For many expats and internationals, the excitement of relocation quickly turns into stress once the details begin to pile up. That is why the pre-arrival phase is often the most underestimated part of moving to a new country.

“Moving abroad isn’t just about packing boxes, it’s about creating a life,” says professional organiser Daniëlle Bos, founder of Neat Solutions and a former expat herself.

“My first big move was to Portugal. When it came time to leave, I wished I’d had someone to help me sort my belongings. I threw away things I sincerely regret because I didn’t think it through. That experience taught me how much planning matters and how critical it is to have an overview of what you own.”

Daniëlle went on to set up home in South Africa and New Zealand before returning to the Netherlands some 10 years ago.

“Through all these moves, I realised two things: planning ahead saves stress and unnecessary costs, and having a clear inventory of your belongings is just as important,” she says. “When your possessions are scattered across storage units, family homes or temporary accommodation, it’s easy to lose track.”

Her personal experiences led Daniëlle to set up Neat Solutions, a service to help international families create structure around their moves. “I don’t just plan,” she says. “From inventories and labelling systems to unpacking strategies, I make sure everything is organised and accessible. Because when your surroundings are in order, your mind is at rest. And I am here as a friendly face to welcome you too.”

Neat Solutions is not a relocation company that handles the formal side of moving – things like visas, BSN registration, housing searches, packing, transport or cultural orientation. It is more of an add-on service.

“Once the boxes are delivered and the paperwork is complete, many people are left with the overwhelming task of turning a house into a home and bringing order to their lives,” she says. “That’s where I come in as a professional organiser.

“I will set up your utilities and broadband, help you sort out your belongings and decide what to keep, create a functioning, welcoming space to live in and, when it is time to leave the Netherlands, help you wrap everything up for your next move.”

Everyday basics

So what kinds of things do people often overlook before moving? Everyday basics such as banking, healthcare and transport systems all require preparation. Cultural norms may take getting used to, and the emotional load of leaving familiar routines behind is often heavier than the packing.

“It can be as simple as the weather,” says Daniëlle. “If you’ve been living in subtropical temperatures and move to the Netherlands in January, you’ll need to make sure your warm clothes and gloves are easy to get at.”

Daniëlle’s top tip for a stress-free start? Pack a First-Night Box with bedding, toiletries, coffee or tea, loo paper and light bulbs – yes, you will be amazed how many Dutch homes may not have them.

Leaving again

And when your time in the Netherlands comes to an end, Daniëlle offers a leaving service to make sure you have tied up all the loose ends. “People forget the departure phase,” she says. “You need to cancel television and energy subscriptions, deregister at your local council and settle bills – all of which takes time. But a clean exit saves stress and money.”

“Relocation is a transformation, not just a transaction,” she says. “The more you prepare before you arrive, the faster you’ll feel at home. And trust me, those small details matter more than you think.”

Contact Daniëlle to find out more about Neat Solutions services.