that isn't about size. A well-lit, well-decorated Dutch apartment can feel far more welcoming than a large, generic space. It's a different relationship with home, and most expats come to appreciate it.

• Staircase gradient and width — especially if you have mobility needs, young children, or large furniture
• Fridge and appliance sizes — measure if you're bringing your own
• What's included in the listing — flooring, lighting, white goods (i.e., major household appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, oven, washing machine, and dryer) 
• Heating type — radiators, underfloor, or block heating and how it's billed
• Window size and access — relevant for furniture delivery
• Storage — built-in cupboards, cellar storage, or external storage (berging)
• Energy label — Dutch properties are rated A–G and a good label means lower energy bills
• Service Costs (Servicekosten) — potential monthly charges on top of rent for shared facilities and building maintenance.

How Expat Home Finders Can Help

Understanding the differences between Dutch and American homes is only the first step—finding one that's the right fit for your lifestyle is where we come in. Whether you need a home with a less steep staircase, more living space, a furnished rental, or simply want to avoid the surprise of viewing a bare shell (kaal) apartment, we help you identify the right properties before you waste time on unsuitable viewings.

We know what matters most to expats relocating to the Netherlands and will guide you through every stage of the search, helping you find a home that feels comfortable from day one.

Ready to find your Dutch home? Click “Let’s Get Started” on our website to fill out a short form. We’ll review your information within 1 business day to understand your situation and recommend the best approach for your timeline and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Dutch homes smaller than American homes? Yes, significantly. The average Dutch home is around 80 to 100 square metres, considerably smaller than the US average. Urban apartments in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht are often 50 to 65 square metres, and are priced accordingly. The trade-off is location, design, and a quality of life that doesn't depend on square footage.
• ‍Do Dutch apartments come with appliances? It depends on the rental category. Furnished (gemeubileerd) apartments are fully move-in ready, including appliances, furniture, and kitchen essentials, but come at a higher price. Unfurnished (ongemeubileerd) or upholstered (gestoffeerd) apartments skip the furniture but include flooring, a fitted kitchen, and essential appliances, similar to a typical American unfurnished rental. Shell or bare (kaal) apartments are the most stripped-down option, often with no flooring, light fixtures, and sometimes no appliances at all, just walls and plumbing connections.
• Is it hard to find a rental in the Netherlands as an American? The Dutch rental market is very competitive, but Americans are well-represented in the expat community and most landlords are comfortable with international tenants. The key requirements are proof of income (typically 3x the monthly rent), valid ID, and employment documentation. Working with an English-speaking relocation agency makes the process significantly smoother.‍
• Do I need to ship my furniture from the U.S. to the Netherlands? Many Americans choose not to, given the cost of international shipping and the size constraints of Dutch homes. Large American furniture — oversized sofas, king-sized bed frames, large wardrobes — often doesn't fit well in Dutch spaces. A common approach is to rent a furnished property initially, then buy locally once you know what fits your home and lifestyle.‍
• Can I use American appliances in the Netherlands? The Netherlands uses 220–240V / 50Hz electricity, versus 110–120V / 60Hz in the US. Most modern laptops, phones, and small electronics are dual-voltage and work fine with a plug adapter. Large appliances (ovens, washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges) are not compatible and should be left behind or sold before you move.
• What is a berging in Dutch housing? A berging is a storage unit, typically a locked cage or small storage room in the building's basement or ground floor, assigned to a specific apartment. They're common in more modern Dutch apartment buildings and useful for bicycles, seasonal items, and anything that doesn't fit inside the apartment itself. Not all properties have one, so it's worth asking.
• How do I find a rental home in the Netherlands as an American? The most efficient route is to work with an English-speaking relocation agency with local market knowledge. At Expat Home Finders, we specialise in helping Americans and other international expats navigate the Dutch private rental market, from your first search to signing your lease, receiving the keys to your new home, and setting up your utilities.

^{Written by Expat Home Finders}

^{Published July 2026 on expathomefinders.nl — your local experts for expat housing in the Netherlands}