From the Netherlands to Sweden: The adventure of the Avezaat family
Peace, space, and a better future for their children—these were the main reasons for the Avezaat family to leave the Netherlands behind and build a new life in Sweden. After years of uncertainty in the agricultural sector, John and Linda decided to take the leap together with their three children: Ties (8), Dirk (6), and Saar (5).
Why Sweden?
The choice for Sweden was not an impulsive one. “In the Netherlands, the rules for our agricultural business keep changing, making it almost impossible to build a stable future,” John explains. “We had a long-term plan, but with constant changes in regulations—such as nitrogen emissions and water quality—it became increasingly difficult. We had 120 cows but were forced to scale down significantly. In the long run, that just wasn’t sustainable.”
In addition to the agricultural challenges, the future of their children played a major role. The education system in Sweden is less performance-driven and gives children more room to develop at their own pace. “Here in Sweden, everything is better organized for children, and that gives us a lot of peace of mind as parents,” Linda adds.
The decision and the big move
In October 2023, John and Linda visited Matfors, a village in the Västernorrland region, together with their children. They rented a house from Swedish friends and immediately felt: “This is it.” After a second visit in July, during which they viewed several houses, one particular home caught their attention—even though it was initially above their budget.
“Our Swedish friends urged us: ‘Just go and have a look!’ When we did, we immediately knew: this is our home.”
Before they could make the move final, the farm in the Netherlands had to be sold. When the land they were leasing was also sold, that was the confirmation they needed—it was time to take the step. The land was sold, and by the end of November, the purchase was finalized. From that moment on, everything was set in motion to make the move to Sweden definitive.
The relocation itself was a massive undertaking. Not only did the family have to move their entire household, but also Linda’s cheese-making equipment and several essential farm machines. Even their generator—frequently needed in the Netherlands due to power outages—made the journey to Sweden.
The cooperation with De Jong Verhuizingen and other moving companies made this complex move possible. “Within a day and a half, our entire life was packed and on its way,” Linda recalls. “Everything happened at an incredible pace. Despite the enormous volume and the harsh weather conditions, with snowstorms making roads nearly impassable, the move went smoothly.”
Settling in Sweden
Once they arrived in Sweden, it immediately felt like home. “The children asked every day when we were finally leaving for Sweden, and now that we’re here, it feels like we’ve lived here for years already.” For the children, the snow was a magical experience. “Our youngest had never seen snow before and was instantly in love with it.”
Life in Matfors is completely different from Leveroy, the village they came from.
“We live right next to a road, yet we hardly hear anything. There is so much peace and space—exactly what we were looking for.” The local community welcomed them with open arms, and even Swedish movers enthusiastically asked when they could buy cheese. “That gave us the confidence that we can make a good start here.”
Plans for the future
Although the family is still adjusting, their plans for the future are already well underway. John and Linda want to slowly restart their cheese dairy and are currently working on the required permits. In Sweden, the process is different from the Netherlands, but the first steps have already been taken. “We want to build our own shop here and sell cheese to the local community. For now, everything is focused on building up.”
The snow needs to melt before the cheese dairy can start operating. The permits have been applied for, and the milk supply has already been arranged with a nearby farm. “The goal is to start production in the spring.”
Despite the cold temperatures and dark winter days, they don’t miss much from the Netherlands. “Maybe a Radler beer,” Linda jokes. They are fully enjoying their new life. “We’ve had an intense year, but now we can finally breathe and look ahead.”
Their advice for others considering a similar step? “Follow your heart, but do it together. This adventure only works if the whole family supports the decision. And most importantly: feel whether the country suits you. Only then will you know if you truly feel at home.”
