Overview
Many expats choose to ship some household goods when relocating to the Netherlands. What makes sense depends on distance, volume, timing, housing type, and whether items are worth replacing locally.
This page explains the usual shipping methods, costs, timelines, customs considerations, and how to plan the logistics. Costs and procedures vary by provider and origin country—use this as a planning guide and confirm details with your moving company and Dutch customs where relevant.
Shipping methods
Most international relocations use one of these methods.
Air freight: faster and higher cost; better for urgent, smaller shipments.
Sea freight: slower but usually better value for larger volumes; common for full relocations and furniture.
Shared container / groupage: lower cost than a full container and more flexible for medium-sized moves; timing can be less predictable.
Courier / box shipping: suitable for suitcases, boxes, documents, and small personal items; often better than full relocation services for light moves.
Choose based on urgency, volume, housing certainty, and whether your items are worth shipping compared with buying again locally.
Typical shipping costs
The table below gives indicative planning ranges only. Your actual costs will depend on origin country, volume, customs handling, door-to-door vs port-to-port, packing services, insurance, and final delivery location in the Netherlands. Always compare provider estimates for your exact route and shipment size.
Costs vary depending on: origin country; shipment volume and weight; customs handling; door-to-door vs port-to-port; packing services; insurance; and final delivery location in the Netherlands. These are broad planning ranges, not quotes.
| Shipping option | Typical use case | Indicative cost range | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courier / suitcase shipping | Documents, boxes, suitcases | €50–€250 per parcel/suitcase | A few days to ~2 weeks |
| Air freight | Urgent smaller move | €1,500–€4,000 | ~1–2 weeks |
| Shared sea container | Medium household move | €2,000–€6,000 | ~4–8 weeks |
| Full sea container | Large household move | €5,000–€12,000+ | ~4–10 weeks |
Typical shipping timelines
Rough timelines by method: courier or small parcel shipping often takes days to around two weeks; air freight around one to two weeks; shared sea container around four to eight weeks; full sea container around four to ten weeks.
If your housing is temporary or not yet confirmed, avoid timing delivery too early.
- Courier / small parcel: often days to ~2 weeks
- Air freight: often ~1–2 weeks
- Shared sea container: often ~4–8 weeks
- Full sea container: often ~4–10 weeks
What often takes longer than expected
Customs clearance, consolidating groupage shipments, delivery scheduling after arrival, and waiting for a final address or key handover can add delay. Plan buffer time and confirm with your provider.
Choosing a moving company
When comparing providers, consider: whether packing is included, customs documentation support, storage options, delivery model (door-to-door vs port-to-port), insurance availability, and whether quotes are by volume or weight. Check that they serve your origin country.
- Before choosing a provider: request two to four quotes, confirm what is included, ask about customs handling, confirm delivery timing assumptions, and check cancellation or rescheduling rules.
Customs and documents
Customs rules vary by route and household situation. Expats often need an inventory list and shipping paperwork. Personal used household goods may be treated differently from new goods or commercial imports. Confirm current requirements with Dutch customs and your shipping provider.
- Common preparation items: passport or ID, proof of relocation or address, inventory list, transport or shipping paperwork, and customs declarations as required by the provider.
Important
Do not assume all personal belongings can be imported the same way. Customs treatment, exemptions, and required paperwork vary by provider and route. Confirm with Dutch customs and your moving company.
What expats usually ship
Often worth shipping: sentimental items, high-quality furniture, personal equipment, specialist work gear, and items that are expensive to replace locally.
Often not worth shipping: low-value furniture, bulky cheap household items, easily replaceable basics, low-end appliances, and items you may not have room for in Dutch housing.
Dutch homes and apartments can be smaller than people expect, so measure before shipping large furniture.
Receiving shipments
Once goods arrive, timing often depends on customs clearance, your delivery address, delivery appointment availability, and building access (lift, parking).
- Confirm your final delivery address with the provider
- Check building access rules (stairs, lift, parking)
- Prepare for inspection if required
- Schedule unpacking if needed
- Keep shipping and customs documents accessible
Shipping and moving services expats often compare
The following providers are commonly used for international moves and box or suitcase shipping. Compare options and get quotes for your route and volume. Some links may be affiliate links.
| Provider | Description | Typical use case | Indicative price cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Seas Worldwide | Door-to-door international shipping and relocation support | Medium to large international moves | Often used for larger shipments; compare quotes |
| Send My Bag | Shipping suitcases and boxed personal items internationally | Lighter moves, extra luggage, student or solo relocations | Often cheaper than full relocation for small loads |
| Eurosender | International box and parcel shipping platform | Small boxes and light household shipping | Best for small shipments rather than full furniture moves |
| UPakWeShip | Self-pack international moving container solution | Lower-cost container-style shipping | Compare based on origin country and volume |
| MoveHub | Quote-comparison platform for international moving services | Comparing relocation companies and container options | Useful as a starting point for multiple quotes |