Moving to the Netherlands
Congratulations! You've decided to bite the bullet and move to the Netherlands. While it may be a very exciting time, it can be stressful to think about leaving behind your home country and possibly some of your most treasured possessions. But relocation doesn't have to be difficult. With proper preparation and the right education, the move can go very smoothly.
How to choose your moving company
No matter where you're moving from, it should be easy to find an international mover by doing a quick Google search. Make sure the ones you're interested in hiring know how to move goods across countries, have experience doing so, and are a member of FIDI. Take a look at their reviews and see what the majority of their previous customers have said about their services.
Go with a company that'll give you a free written estimate. This usually entails a home inspection.
Some factors that affect moving prices include:
- Your original address and how far it is from your final destination in the Netherlands
- If you want the movers to pack your belongings or if you'll do it yourself
- Volume or weight of your items
- Type of transportation you choose (air, truck, train, or ship)
- Conditions of your insurance damage
- Nature of the services' terms
- Prices and payment plans
Things to consider before packing
This might be a good time to reassess whether or not you really need to keep all your belongings. Maybe you've accumulated a fair amount of trinkets over the years; do you really need them all?
Start early and sort through everything. Have a pile of things you want to keep, those you wish to donate or sell, and those you want to throw away. This way, you can significantly reduce the number of things you bring overseas with you.
For the truly sentimental things, you can't bear to part with but can't risk taking along with you, consider renting a storage unit or storing them with family or friends. If you decide to go with the former, you'll have to weigh out the costs to see if it's worth your money to keep those belongings in your home country.
Another thing you should know is that the Netherlands uses Type C or Type F electrical outlets, and the standard wall voltage is 230V. It may be that you can't use your electronics here, so it's best if you sell, donate, or throw these items away instead of trying to bring them to a different country.
Bringing your pets to the Netherlands
If you have pets, then you'll be pleased to know you can bring them with you. The Netherlands has strict rules regarding their health and transportation, but it shouldn't be too difficult to get all the paperwork done. Find out more in our article Relocating to the Netherlands with your pets.
Customs in the Netherlands
The good news is, if you're relocating to the Netherlands from an EU country, you won't have to declare anything you're bringing for your relocation. The only exception is if you have something on the exemptions list, then you must declare it.
If you're moving from outside of the EU, then you'll have to declare all your belongings. Do note that if you're moving for work, then you can apply for an exemption.
