There are hundreds of moving companies in the Netherlands. Some are reliable and professional, others vanish after your payment. How do you tell the good from the bad? In this article, we give you 7 concrete criteria.
1. Check the KvK registration
Every serious moving company is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. Check the KvK number on their website and verify it on kvk.nl. Also look at how long the company has been in business — a moving company with 5+ years of experience has proven to be reliable.
2. Read independent reviews
Don’t just look at the reviews on their own website (they’re often filtered). Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and moving platforms. Look for:
- The total number of reviews (more = a more reliable average)
- The most recent reviews (a company can change in quality)
- How the company responds to negative reviews (professional or defensive?)
3. Ask about insurance
A professional moving company has at least a business liability insurance and a goods-in-transit insurance. Ask about the coverage: €50,000 or €250,000 makes a big difference if something goes wrong with your antique wardrobe or grand piano.
4. Pre-move inspection
A reliable moving company only gives a definitive quote after an inspection (in person or via video call). Companies that give a sharp price without an inspection often add costs later. A fair quote is based on actual cubic meters.
5. Fixed rate vs. hourly rate
With an hourly rate, you take the risk: if the move takes longer (traffic, broken elevator, narrow stairs), you pay more. With a fixed rate, the moving company takes that risk. Always ask for a fixed-price quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
6. In-house staff or subcontractors?
Some moving companies use rotating freelancers or subcontractors. This often leads to inconsistent quality. Ask if the company works with a fixed team. Fixed movers know the procedures and work more efficiently together.
7. Transparent communication
Pay attention to how the company communicates. Are your questions answered quickly and thoroughly? Is there a fixed point of contact? A company that’s hard to reach before the move will likely be just as difficult during and after.
Red flags
Be alert to these warning signs:
- Unusually low price (too good to be true = often extra charges)
- No inspection offered
- Only cash payment accepted
- No KvK number or hard to find online
- No written quote or general terms
Why De Verhuizing?
We work with a fixed team, offer a fixed price after inspection, are fully insured (€250,000 goods coverage), and have been registered with the KvK for years. Our 4.6/5 Google score speaks for itself. Request a free quote and experience the difference.