Moving abroad to be with your partner: Tips for settling in

Carve your own path

Yes, you moved to be with your partner but you also need to have your own experiences. Whether you are on a visa that lets you work along with your spouse or not there are plenty of things you can do during your international adventure.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Volunteering – find a local cause to support. This could also be a great way to meet like-minded people within your area
• Join local expat groups – if you’re after a community with a lot of shared experience, this may be the one for you!
• Pick a new hobby or rediscover an old one – the main thing here is to fill your time doing things that you enjoy
• Start a blog – this can be a great way to document your time in the Netherlands and journal about all the great things you experience. Family and friends are also sure to enjoy following along your journey, as well as those planning their own move to the Netherlands and looking for advice.

Embrace the new culture

While English is spoken fluently here, learning a few phrases ahead of time is always appreciated! Be aware of local customs and traditions. Your partner should be able to help you here but you’ll also find a lot of great online resources of things to be aware of. Respecting local customs will always go a long way, and will help you to settle in easier.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Make a list of places you’d like to visit within your first month of arriving. The challenge will be how many you can fit into the first month! You’ll find plenty of things to add to your list on IamExpat.com.
• Ask in one of the expat groups you joined about their experiences moving to the Netherlands. Was there anything they wish they would have done differently? You’re sure to get some great advice and it will also be a great conversation starter as you connect with the Netherlands' expat community.

Get familiar with your new home

Moving to join your partner will likely mean you already have accommodation organised, or at least know what area you’d like to move to. If you can visit ahead of time, this would be a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the local area. Discover your local supermarket, pharmacy and transport links so you can easily navigate once you’ve moved in. If, however, you are unable to visit ahead of time, there are many great resources online from blog articles to moving vlogs.

Enjoy the journey

Sounds simple enough, but sometimes moving - especially to be with a partner - comes with a lot of pressure for things to simply fall into place. Try to manage the expectations of you and your partner, you’ll both need time to adjust to the new routine and for it to feel like your home too. Go easy on yourself about how quickly you’ll settle in and just celebrate the amazing decision you made to relocate to the Netherlands to be with your partner!