International Removals to the Netherlands from the UK

The cost of removals to the Netherlands will depend on several factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and Dutch customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs.

We offer a fully comprehensive removal service to the Netherlands, which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates, and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service,

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties, and port fees payable on arrival in the Netherlands, storage services, and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to the Netherlands via a lorry, as part of a part load / shared service. You can use a dedicated lorry, but it will be more expensive. 

Our Netherlands removal service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance, and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) For shared or part-load, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removal vans.

6) On arrival at port (we ship to all major ports in the Netherlands, our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

7) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or storage if required. Our partner will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in the Netherlands.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

It does not, however include large items of furniture.

Items You Should Avoid Importing Into the Netherlands

When moving to the Netherlands, it’s important to be aware of the items that are prohibited or restricted from being imported. If you import something that’s prohibited, you could end up facing legal issues, fines, and delays. The below items cannot be imported into the Netherlands when you’re moving from the UK.

• You cannot import any form of narcotics and controlled substances into the Netherlands.
• Weapons and ammunition are not allowed to be imported into the Netherlands. This includes firearms, knives, and other weapons unless you have special permission.
• Unauthorised explosive materials and fireworks cannot be brought into the country.
• Items made from endangered species – such as ivory, certain types of leather, and exotic animal products – are prohibited in the Netherlands, as governed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreement.
• Fake, counterfeit branded items are prohibited, as are pirated goods.
• There are specific restrictions to be aware of if you want to import certain types of food, plants, seeds, and soil into the Netherlands. This is done to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in the Netherlands.
• Certain chemicals and substances that pose a risk to health and safety cannot be brought into the Netherlands without proper documentation and approval. Radioactive substances or materials are also prohibited.
• Some cultural and historical artifacts may require special permission and documentation for importation.

For further guidance on import regulations, consult the official Dutch customs website or contact local customs offices in the Netherlands. This will provide detailed information on items that can and cannot be imported into the region.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to the Netherlands, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. 

You can check out our more detailed Netherlands Removals Guide below, or why not give one of our advisers a call on 01942 559960?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices, and arrange a home survey consultation to give you a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to the Netherlands and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are many things.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or the Netherlands?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, and this is something we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in the Netherlands after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

Suppose the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in the Netherlands to ship your belongings to. In that case, we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in the Netherlands whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to the Netherlands. The journey is a lengthy one, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is a chance items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers is expertly trained to deal with all the issues that can be encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your personal effects. This includes custom-built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates, if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to the Netherlands
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Full inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons, and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The Netherlands government is quite stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues in order to protect their unique environment, and as such, all of your items will need to be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ then these will need to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all of your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removals service is perfect for shipping your furniture to the Netherlands from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in Austria have built-in wardrobes so it might not be worthwhile shipping these.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to the Netherlands from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in the Netherlands especially since Brexit. This is something that we can help you with. You may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are an EU citizen you should have no problem with customs. For non-EU citizens moving to the Netherlands you are able to import used personal effects and household goods duty free but you should check that you meet the requirements and have all the correct documentation.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

If you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.

On arrival in the Netherlands, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from Swiss Customs before they are allowed into the country.

In order for your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any Netherlands Customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in the Netherlands will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to the Netherlands and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest service levels.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend a highly flexible Shipment Protection Cover that will provide you with many advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is completing a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value of the belongings you want to cover and whether you have packed them yourself or if they have been packed professionally.

Whether you’re captivated by the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam, the innovative spirit of Rotterdam, the historic charm of Utrecht, the international flair of The Hague, or the tech-driven energy of Eindhoven, the Netherlands has something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Our expert relocation services ensure that your move to the Netherlands – regardless of where you are heading and why you are moving – is smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

1. Amsterdam

Living in Amsterdam offers an urban experience with a rich cultural scene, world-renowned museums, and picturesque canals. The city is known for its progressive atmosphere, diverse population and excellent public transportation, making it an ideal place for both work and leisure.

2. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a hub of modern architecture and innovation, famous for its impressive skyline and vibrant port, which is the largest in Europe. The city provides a thriving job market, particularly in logistics and technology, alongside a lively arts and nightlife scene.

3. Utrecht

Utrecht combines historical charm with youthful energy, centered around its mediaeval old town and bustling university. The city’s beautiful canals, green spaces, and friendly community make it a welcoming place to live, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

4. The Hague

The Hague is the political heart of the Netherlands, home to numerous international organisations and embassies. Living here means enjoying a cosmopolitan lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches, cultural institutions, and a high quality of life, all within a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.

5. Eindhoven

Lausanne is famous for its stunning lake views and unique terrain. It is home to the International Olympic Committee and offers a blend of cultural richness, historic sites, and modern amenities. Lausanne’s charming old town and active outdoor lifestyle make it an attractive city.

Eindhoven is known as the technology and design capital of the Netherlands, driven by innovation and creativity. The city offers a vibrant community for professionals in tech and design, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, making it an exciting and forward-thinking place to live.

It doesn’t matter where in the Netherlands you are moving to, our team of relocation experts is dedicated to ensuring your move to Holland is an enjoyable one.

You will probably want to bring your pets with you when you move. The Netherlands has specific regulations for pet importation, which are designed to protect both animals and public health. Your pet will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before entering the country.

Additionally, a EU pet passport is required for entry, which needs to document these vaccinations and confirm your pet’s health status. If you are planning to import a dog, you must have it microchipped and registered within two weeks of its arrival in the Netherlands.

Looking for a job in the Netherlands as a UK expat can be an exciting opportunity, thanks to the country’s vibrant job market and diverse professional landscape. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are particularly strong job hubs, offering opportunities across various sectors such as technology, finance, engineering and creative industries.

Start by researching companies that align with your career goals and checking job boards that specialise in positions for English speakers, as many Dutch companies operate in English and value international experience. You could also consider joining professional groups, attending industry events or participating in expat community activities to expand your professional network. Additionally, ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the Dutch job market.

Since the changes that came with Brexit, UK citizens no longer benefit from the EU’s freedom of movement. This means that you will need a visa to move to Holland, and finding the right visa is key for your move. The type of visa you will need depends on the length and purpose of your stay. For short visits up to 90 days within a 180 day period, a Schengen visa may be sufficient. But, for longer stays – for example, if you plan to work, study or retire in Holland – you will need to apply for a Dutch national visa or residence permit.

International banks and currency exchange services are available in the Netherlands, and many provide good rates for transferring funds from the UK to the Netherlands. This can be cheaper than transferring money using a UK debit or credit card. However, setting up a local bank account in the Netherlands should be your priority. This will enable you to spend and manage your finances effectively, without the worry of paying international fees.

 We hope this information helps you with your move to the Netherlands. If you need further assistance, or more information on the removals process, our knowledgeable team is here to help.