Why We’re Moving to the Netherlands

One family, one dog, one freelance business, and a one-way ticket from rural Maine to the Netherlands.

Hey there – welcome to No Place Like Elsewhere, where one Designer, one Builder, four wild boys (The Scout, The Second One, The Wild Card, and The Sidekick), and one very confused dog are packing up rural Maine life and heading across the ocean to the Netherlands.

This isn’t a snap decision or a desperate escape – it’s a long-term plan finally in motion. We’re not chasing perfection or postcard views (Maine already has that), but a culture that aligns with our values: work-life balance, inclusivity, and, well, fewer headlines that make us question reality.

We sold our farm (yes, even the goats and chickens), and while it was bittersweet, it made this dream possible. The dog? She’s coming with us. Obviously.

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Why the Netherlands?

It’s not about tulips, windmills, or stroopwafels (though, honestly, no complaints there). It’s about finding a place where raising kids feels a little more safe, and where life feels a bit... steadier.

We explored Portugal, Spain, France, and Mexico, but the Dutch visa process for self-employed folks sealed the deal. I run a freelance design business (expect some posts on growing that too), and this move gives me the chance to take it seriously while still answering approximately 500 “Mom?” questions daily. I’ll be going into the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa in great detail in coming posts - so if you’re interested in how that works or overwhelmed, I’ll do my best to help!

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What You’ll Find Here
This won’t be an “American expat in Europe” highlight reel. No “omg the bread here!” or “things I miss from Target” posts (I mean, maybe once or twice). It’ll be real talk about navigating visas, finding housing when you don’t want city life, juggling four kids, navigating the education system, and managing a freelance business – all while trying not to cry over every surprise $25 fee that hits our budget.

You’ll get stories, resources, and probably a few “what were we thinking?” moments. And if you’re a parent thinking about moving abroad, a self-employed human balancing work and life, or someone curious about big life changes, you’re in the right place.

So, welcome! Stick around for the chaos, the lessons, and the laughs as we figure out life elsewhere. Subscribe to join the journey – it’s bound to be something.