Profile of Mila

The inadvertent expatriate blogger behind TimberGardenTidy

Mila van Dijk - Founder of TimberGardenTidy Photo: TimberGardenTidy

Hello, I'm Mila

I work as a project manager. I am a parent and an expat currently based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A few years back I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Started

Moving to Netherlands wasn’t in the cards initially. Like many expat relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far larger.

The opening months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, and fresh expectations. Everyday tasks felt more intricate than they should.

City skyline in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Life in Amsterdam has its surprises. Photo: TimberGardenTidy

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, ambiguity, and plenty of learning on the fly. Yet over time, habits took shape. We found places that fit us, connected with other families, and began creating something that felt steady.

Why I Built TimberGardenTidy

Much of the information online hovered around corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was missing was a frank, everyday family viewpoint.

This site aims to bridge that gap — practical advice drawn from real life in Netherlands.

What This Site Covers (And What It Does Not)

This site is:

  • Firsthand insights from life in Netherlands
  • Centered on family life and daily realities
  • Updated whenever something meaningful changes

This site isn’t:

  • An official tourism authority resource
  • A sponsored review site
  • Just another generic travel blog

Our stay in Netherlands continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue documenting what we uncover.

If you have questions about family life in Amsterdam or anywhere in Netherlands, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Mila

Amsterdam, Netherlands