Moving to and from Terschelling: the experiences of Wim van der Meer
In 2018, Wim van der Meer and his wife moved from the province of Zeeland to Terschelling. Recently, they once again “packed up their belongings” and returned to the mainland. On both occasions, De Jong Verhuizingen assisted with the relocation process. How did Wim and his wife experience these moves?
From Zeeland to Terschelling
You moved from Zeeland to Terschelling two years ago. What was the reason for this move?
“That was due to my new job as hotel manager at Westcord Hotel Schylge. I started working there in 2018. Commuting daily from Zeeland to Terschelling was simply not an option. Together with my wife, I therefore moved to Terschelling. She also worked at the same hotel for a while, and together we lived there for two years with great pleasure.”
What was the reason you recently moved back to the mainland?
“My wife was offered a job on the mainland. After much consideration, we decided that this time I would follow her. In the past, it had always been the other way around, with us moving whenever I got a new job. Now it was her turn.”
How did you get in touch with De Jong Verhuizingen?
“We started looking for a moving company in Friesland, as that’s where we were moving. We contacted several companies and then compared them. After speaking with Peter de Jong, the decision was quickly made. It was by far the most pleasant conversation we had. He took the time to travel to Zeeland to inventory our household goods on site. The contact felt personal and sincere, which gave us confidence. Not a large, impersonal organization where you’re just ‘number so-and-so’. Communication by phone and email was also excellent, and any uncertainties were resolved immediately and professionally.”
The relocation process described
How did the move go?
“In Zeeland, De Jong Verhuizingen worked together with a local moving company. Two employees from De Jong Verhuizingen came over and packed all our household goods on Monday. On Tuesday, the truck was loaded together with the local mover from Middelburg, after which they departed for Friesland. On Wednesday morning, our belongings were transported on the first ferry to Terschelling, unloaded in the afternoon, and the team left again the very same day. The entire process went flawlessly.”
So when it came time to move from Terschelling to Heerenveen, was the choice easy?
“Yes, we didn’t want anyone else but De Jong Verhuizingen. For the second move, we sent an email to Peter and then got in touch with his brother, Maurits. We basically followed the same process as a few years earlier, only this time the distance was shorter. After receiving the quote, we agreed almost immediately.
Everything had to be arranged within a short timeframe, and we already knew we felt comfortable with De Jong Verhuizingen. This move was also completed within three days. Due to COVID-19 regulations, only two movers were allowed in the truck. So once again, packing took place on Monday, the truck was loaded on Tuesday with movers on Terschelling, and it departed for the mainland on the afternoon ferry. On Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m., the truck with our household goods was already parked right in front of our new home!”
Conclusion: satisfied?
“Absolutely! All promises were fully delivered on. The most important thing is good communication and movers who actually live up to what is promised—and that was certainly the case. The movers were professional, friendly, considerate, and solution-oriented. They focus on possibilities rather than limitations. For us, a move will always be stressful; for the movers, it seems like simple logic. I have great respect for how they do their work. Everything was handled in a friendly and well-organized atmosphere. Many companies could learn a lot from the way De Jong Verhuizingen operates.”
