Meet Our Partner - De Gruijter & Co.

As an international there are a lot of steps to figure out in order to make your dream of working and living in the Netherlands a reality. It can be overwhelming to try and decipher the Dutch system and to know who to turn to for help. Although our focus at Undutchables is on helping you find a job, we know that getting established in the Netherlands involves more than just landing a great new position. That's why we have teamed up with some great companies that can assist you with the other steps of the process. We interviewed one of our partners this week and want to give you a chance to get to know them and learn about their services as well, so without further ado, let us introduce our relocation services partner - De Gruijter & Co.

1. What is De Gruijter & Co.?

Royal De Gruijter & Co. is a renowned international moving company based in the Netherlands, established in 1881 with over 140 years of experience. We specialize in national and international moves for individuals and corporates, offering personalized relocation services from pre-move planning to post-move assistance. We are committed to providing service fit for royalty and ensuring customer satisfaction. We employ around 70 people with multiple areas of expertise, including international moving, relocation services, office removals, and industrial export packaging.

2. Why do you do what you do?

At Royal De Gruijter & Co., our mission is to manage your move down to the last detail with a personal touch. We prioritize reliability, service, and quality, to ensure every move is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we strive to provide the service that makes you happy.

Our vision is to remain the best removal service in the Netherlands by delivering expertise, attention, and dedication in every job we undertake. We aim to build lasting relationships with our clients and partners, operating with respect for people, the environment, and society. We treat others as we would like to be treated, ensuring that our services are carried out with care, transparency, creativity, and heaps of fun.

3. Which products/services do you offer?

At Royal De Gruijter & Co., we offer a comprehensive range of moving and relocation services designed to make every move smooth and stress-free. Here are some of our key services:

International and National Moves: We handle moves for individuals and businesses within the Netherlands and worldwide. Our experienced team ensures that your belongings are moved safely and efficiently.
Storage: We offer secure storage solutions for both short and long-term needs, including vehicle storage.
Project Removals: We help with project management, office removals, and handyman services.
Industrial Packing & Export: We assist with devising and executing a wide range of industrial (export) packaging tasks.

And, of course,

Relocation Services: We provide extensive support for relocations, including visa arrangements, finding a new home, and locating suitable schools for your children. We ensure that you feel at home in your new environment as quickly as possible. We help with registering with local municipalities, opening a bank account, and registering with a doctor, dentist, or your new favourite gym. This ensures a smooth transition to your new life.

4. What is the current market like in your industry?

The market for international removals and relocation services is dynamic and influenced by various factors. Geopolitical tensions and changes in international relations significantly impact the mobility of expats. Shifts in visa and immigration policies due to political instability can complicate relocation processes. These factors require companies to stay adaptable and informed about global developments.

Millennials and Gen Z are also reshaping the market with their unique preferences. They prioritize flexibility, digital solutions, and sustainability, and are more likely to relocate for career opportunities and personal growth, which increases the demand for tailored relocation services. There is a trend among newer generations to be less attached to physical possessions. This often results in fewer items being moved during relocations, as they prefer minimalism and digital solutions. This trend can affect the volume and nature of relocation services provided.

The integration of corporate mobility into the onboarding process is becoming increasingly important. Effective onboarding can facilitate smoother transitions for relocating employees, ensuring they quickly adapt to their new roles and environments.

5. What are your unique selling points for the international community?

With over 140 years of expertise we bring unparalleled experience and reliability to every move. We take a personal approach and ensure that each client receives a dedicated move coordinator to ensure a seamless relocation. From pre-move planning to post-move assistance, we handle every detail. Our comprehensive approach and commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the international moving industry.

6. What has been your most memorable moment working with internationals?

Working with internationals has provided countless memorable moments, each unique in its own way. The reasons for moving, whether internationally or locally, are often deeply personal and significant. A move typically accompanies a major life change, which makes working in this industry so special. It's an honour to be part of these transformative journeys and to help individuals and families navigate such important transitions.

7. Do you have any industry tips for our readers?

Plan Ahead: Start planning your move as early as possible. This gives you ample time to organize, declutter, and handle any unexpected issues that may arise.
Stay Organized: Keep all important documents, such as passports, visas, and contracts, in one easily accessible place. Create a checklist to track your progress and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Contact a Professional Moving Company: Choose a company with a FIDI FAIM Plus Certification. This prestigious internationally recognised certification is awarded to companies that operate at the highest international standards. FAIM Plus requires compliance with rigorous criteria, including environmental responsibility, employee training, equipment quality, and financial stability. These standards are audited every two years by FIDI, the leading global organization for removal companies.

And above all, take care of yourself! Moving can be stressful, so please contact us. We’ll take the weight off your mind for a smooth relocation experience.