Before we ever set foot in the Netherlands, we had already lived in many places.
I spent my teenage years in Tuscany, Italy, where I finished high school while living with my family. Later, I moved to Australia for love, and that’s where we began building our life together.
We moved back and forth between Australia and Italy three times, packing up our lives and starting over each time. So when the chance came to move again—this time to the Netherlands—we already knew the challenges of relocation.
In 2015, after a short stay in Italy, we moved to Amsterdam with our son. My husband had accepted a job at Booking.com.
A Rocky Start
The company provided some relocation support, including an agent to help us find a home. But it didn’t feel right. The process felt rushed and not very personal. It didn’t match what our family needed.
So I decided to do it myself.
I started looking on Dutch housing websites, contacted agents, and booked viewings. Step by step, I learned how renting worked in the Netherlands.
Finding Our First Home
We found a freshly renovated, three-bedroom apartment in Amstelveen. It was a two-story home with lots of light and space.
We walked around the neighborhood, checked out the shops, parks, and malls, and immediately felt it was the right place. It was clean, quiet, and safe—perfect for our little family.
The rent was fair, we had all the documents, and we paid the deposit. Soon after, we moved in.
It felt like a big win. And surprisingly, I loved every part of the process.
Discovering What I Love
I enjoyed searching for homes, comparing areas, and organizing every detail. I also noticed how many small things could go wrong—like hidden fees or unclear rental terms. We learned this the hard way in later rentals.
That first move lit a spark in me.
I began helping friends, then friends of friends. I gave advice, shared tips, and supported other expats through their own moves.
10 Years of Moves, Mistakes, and Experience
Now, it’s been over 10 years since that first move. During this time, we’ve:
Bought three homes in the Netherlands
Tested local and international schools
Helped dozens of expat families settle in
Moved out of the Netherlands and back—twice
The second time we returned, I knew the system so well I was able to get our family settled within a month.
With every move, I gained more knowledge—and more confidence in helping others.
Starting Serenity Moves
That’s how Serenity Moves began. It wasn’t a business idea at first. It was a passion built on real life.
Now, I provide relocation support for expats, families, and professionals moving to the Netherlands. I help with finding homes, choosing schools, understanding neighborhoods, and feeling at home—faster and with less stress.
Whether you’re moving to Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Utrecht, or beyond, I’m here to help you feel confident and supported.
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It all starts with a conversation. We’ll talk about your needs, your hopes, and how I can help. From there, I tailor my support to suit your journey whether that’s just a little guidance or full-service relocation help.
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