Removals for the Netherlands
Are you in the process of planning a move to the Netherlands, frequently referred to as Holland? If so, you will need to plan your move carefully and there will be a number of different things you will have to consider.
Finding the right removal company to take care of transferring your personal effects from the UK to the Netherlands will most definitely play a big part in your planning process.
It is here that White & Company can assist. As members of BAR, FIDI & OMNI we have successfully moved thousands of people all over the globe.
Whether we transport your personal belongings by sea or road, we can help take the stress out of your move.
Survey
Our experienced surveyor will visit your home to conduct a pre-move survey to ascertain the volume of effects being shipped.
This involves him/her walking through the property room by room noting what items are to be exported and recording it on his electronic tablet.
A written quotation will follow within 48 hours.
Storage
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions for a period of time prior to moving abroad.
White & Company have storage facilities at all our branch depots across the UK.
All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873. Just speak to our surveyor for further information.
Packing
When our quotation has been accepted and a move date has been secured, the vehicle and removal team will arrive at residence.
The removal team will proceed to pack and wrap all items being shipped and load onto vehicle for delivery to our closest depot or for full loads, directly onward to your home in Holland.
Shipping
The whole moving experience can be incredibly stressful, especially so when relocating abroad.
White & Company, with its 145 years of experience in the removal industry, can help make the process a lot smoother.
Moving to the Netherlands? Get a Quick Quote
Customs Information
The Netherlands has very strict importation regulations and consequences if regulations are not adhered to. There are restrictions on importing of items such as:
Replica guns, weapons and ammunition
narcotics and some prescribed forms of medication
different kinds of food items
cash, securities, or cheques more than €10,000 in value — cash equivalents such as raw or polished jewels and precious metals must also be declared
Used household goods and personal effects can be imported into Holland duty-free if you:
have lived in your country of origin for at least 12 consecutive months.
are planning to take up official residence in Holland.
have owned the imported items for at least six months.
intend the goods for personal use only.
wait at least one year before reselling them in Holland.
If you are unsure of any items, visit the following web sites for further information before you attempt to import:
Why Move to Holland?
Famed for its extensive network of canals, windmills and cycle paths, the Netherlands is centrally located in Western Europe and has made great leaps forward in building a nation based on the egalitarian principles of fairness and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of origin.
The name ‘Holland’ is frequently used informally to refer to the whole of the country of the Netherlands, but it is generally agreed only covers two of the main north-west territories that make up the entire kingdom.
One of those territories is home to Amsterdam, which despite being the capital is home to fewer than 1 million people.
While the Netherlands is small it is also densely populated. Despite that the country boasts an excellent standard of living and low-income inequality.
As the first country to legalise same-sex marriage, the country has built up a reputation as not only being social progressive but also economically astute, having the lowest unemployment rate in Europe.
The Dutch place a heavy emphasis on an effective work-life balance and enjoy spending time with their families. This is preferably outdoors, where cycling across the flat landscape is seen not only as a favourable past time but the most popular means of transportation (there is estimated to be as many bikes in the Netherlands as there are people!).
Famously during the springtime, you can marvel at the millions of beautifully coloured tulips, which provide a bold spectacle of vivid colours.
The country also has its fair share of art galleries with Rembrandt and Van Gogh having lived here. Whatever your reason for choosing to live here, you are likely to enjoy a warm and welcoming culture with plenty of things to see and do.
Visas
As the UK is still part of the EU, you are legally entitled to stay and look for work in the Netherlands without applying for a visa. However, your passport must be a valid British passport endorsed with ‘British Citizen’.
If you do not have employment before you arrive, you must have the financial means to support yourself for as long as you have not yet found work.
For useful tips on how to get work in Holland visit the following web sites:
www.iamsterdam.com
www.justlanded.com
Finding Work
The Dutch job market generally has lots of opportunities for expats from within the EU, with a wide range of international and multinational companies, such as ING, Unilever and Heineken often advertising positions or arranging relocations.
However, the Netherlands has been asked by the EU to address what it perceives as barriers to permanent working contracts.
The national statistics agency, for example, reports that some 1.3 million people undertake self-employed or freelance work, often alongside regular employment or another source of income.
Full time employees are perhaps afforded great flexibility in the Netherlands, and frequently find opportunities to work from home or adjust their working hours if necessary to meet family commitments.
Dutch people like to draw a clear dividing line between working and personal life.
There is a working culture that might be quite different than what you are used to back in the UK.
The Dutch have a reputation as being more direct in their business transactions. Having said that the Dutch are incredibly friendly people and have an excellent command of the English language as a second language.
Property
British citizens are free to purchase property in the Netherlands. There are absolutely no restrictions. As with most worldwide countries, the Netherland’s property market has been in a state of flux since the 2008 financial crisis and because of the high population, the property market is incredibly competitive.
Nearly 60% of Dutch people own their own homes but the rental market is big business and also very competitive.
Buying or selling, you will need to enlist the assistance of a good estate agent or (makelaar) as it can be a complicated business. It is particularly important for those who are new to the country or are not fluent in Dutch.
The average price per square metre to buy a one-bedroom apartment ranges from €2511-3802 (£2184-3307). It is much cheaper to live in the non-urban areas, and cities like Amsterdam and The Hague can be very expensive.
If you intend to rent, for a one bedroomed apartment you can expect to pay between €699-928 (£608-807) per month.
Schools
Education is compulsory from the ages of 5 to 18 years old. The Dutch population are well educated and the country has a huge choice of schools from State and private to. International and most are of a very high standard.
As the parent of a child from another country, the Dutch educational system can be a little daunting.
You will certainly need to do some thorough research before you arrive. The following web sites have some very useful information to assist in your search for an appropriate school for your child:
Public Transport
Across Dutch cities, local buses, trams and in some cases metros and ferries will get you where you want to go, each offering regular timely services.
Travel tickets are available in numerous varieties, from the standard one-hour ticket which costs €2.80 (£2.43) in Amsterdam, to monthly tickets meant to save frequent travellers money. Monthly bus and train passes can be purchased for around €90 (£80).
The Netherlands is well known throughout the world as a country of cyclists. Thousands of people choose to cycle to work or for leisure purposes.
Second hand bicycles are plentiful and reasonable priced. There are designated cycle ways making it a safe method of getting around the cities and towns.
Driving
You must have a valid full UK driving licence, insurance, vehicle documents and identification to drive in the Netherlands. You are not allowed to drive on a provisional licence. The Dutch drive on the right and give priority to the right, unless otherwise indicated.
Here are some helpful safety tips to be aware of before you drive:
Seatbelt requirements — the wearing of front and rear seatbelts is compulsory.
Children — children under 12yrs/1.5m cannot travel in the front seat unless using an appropriate restraint.
Drink driving — limits are 50mg/100ml (UK 80mg/100ml)
Minimum Driving Age — the minimum driving age using a full UK licence is 18
Lights — the use of dipped headlights during the day is recommended. At night it is prohibited to drive with only sidelights.
Tolls — there are tolls on some roads and bridges
Parking — blue zone parking operates in most towns and free parking discs are available at police stations. Do not park against the direction of flow of traffic.
Fines — police are empowered to issue on-the-spot fines.
Mobile phones— the use of a mobile phone is prohibited whilst driving
Healthcare
Healthcare insurance in Holland is compulsory for everyone aged 18 or older. Children under the age of 18 are insured by the government system at no extra cost.
Your insurance package must include standard cover for medical care by a doctor, medication and hospitalisation. The cost for standard cover is approximately €1,200 (£1044) per year. You can purchase more comprehensive healthcare insurance packages which can include dental care as this is not part of the standard cover.
Here are some useful web sites regarding health insurance:
Currency
If you want to beat your banks rates and services, simply contact our trusted FX partners. Opening an account with them couldn’t be simpler and it is totally free of charge. You can compare their rates with your own bank and see how much you can save.
White & Company
European Removals to the Netherlands since 1871
We recommend a visit from one of our Surveyors for all European moves, so that we can assess your requirements, and the volume of goods to be moved.
Below is a guide to the largest cities in the Netherlands:
Almere Stad
Amsterdam
Breda
Eindhoven
Groningen
Nijmegan
Rotterdam
The Hague
Tilburg
Utrecht
What Others Say…
Wayne Middleton and Brian Witherford were professional and extremely helpful. Did a brilliant job. Would recommend Whites to anyone. Thanks very much.
Have used this company regularly for 5 years including my time in the armed forces. They are professional and efficient. Will use them again on our next move.
The move went very smoothly and they were very polite.
A very smooth move by White and Co. The team worked very hard and were polite, professional and helpful.
