After living in Greece for almost 30 years, I decided to take the plunge and move to the Netherlands. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience of moving to another country with my family, offering practical tips and insights that I’ve gathered along the way.

From the initial planning stages to unpacking in a new home, my real-life tips and lessons learned are based on everything that I experienced during my move. Whether you’re considering a move or already in the process, I hope that my story provides you with valuable advice.

Make a realistic timeline and start preparing early

Preparing for an international move involves a meticulous process that requires careful planning and a long timeline to ensure everything goes smoothly. Creating a detailed moving plan, including a moving checklist, helps you to keep track of tasks such as notifying utility companies, changing addresses, and researching movers.

Your moving checklist should be divided into tasks to complete before, during, and after the move. As soon as you know where and when you will be moving too, you create your plan.

Hire Professional Movers

Consider hiring a reputable moving company that specializes in international relocations. Ideally, you purchase a service including packing and unpacking at your new destination. Owner-packed moves and curbside deliveries are not recommended. While customers often choose these options for obvious economic reasons, they are also the least secure and going to a new country only adds to that.

Additionally, insurance companies typically do not provide coverage for any damages in such cases. Ultimately, the moving process is such an emotional one, you would want to choose only a professional company, with professional services and with a reputable insurance company.

Research moving companies and ask for quotes

When planning a move abroad, it’s crucial to start researching moving companies at least three to six months before your planned move date. This gives you ample time to gather quotes and compare. Not all moving companies are specialized in international moves. I would search for a company that has a local representation and experience in your destination.

Ask for detailed quotes, ensuring they include all potential costs such as packing, transportation, insurance, and any additional fees. When comparing their services, consider factors like their reputation, customer reviews, and the range of services they offer including the packing methods used .

As customers, when we read quotations from different companies, it’s easy to assume that all services are the same. However, we often overlook the finer details, such as the quality of packing materials used, the years of experience the crew brings, and how the goods will be handled during transit. These details are crucial for ensuring the best care for your belongings and minimizing the risk of damage along the way. Understanding these aspects highlights the difference in quality that some companies provide to deliver the best results.

For an international move, look for companies that provide comprehensive moving packages, including packing and unpacking services. Moving to another country can be overwhelming and you do not need to worry about your household.

Additionally, check if the movers offer insurance to protect your belongings during transit. Do you have a piano or fine art? Check if your company of choice can move these and if the crew have experience in these.

I chose KAE International because they had the best offer for the services that I was looking for including the moving of our piano. They also have experience with moves from Greece to the Netherlands and vice versa.

The Survey

During the survey, the moving company typically conducts a thorough assessment of your belongings and the logistics of your move.The surveyor will walk through your home to take an inventory of all the items you plan to move. They will note the size, weight, and quantity of your belongings, as well as any items that require special handling, such as fragile or valuable items.Based on the survey, the moving company will provide you with a detailed cost estimate. This estimate will include the cost of packing materials, labor, transportation, and any additional services you may require.

The surveyor will answer any questions you have about the moving process and address any concerns you might have. This is a good time to clarify any details and ensure you understand what to expect on moving day. I strongly advise you to make notes during the survey.

Remember what is discussed during your survey and what you need to prepare

As the actual moving date is often months away, it is difficult to remember what has been discussed during the survey. It is crucial that customers and moving companies have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Remember that there is a gap between the survey date, the date of quote acceptance, and then the moving date .

Read your quote carefully and ask questions

The speed at which a move is arranged can sometimes lead to forgetting the details of what was discussed and agreed upon versus what is actually prepared by moving day. While we often have good intentions to prepare efficiently, life events can get in the way. As a result, even if we planned to pack certain items ourselves or fulfill specific agreements with the movers, it may not happen as expected.

This can also create challenges for the movers, as they prepare based on the initial agreements. If any changes arise that haven’t been communicated, it could disrupt the logistics, potentially resulting in additional costs or delays. It’s important to stay realistic and maintain open communication to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Carefully read your included services so you know what to expect on the day of the move and after the delivery is made. Make sure that you know exactly what you are paying for and keep your notes and quote with you to avoid any misunderstanding on the actual moving day.

Stay Organized

Keep track of all moving-related expenses, questions and notes and create a MOVING folder with moving check list including receipts and important documents. Keep a checklist of tasks and cross them off as you go.

Start decluttering early

Begin as early as you can with sorting and decluttering belongings, which can take weeks or even months, depending on the size of your household. Get rid of items you no longer need. This will make packing easier and reduce moving costs. If you are planning to sell some of your furniture, do that as early as possible and not at the last minute to avoid unnecessary stress.

I found the decluttering process psychologically challenging, especially with the kids. For someone who regularly cleans and organizes, I underestimated the emotional toll it would take, as this was my first and biggest household move. It was hard to part with certain items, especially for my youngest child. Be careful about cards, letters and other items that may seem unimportant.You may want to hold on to those. Since this process can be overwhelming, I advise to allow ample time.

Be prepared for unexpected events

We were planning to move in the summer so the children could enter the beginning of the school year from our new home. I had started researching schools a year in advance. Planning to make the final decision in December. However, an unexpected illness in October, involving several surgeries well into March, prevented calm preparation on a practical and psychological level. Although our move was successful, the unexpected turn of events added to extra stress and less preparation time.

This was especially the problem in the last week before moving day. I was not ready. Thankfully the moving company was flexible, I was able to change the date, the move coordinator was empathetic and patient, and we arranged for extra packing help. Although my experience was of an exceptional situation, it highlights the importance of starting early, having a flexible plan and being prepared for unexpected events.

Plan for Pets

If you have pets, research the regulations for their international transportation well in advance. Make sure they have the necessary vaccinations and paperwork. Although our pet is a small and easy to carry hamster, it was quite an adventure to take it from Greece to the Netherlands. Rodents are not allowed on planes thus our pet had to go by road. In our case, this meant that we had to book a pet cabin on the ferry boat from Greece to Italy, and arrange for a health check and an EU animal passport.

Some moving companies offer door-to-door pet moving services, picking up your furry friend from your home and delivering them safely to your new residence. These specialized movers also take care of customs and quarantine regulations as well as the paperwork and procedures necessary to transport an animal. These usually include vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates, as well as the travel logistics, flights, and providing suitable travel crates. If you are transporting your pet yourself, make sure that you have a clear and early plan to avoid unnecessary stress for the animal.

Packing

It is crucial that your moving company uses international packing materials. The boxes that KAE provided me with to do some of my own packing are in no comparison to any of the usual boxes that you would pick up at the supermarket (something that I often read at the expat social media pages). Besides sturdy cardboard boxes, I was also provided with bubble wrap for our most precious items.

I let my kids help with packing their own belongings. This gave them a sense of control and helped to feel more comfortable with the move. Both my kids got one box that they could fill themselves with all their favorite toys, books, and comfort items. This box – the comfort box – should be easily accessible and the first thing unpacked in the new home.

Read also: Moving with kids: 10 Tips for a Happy Family Relocation

My daughter is a little artist and her ceramic creations are beautiful but a nightmare to pack. They are fragile and often with tentacles, and other little details. I packed these myself in bubble wrap, tinned boxes and covered with clothes or other soft material. Clothes provide a soft layer that can absorb shocks and prevent breakage. It is also a sustainable or environmentally friendly way to pack reducing space and plastic.

Despite the challenges of packing such delicate items, especially with their tentacles and little details, I was impressed that everything arrived in one piece. We used groupage ( where items are transferred from one vehicle to another), and that can add another layer of complexity to the move. But my careful packing and the efficiency of the moving service ensured that her artwork survived the journey. 

Take Photos

When my flatpacked extendable dining table arrived in the Netherlands, the local helpers asked me how the several pieces of the table were connected. I did not remember. My advice would be to take photos during the assembling process in case of more complicated furniture. This helps with the reassembly. Also, snap pictures of your electronics setup and valuable items. These are mandatory for insurance claims if needed.

Moving Day

Use a lanyard phone case and keep all your keys together. Especially if you have garage door keys and basement keys too. This way, you won’t misplace them on moving day, and you’ll have easy access to your essentials throughout the move. Put any dangling jewelry away to prevent it from getting caught or damaged. Needless to say that you wear the right clothes like sweatpants or athletic wear. You’ll be moving around a lot, so comfort is key.

Prepare Important Documents and stay organized

Keep all essential documents, such as passports, visas, and medical records, in a safe and accessible place. These will come with you when you travel to your new home. Keep valuables, jewelry, and other such items yourself.

The freezer and fridge

It’s a good idea to unplug your fridge before the movers arrive. Here are a few reasons why:

1. **Defrosting**: Unplugging the fridge at least 24 hours before the move allows it to defrost. This prevents water from leaking during the move.
2. **Cleaning**: It gives you a chance to clean the fridge and remove any food items. A clean fridge is easier to move and won’t attract pests.
3. **Safety**: Moving a fridge that’s still plugged in can be dangerous. Unplugging it ensures there are no electrical hazards.

Make sure to keep the fridge doors open to let it air out and dry completely before the move. This will help prevent any mold or mildew from forming.

And if you have a freezer, the process is the same. The freezer needs time to defrost. Unplug it at least 24 hours before the move to prevent water from leaking.

Moving the piano

My piano is very important to us and we were anxious to move it. Moving a piano requires the right techniques to ensure it arrives safely at its new location. That is why you should always hire professionals when you are relocating with a piano. They are heavy and delicate and only professional movers have the experience and equipment to handle them safely.

Read also: How to safely move a piano

Inform your neighbors

On moving day, the moving company used a furniture elevator to get the furniture and boxes out of my house. This vehicle blocked the neighbors’ parking spaces for several hours. I realized too late that I could have informed them in advance. It is important to give your neighbors a heads-up to avoid any inconvenience for them in your communal spaces or on your street.

Does your moving team speak your language? 

If you do not speak the local language well, make sure you have someone there to help you translate if necessary. Although I speak fluent Greek, the stress on moving day made me forget some crucial words… Thankfully the supervisor of my Greek moving team spoke fluent English.

Catering during the move

Get some plastic cups and/or plates. If you are going to offer drinks or food to the movers, make sure that there are some paper cups or plates. Your own mugs and glasses will be packed!

Protect Your Floors

You may want to consider laying down mats or old sheets to prevent damage from foot traffic.

Clothes

In my household, we have three fashion enthusiasts who adore beautiful clothes, suits, blazers, and dresses—and we have plenty of them. If there’s one thing I would do differently next time, it would be the packing of my clothes. I used suitcases and moving boxes but many clothes ended up wrinkled, and it took a lot of time to get them ironed and decent again.

Next time, I would ask the moving company about the options for special clothing boxes. KAE uses either flat clothing boxes or wardrobe boxes, depending on the type of shipment (airfreight, container freight) and the space you want to use.

Here are a few more tips for making the most of your space and keeping your clothes in good condition during the move:

1. Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and reduces wrinkles.
2. Layer Wisely: Place heavier items like jeans and sweaters at the bottom and lighter items on top.
3. Utilize Every Space: Fill shoes with socks or small items to maximize space.
4. Protect Delicate Items: Wrap delicate clothes in tissue paper or place them in garment bags to prevent damage.

Works of Art

My favorite artwork has an unusual shape: it is a long, thin metal stem with metal leaves and a ceramic flower. I was curious to see how the movers would pack this delicate piece and if it would arrive intact. To my relief, it did. This experience made me realize that packing is truly a science, requiring expertise in materials and transport. For this artwork, they used a combination of bubble wrap, cardboard, and plastic wrap.

Read also: Tips and advice for Moving Fine Art

Vacuum cleaner last

Each time the movers had a room packed up and empty, I vacuumed. Packing the vacuum cleaner last is a smart move for 3 reasons:

1. Final Clean-Up: Moving can create a lot of dust and debris. Having the vacuum cleaner handy allows you to give your old place a final clean before you leave, ensuring it’s in good condition for the next occupants.
2. Accidents Happen: During the moving process, things can get messy. Spills, dirt from shoes, and packing material can all create a mess that you’ll want to clean up before you go.
3. Quick Access: Once you arrive at your new home, you might need to do a quick clean before unpacking. Having the vacuum cleaner easily accessible means you can start fresh in your new space.

Pets and kids on moving day

Moving day can be chaotic and stressful, and having kids and pets around can add to the confusion. To have an efficient move, your pets and kids should stay elsewhere. With heavy furniture being moved and boxes everywhere, you do not want any injuries. The noise and activity of a move can be overwhelming for both children and pets and movers can work more efficiently without having to navigate around them. Finally, with your kids and pets in a calm environment, you’ll be able to focus on coordinating the move and ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Moving your car

We decided to drive the car ourselves to our new destination. That way, our relocation became a road trip adventure. However, this is exceptional and not possible if you are relocating over continents. When you choose your moving company, check what value for money transport solutions they offer for your vehicle(s). 

For shipping your vehicle overseas or to and from Europe, KAE International offers the following transport methods:

**Container Transport:**

Securely load and strap your vehicle, with or without household goods, minimizing movement during transit. Economical for combined shipping.

**Roll on/Roll off (RoRo):**

Drive your vehicle onto the carrier at the port and off at the destination. Suitable for all vehicle sizes and popular for both manufacturers and individuals.

**Auto Car Carriers:**

Truck carriers for fast transport across EU countries with weekly coverage.

**Crates (for Motorbikes):**

Custom-sized crates protect motorbikes during transit, ideal for compact shipping.

Read also: Vehicles Transport

Unpacking

“Unpacking is the art of rediscovering the familiar in a new place, turning a house into a home one box at a time.”

Check for damages

When your goods arrive at your address, the first thing that you will do is check for damages. Inspect your items and report any damages to the moving company immediately.You also make photos of everything.

Unpacking can be just as time-consuming as packing up. And while it is tempting to take your time, insurance companies are typically quite strict and require that any damages be reported to them within 3 to 7 days of delivery. That is why you start with the most important, the larger items, furniture, art and other valuables. For items such as books or toys, you can take your time.

Here are some expert tips for unpacking.

1. Start with Essentials: Unpack the essentials box first. This should include items you’ll need immediately, like toiletries, basic kitchen items, and bedding.
2. Room-by-Room Approach: Focus on one room at a time. This helps prevent feeling overwhelmed and allows you to see progress more clearly.
3. Label and Organize: Make sure all boxes are labeled by room and contents. This makes it easier to find what you need
4. Set Up Furniture First: Arrange your furniture before unpacking smaller items. This gives you a clear idea of the space and helps you decide where everything should go.
5. Declutter as You Go: Take this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. It will save space and make your new home feel more organize
6. Kids can unpack their own boxes in their new rooms

Helping Hands upon arrival

We arrived in the Netherlands to a furnished home, which allowed us to settle in comfortably before our household arrived from Greece. However, the arrival of numerous boxes and furniture was still a bit overwhelming. Having extra help beyond the moving company was invaluable. My family was there when the delivery was made, assisting with organizing, unpacking, and taking the boxes to the local recycling station. Their support not only made the process more efficient but also lifted my spirits, turning the experience into a fun and enjoyable one.

My conclusion is that moving is a long process and involves the careful execution of a plan that was set months before. Overall, a well-prepared move involves a significant investment of time, money and effort. A successful experience with the moving company is all about expectations. That is why you have to make sure that you know what you’ve arranged for. Read your quote carefully and be prepared for what you have paid for.

This experience has also taught me that moving involves not just physical preparation but also emotional readiness. Moving is, first and foremost, an emotional experience. Be prepared for that and take your time to digest it all. Yes, moving is stressful, but with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the chaos. Good luck with your move!

By Celeste from Family Experiences Blog