Dutch apartment essentials checklist 2026
Everything you need to set up your Dutch home, from day one to fully settled.
Dutch rental apartments are unfurnished. No bed, no sofa, often no light fixtures, sometimes no kitchen appliances. Moving in means starting from zero. This checklist covers everything you need, with direct links to the best products on Amazon.nl and IKEA, so you can order before you land.
See our complete furniture guide for budget breakdowns (€1,500 basic to €8,000 quality), IKEA tips, and Marktplaats secondhand strategy. For overall costs, see the relocation budget guide.
Order before you arrive
Amazon.nl delivers fast across all of the Netherlands. Set a delivery date for when you land. New to how Dutch parcels work? Read our PostNL and postal services guide to understand pick-up points, missed deliveries and customs on non-EU orders.
What's in this guide
Bedroom essentials
Dutch apartments come completely empty. Buy a bed on your first priority - sleeping on the floor while waiting for delivery is not fun. Dutch standard sizes: 90x200 (single), 140x200 (double), 180x200 (king).
| Item | Priority | Budget | Buy on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed frame + mattress | Day 1 | €150-600 | Amazon.nl |
| Duvet (dekbed) | Day 1 | €40-120 | Amazon.nl |
| Duvet cover set (dekbedovertrek) | Day 1 | €25-80 | Amazon.nl |
| Pillows (2x) | Day 1 | €20-60 | Amazon.nl |
| Fitted sheet | Day 1 | €15-40 | Amazon.nl |
| Curtains or blackout blinds | Week 1 | €30-120 | Amazon.nl |
| Bedroom lamp | Week 1 | €20-60 | Amazon.nl |
| Wardrobe / clothing rack | Week 1 | €60-300 | Amazon.nl |
Beds and frames
Single, double, king
🛌Duvet covers
Dutch sizes: 140x200, 200x200
💤Duvets
Synthetic or down, warm for Dutch winters
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Kitchen essentials
Dutch kitchens often come with a gas or electric hob but no other appliances. Some newer apartments have an induction hob. Bring nothing except what fits in your suitcase - Amazon.nl has everything.
Cookware (Day 1)
- 1 large pot (for pasta, soup)
- 1 frying pan (non-stick)
- 1 medium saucepan
- Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs)
- Cutting board (at least 2)
- Sharp knife set
Tableware (Day 1)
- Plates (4-6 pieces)
- Bowls (4-6 pieces)
- Mugs and glasses (4-6 each)
- Cutlery set (forks, knives, spoons)
- Colander / strainer
- Can opener + bottle opener
Kitchen utensils on Amazon.nl
Pots, pans, knives, utensil sets
Kitchen sets on Amazon.nl
Complete starter sets from €30
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Bathroom and cleaning
Dutch rental apartments come without shower curtains, toilet brushes, or any bathroom accessories. Get these on Day 1.
Bathroom (Day 1)
- Shower curtain and rings
- Towels (at least 2 sets)
- Bath mat
- Toilet brush and holder
- Hand soap dispenser
- Mirror (not always included)
Cleaning (Day 1)
- Mop and bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- All-purpose spray cleaner
- Toilet cleaner
- Dish soap and sponges
- Laundry detergent
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Living room and storage
Dutch apartments are famously small. A sofa bed is worth considering if you have guests. Storage is the biggest challenge in Dutch homes - buy more than you think you need.
| Item | Budget range | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sofa or sofa bed | €200-800 | Sofa bed doubles as guest room |
| Dining table and chairs | €100-400 | Folding table saves space |
| Bookcase / shelving | €40-200 | Billy (IKEA) is everywhere |
| Storage boxes and organizers | €20-80 | Under-bed storage is key |
| Floor lamp | €30-100 | Dutch homes love lamps, not ceiling lights |
| Desk and chair (if WFH) | €150-600 | Sit-stand desks pay off long-term |
Sofas
All styles and sizes
🔄Sofa beds
Perfect for small apartments
📦Storage
Cabinets, boxes, organizers
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Electronics and adapters
The Netherlands uses Type F (Schuko) sockets at 230V/50Hz. North American devices need a voltage converter. UK devices need an adapter. Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) handle 110-240V automatically - check the label.
Quick rule: If your charger/adapter says "100-240V", it works in the Netherlands with just a plug adapter. If it says "120V only", you need a voltage converter as well.
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Cycling gear
Cycling is essential in the Netherlands - it is the primary mode of transport for most people. You need a bike on Week 1. Buy second-hand from a local shop or Marktplaats for €150-300. Then buy the safety gear new on Amazon.nl.
Read our complete cycling guide for rules, routes, and what to buy.
Bike locks
Spend at least €30. Theft is very common.
💡Bike lights
Legally required after dark. €10-25.
⛑️Helmets
Not legally required for adults, recommended.
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Dutch winter essentials
Dutch winters are grey, wet, and dark - not brutally cold, but relentless from October to March. The lack of sunlight affects mood and energy. These are the things most expats wish they had bought sooner.
Combating the dark
Staying warm and comfortable
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Bol.com vs Amazon.nl for expats
Both platforms deliver to all Dutch addresses. Here is when to use each one. For a full deep-dive, see our bol.com vs Amazon.nl expat guide.
| Category | Amazon.nl | Amazon.nl |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | ✅ Best - huge selection, Dutch delivery | Limited selection |
| Bedding | ✅ Best - Dutch sizes, fast delivery | Available but less variety |
| Kitchen items | ✅ Best - competitive pricing | Good alternative |
| English books | Small selection | ✅ Best - huge English selection |
| Kindle / e-readers | Available | ✅ Best - official store |
| Electronics | Good for Dutch brands | ✅ Good for international brands |
| Bike gear | ✅ Best - Dutch cycling brands | Available |
| Cleaning supplies | ✅ Best - Dutch brands, cheap | Available |
| SAD lamps | ✅ Good - fast delivery | ✅ Good - more brands |
| Dutch language books | ✅ Best - full NT2 range | Good international titles |
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Frequently asked questions
Is bol.com better than Amazon.nl for expats in the Netherlands?
For most purchases, bol.com is better: it has wider Dutch product selection, better prices in euros, and faster next-day delivery to Dutch addresses. Amazon.nl is better for English books, international electronics brands, Kindle devices, and items from your home country. For furniture and home goods, bol.com wins. For English-language media and Amazon devices, Amazon.nl wins.
What are Dutch bed sizes?
Dutch standard single bed is 90x200 cm or 120x200 cm. Double beds are 140x200 cm or 160x200 cm. King size is 180x200 cm. These differ from UK and US sizes, so bring or buy Dutch-sized bedding separately. Most rental apartments have no bed included, so you need to buy one.
Does Amazon.nl deliver to all of the Netherlands?
Yes, Amazon.nl delivers across all of the Netherlands, including smaller cities and towns. Standard delivery is typically 1-2 business days. Free delivery is available on eligible orders. Prime members get fast delivery on millions of items.
What does a typical unfurnished Dutch apartment need?
Dutch rental apartments are typically fully unfurnished - no furniture, no white goods in cheaper rentals, sometimes no light fixtures. You need: bed and bedding, sofa or chairs, desk if you work from home, kitchen items (pots, pans, utensils, dishes), cleaning supplies, toilet brush, bathroom items, and curtains or blinds. Budget €1,500-3,000 for a basic setup.
Can I use my home country's electronics in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands uses Type F (Schuko) sockets at 230V/50Hz. North American devices (120V) need a voltage converter, not just an adapter. UK devices with Type G plugs need a Type G to F adapter. European devices work natively. Buy a good multi-country travel adapter on bol.com or Amazon.nl for around €10-20.
What is the best budget for setting up a Dutch apartment?
Basic setup (used furniture + Amazon.nl for essentials): €1,000-1,500. Comfortable setup (mix of IKEA, Amazon.nl, some quality pieces): €2,000-3,500. Quality investment (new furniture, good appliances): €5,000-8,000. Most expats on typical salaries spend €2,000-3,500 in the first month on their apartment setup.
More moving and setup guides
Everything you need to settle in the Netherlands.