INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS · LONDON TO THE NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱

Removals from London to the Netherlands. Full Service, Door to Door.

We pack, dismantle, load, transport and unpack everything at your new home in the Netherlands. Exclusive vehicle, no shared loads. Fixed price includes packing materials, ferry, fuel, insurance, road tolls and customs. Delivery in 2 to 3 days.

Get Free Quote0208 521 8000

95+
Moves completed to the Netherlands
Fixed Price
The price we quote is the price you pay
2 to 3 days
Door-to-door delivery time

A Complete Move to Netherlands. Not Just a Van.

Most international removals companies rent you a van and leave you to figure out the rest. You pack, you load, you deal with customs, and if something goes wrong, that is your problem.

Octagon is different. We arrive at your London home, pack every room, wrap every item, dismantle all furniture, load everything into our exclusive vehicle, handle the UK export declaration, cross the Channel, clear your goods through Dutch customs (Douane) via our licensed agent, deliver to your new home, reassemble everything, and unpack every box.

One fixed price. One person you can call at any point. No surprises on moving day or at the border.

EVERYTHING INCLUDED

What's Included in Your Move to Netherlands

Full Packing Service

We pack every room, wrap every item, label every box. You do not touch a thing unless you want to.

Furniture Dismantling & Reassembly

Taken apart at your London home, rebuilt exactly as it was at your new home.

Itemised Inventory

Every item catalogued and photographed before loading. Full list provided to you and used for customs documentation.

Exclusive Vehicle

Your belongings travel in our vehicle only. No shared loads, no waiting for a container to fill.

Customs Assistance

We handle the paperwork and work with our licensed customs agents to clear your goods correctly.

Dedicated Consultant

One person manages your move from first call to final delivery. Available throughout the journey.

Fixed Price: Everything Included

Packing materials, ferry, fuel, insurance, road tolls and customs agent fees. Nothing added later.

Secure Storage

If there is a gap between collection and delivery, your belongings are held in our CCTV-monitored storage facility in London.

CLARITY FROM DAY ONE

What We Handle vs. What You Handle

We Handle

  • ✓ Full packing of every room
  • ✓ All packing materials (boxes, wrap, tape, wardrobe boxes)
  • ✓ Furniture dismantling at your London home
  • ✓ Itemised inventory and photographic evidence
  • ✓ Loading into our exclusive vehicle
  • ✓ UK export customs declaration
  • ✓ Ferry booking and Channel crossing
  • ✓ Transit to the Netherlands
  • ✓ Dutch customs clearance via licensed agent
  • ✓ Delivery to your new Dutch address
  • ✓ Furniture reassembly
  • ✓ Full unpack at your new home
  • ✓ Removal of all packing materials

You Handle

  • ✓ Register at your local Gemeente within 5 days of arrival (we guide you)
  • ✓ Notify HMRC you are leaving the UK (P85 form - takes 10 minutes online)
  • ✓ Apply for your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) at the Gemeente
  • ✓ Open a Dutch bank account (ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank)
  • ✓ Arrange Dutch health insurance - mandatory for all residents
  • ✓ Be present at both ends of the move (or nominate a trusted representative)

CUSTOMS & DOCUMENTS

Customs & Documents, What You Need to Know

The Netherlands is an EU member state. Since Brexit, moving household goods from the UK to the Netherlands crosses an international customs border. Your belongings must be cleared through the Dutch Douane (customs authority).

Transfer of Residence (Verhuisboedelvrijstelling) Relief

Transfer of Residence relief allows you to import your used household goods into the Netherlands without paying import duty or BTW (VAT at 21%), provided you qualify: you must be genuinely relocating your main residence to the Netherlands, you must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months, and the goods must have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months. You must register at the Gemeente (municipal office) and provide proof of registration with the city hall. The truck must report directly to our customs agent upon arrival.

Clearance time: 2 to 4 working days with correct documentation in place

Required Documents

  • ✓ Valid passport
  • ✓ Certificate of registration (uittreksel bevolkingsregister) from the Gemeente of your Dutch city
  • ✓ Declaration from employer confirming transfer to the Netherlands, or rental/purchase contract
  • ✓ Proof of UK residence for the past 12 months (council tax, bank statements, or P60)
  • ✓ Detailed, valued and signed packing inventory
  • ✓ Household effects import declaration, filed through the Douane's declaration system by our licensed customs agent
  • ✓ Employment contract in the Netherlands (if moving for work)
  • ✓ Signed authorisation for our customs agent to act as your representative

What happens if documentation is incomplete

If documentation is incomplete or the 12-month non-EU residency requirement cannot be demonstrated, Dutch customs will assess your household goods for import duty and BTW at 21%.

The Netherlands requires the truck to report directly to the customs agent. Goods cannot be delivered to your home address before customs clearance is complete. Ensure all documents are submitted well in advance to avoid storage charges.

Our Customs Agent

We work with licensed customs agents registered with the Dutch Douane. The truck reports directly to our agent's facility for customs processing before delivery to your home address.

Your Route

London → Harwich → Hook of Holland → Rotterdam → Amsterdam

WHAT YOU CANNOT TAKE

Items Restricted or Prohibited for Netherlands

Firearms and ammunition

Requires Dutch firearms licence (verlof). Cannot be shipped as household goods.

Narcotics and controlled substances

Strictly prohibited despite the Netherlands' tolerance policy. Prescription medicine needs a Schengen certificate.

Fresh food, meat, and dairy

EU phytosanitary regulations apply - prohibited from non-EU countries.

Plants and soil

Require phytosanitary certificate. Potted plants with soil are typically refused.

Counterfeit goods

Seized by Dutch customs (Douane).

Fireworks and explosives

Dangerous goods - cannot be included in removals shipments.

Items purchased less than 6 months ago

Do not qualify for Transfer of Residence relief - 21% BTW and duty may apply.

Certain dog breeds

The Netherlands restricts import of specific breeds. Check the RVO register before moving your pet.

WHERE WE DELIVER

Popular Destinations in Netherlands

Amsterdam

North Holland

The capital and most popular destination for British expats. A cosmopolitan city with world-class culture, excellent public transport, and a thriving international business community.

Rotterdam

South Holland

Europe's largest port and a city known for modern architecture and innovation. More affordable than Amsterdam with a dynamic, multicultural atmosphere.

The Hague

South Holland

The seat of the Dutch government and home to the International Court of Justice. Popular with diplomats, lawyers, and international professionals.

Utrecht

Utrecht

A charming university city in the heart of the Netherlands. Excellent quality of life, beautiful canals, and a strong job market.

Eindhoven

North Brabant

The technology capital of the Netherlands. Home to ASML, Philips, and a growing tech ecosystem. Popular with engineers and tech professionals.

Leiden

South Holland

A historic university city between Amsterdam and The Hague. Beautiful, walkable, and well-connected.

Haarlem

North Holland

Just 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train. A picturesque city with a strong community feel. Popular with families priced out of Amsterdam.

Groningen

Groningen

A vibrant student city in the north. Young, affordable, and with excellent quality of life. Growing tech and energy sectors.

LIFE IN NETHERLANDS

Cost of Living in Netherlands

The Netherlands is expensive by European standards but still cheaper than London, particularly for housing outside Amsterdam. The country offers excellent public services and infrastructure.

€1,400–2,000/mo
1-bed flat in Amsterdam
vs £2,000+ in London
€900–1,300/mo
1-bed flat outside Amsterdam
Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven
€1,800–2,500
Monthly living costs
single person, comfortable
~10–20%
Cheaper than London
varies by city

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a removal to Netherlands take?

Door-to-door delivery from London to Netherlands typically takes 2–3 days. This includes packing, loading, ferry crossing, transit, customs clearance, delivery and unpacking.

What documents do I need for customs when moving to Netherlands?

You will need a valid passport, proof of UK residence for 12 months, proof of your new address in Netherlands, a detailed packing inventory, and a non-cession declaration. We guide you through every document.

Do I have to pay import duty on my household goods?

If you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, your used household goods can be imported duty-free. You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and the goods must have been used for at least 6 months. We handle the application.

Is the price you quote the final price?

Yes. The price we quote after your survey is fixed. It includes packing materials, ferry, fuel, road tolls, insurance and customs agent fees. Nothing is added on moving day.

Do you share the vehicle with other clients?

No. Your belongings travel in our exclusive vehicle. We do not use shared loads or groupage. Your items are the only items on the truck.

Can you move a piano or antiques to Netherlands?

Yes. We are specialist handlers of pianos, antiques, and high-value items. Each piece is wrapped, protected, and handled by experienced movers. We have moved grand pianos, art collections, and fragile antiques across Europe.

What happens at the border after Brexit?

Since Brexit, household goods crossing from the UK to EU countries like Netherlands require customs declarations on both sides. Our licensed customs agent handles the entire process: you do not visit any customs office.

Do I need to be present for the move?

Ideally yes, at both ends. However, you can nominate a trusted representative to be present on your behalf at either the collection or delivery address.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance, especially for summer moves. This allows time for customs documentation, ferry booking, and route planning. We can accommodate shorter timelines when needed.

Do you offer storage if there's a gap between moves?

Yes. If there is a gap between your collection and delivery dates, your belongings are stored in our CCTV-monitored, insured facility in London at no additional charge for reasonable periods.

Do you use the direct ferry or the Channel crossing for Dutch moves?

Both routes are available. The direct Stena Line ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland avoids the Dover-Calais crossing and the drive across Belgium entirely, which is often the faster option for Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. For destinations closer to the German or Belgian border, such as Eindhoven or Groningen, the Dover-Calais route can work out quicker. We confirm the most efficient routing for your specific address at survey stage.

When do I get my BSN, and do I need it before the move?

Your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is issued automatically when you register with the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) at your local Gemeente, which must happen within 5 days of taking up residence in the Netherlands. You do not need a BSN to book or complete your removal, but you will need it very quickly afterwards for banking, healthcare and payroll, so we recommend booking your Gemeente appointment before you leave the UK.

Get a Free Quote for Your Move to Netherlands

Call us on 0208 521 8000 for a free quote within 1 hour.

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