Berthing issues at some ports may delay some shipments. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide?
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Spread the cost by paying in several instalments
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
What you need to know about shipping to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is the perfect balance of a historic-yet-modern Northern European country. With its flat terrain ideal for cycling, tulip-filled gardens, dynamic skylines, and picturesque canal rides, it's easy to see why tourists flock yearly. From solo travellers to large families, the Netherlands has something for all.
Whether travelling, starting a new job or moving to university, you'll want to bring as many home comforts as possible. That's where our international shipping company can help. Our boxes and bags shipping service covers all major towns and cities in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven.
With over 25 years of experience shipping personal belongings worldwide, we're the right service for your needs. We offer affordable rates, expert knowledge and round-the-clock customer support.
Ship boxes and bags to the Netherlands stress-free
With over 25 years of experience, we have designed our international shipping services to make your life stress-free. We handle all the logistics, so you don't have to. Simply book online, pack your belongings, and complete your documentation. We'll come to your home, collect your shipment and safely transport it to the Netherlands.
Here are a few more reasons why our door-to-door shipping company is easy to use:
- Free secure storage: travel without worry. In most countries where Seven Seas Worldwide operates, we can offer two weeks of storage in the origin country and at our Belgium depot before relocation to the Netherlands at no extra cost.
- Zero hidden fees: we oversee the shipping journey from booking to final delivery because we control a global network of depots. Get a free instant quote today for a transparent cost breakdown.
- Online tracking: it's only natural to worry about your precious belongings as they disappear over the horizon. Our helpful tracking tool lets you monitor your shipment's worldwide journey for extra peace of mind.
- We handle customs clearance: thanks to our in-depth local knowledge, we deal with the customs process, so you don't have to. All you need to do is pack and accurately complete all your online documents.
- Multilingual customer service: our customer support team offer friendly help and advice throughout your shipping experience.
Ship boxes to the Netherlands in 5 easy steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't just take our word for it
Our customers love us!
What shipping boxes do you supply?
We can provide boxes made from chemically-strengthened cardboard to protect your possessions during shipping. Our most popular containers are Large and Standard (see below for exact dimensions and packing suggestions). It's easy to underestimate how much you need to ship, so we suggest overordering. If you have any unused boxes in brand-new condition, we'll collect them at no extra charge.
Specially-shaped boxes made from the same high-quality cardboard are available for large items, such as golf clubs. Before collection, please pack these goods securely so we can transport them to our depot, where we will box them for added protection.
You can use your own containers. But please avoid laundry bags, plastic crates, used food boxes and bin liners, as they break easily and could damage the rest of your belongings. Do you want to ship large household items like furniture or kitchen appliances? If so, your most affordable option is our international removals service, the MoveCube®.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
How we simplify the Dutch customs process
As experienced overseas shippers, we make shipping from South Africa to the Netherlands stress-free. We take care of quarantine and customs inspections, so you don't have to. However, there are some customs regulations you should be aware of.
The Netherlands has a list of items you cannot import to protect its population and the environment. Please reference our regularly updated Prohibited Goods page as you pack to avoid potential customs duties or delays.
Log in to your online account and complete the following documents to clear customs:
- An Inventory that itemises everything in your shipment. Dutch customs officials will see this, so accuracy is essential.
- Optional insurance forms for extra cover in the rare case your possessions are lost or damaged.
- Colour scans of the shipment owner's passport picture and signature pages.
Used personal items may be imported into the Netherlands duty and tax-free for European Union citizens, provided they are for personal use and not for resale. If arriving from a non-EU country, you must also have lived outside the EU for at least twelve months and import your possessions within a year.
Please note: customs officials might request the shipment owner is present in the country before your belongings arrive.
Visit the official Dutch Customs website for further details. If you need help, our multilingual customer support team can answer any questions.
As experienced overseas shippers, we make shipping from South Africa to the Netherlands stress-free. We take care of quarantine and customs inspections, so you don't have to.
FAQs about shipping from South Africa to the Netherlands
As trusted international shippers for over 25 years, we make sending possessions from South Africa to the Netherlands stress-free. Follow these simple steps:
- Begin with a free quick quote for a transparent cost breakdown of your shipment's entire journey. Then, place an order, pay the deposit and choose a date so we can deliver any packing materials.
- Carefully pack your belongings and complete your online documents. Then let us know a suitable date for us to collect your goods.
- Once you make your Shipping and Transportation payment, we'll ship your possessions and guide them through customs. Lastly, pay your destination charge and inform us of a convenient date to deliver your shipment to your new address.
Your shipment will take 121 days to arrive in the Netherlands via our boxes and bags shipping service. Transit time begins when you pay your Shipping and Transportation fee and ends when your shipment arrives at its destination port.
When shipping personal effects internationally, you can send most items you use at home via our boxes and bags shipping service. You can also ship Large Items, like surfboards and guitars. If you have bulky household goods such as washing machines or sofas to send, our MoveCube® service is your most affordable choice.
There are country-specific restrictions in place worldwide to protect their citizens and environment. Please reference our regularly-updated Prohibited Goods page to avoid any fines or delays.
Citizens from EU countries may import used personal items into the Netherlands duty and tax-free as long as they are only for personal use.
Please reference our Prohibited Goods page for the most up-to-date information.
Sending personal effects abroad with our worldwide shippers is affordable. However, costs will depend on how much you send, your present location, and the destination. Use our free quick quote tool for a transparent cost breakdown specific to your needs.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
How long does shipping from South Africa to the Netherlands take?*
By sea
121 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
4-step box packing guide for worldwide shipping
We recommend hiring a professional packer to ensure your possessions arrive intact.
If packing alone, set aside plenty of time and follow our handy guide below. For further in-depth tips, please reference How to choose a box for shipping and Preparing large items for collection.
Create a robust foundation:
Gather all your packing materials, such as parcel tape and bubble wrap, in one place. Secure the base of your box by folding in the small flaps, then the large flaps, and sealing them shut with several layers of overlapping parcel tape.
Seal any exposed edges with parcel tape and tightly wrap around the bottom of your container. Once your container is full, secure the lid using the same process.
Carefully wrap fragile items:
Use bubble wrap to cover each item and several layers for fragile goods like plates. Place heavy items along the bottom and lighter goods above and away from the sides of your box.
Fill gaps with soft materials like packing paper or towels. Give your box a little shake. If anything moves, add more soft materials to prevent breakages during shipping.
Complete your online inventory as you pack:
Log into your account and complete your inventory — a list of all items in your boxes and bags. Accuracy is a must, as customs officials will see it.
Using a marker pen, write the job number, box number, and shipment owner's destination country and city on two sides of each container. Double-check your inventory as you write to ensure the details match.
Prepare for collection day:
For your and our driver's safety, each container must not exceed a weight of 30kg/66lbs. Weigh each box or bag on bathroom scales. If a container is over the limit, remove some items and transfer them to another container.
Finally, move your luggage as close to the entrance of your building as possible. Doing so ensures a smooth collection day experience.
The whole process was super easy from start to finish. The customer service team answered any questions I had, the instructions were clear to follow, and I was updated by email and text at every stage of the process. Pick up/delivery was very smooth. I was given a one-hour time slot, and the driver called on the day 20 minutes before they were due to arrive and let me know if they were going to be early or late, though they were never late. The shipment was also easy to track. I would highly recommend this company and would 100% use them in the future.
Hannah
Top tourist attractions in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small, charming country in Western Europe. Holland, as it's also known, is densely populated, with a mix of modern cities and quaint countryside to explore. It's best known for its picturesque canals, historic windmills, and tulip fields.
Here is just a sample of the many must-see destinations in the Netherlands' biggest cities:
Amsterdam
The capital city is a major tourist destination, famous for its winding canals and historic architecture. With world-renowned museums, art galleries, and nightlife, you'll always have things to do!
Witness the work of a genius: the Van Gogh Museum houses the most extensive collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh in the world. See highlights of his many works as well as those of his contemporaries.
Step back in time: the Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Jewish diarist Anne Frank. Visitors can tour the unchanged hiding place where Anne and her family lived for two years during WWII.
Take a canal cruise: experience the gorgeous streets of the capital via its many canals. Several tour operators offer a variety of routes and options, including drinks, meals and guided tours.
Discover an urban park: Vondelpark is the largest park in the city and an ever-popular haven for locals and tourists. Perfect for families, there are endless walking paths, bike lanes, ponds, playgrounds, and cafes to enjoy.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands' most dynamic major cities, known for its thriving arts and impressive skyline. The Netherlands' second biggest city was heavily bombed during World War II, creating a unique blend of modern and historic architecture.
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city: the Euromast Tower is the tallest in Rotterdam. Take a glass elevator to the top for panoramic views of the entire city. There is also a restaurant boasting 360° views as you dine.
Be at one with the animals: Rotterdam Zoo, also known as Diergaarde Blijdorp, is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Netherlands. It is home to various land animals, birds and sealife, including polar bears, gorillas, and penguins.
Shop in style: Markthal Rotterdam is an indoor food market and residential building known for its unique architecture. Explore over one hundred stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, meat, and fish.
Experience Europe's best artists: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen features art from the Middle Ages to today. See an extensive collection of Dutch and European masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Dalí.
The Hague
The Hague is the Netherlands' political capital and home to several international organisations. Known for its beautiful beaches and museums, the city is an ever-popular destination for tourists worldwide.
See the girl with a pearl earring: the Mauritshuis houses a collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals. The museum is a 17th-century palace known for its intimate setting.
Eavesdrop on the UN: the Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Take guided tours of the building and learn about its history and role in international law.
Soak up some rays: Scheveningen is a seaside resort town with a beach, lighthouse and pier. The long sandy beach features restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visitors can partake in various water sports and cycling.
Visit a 13th-century castle: the Binnenhof is a complex of historic buildings housing the Dutch Parliament and the office of the Prime Minister. The Ridderzaal is a Gothic-style castle used for ceremonial events. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the history of Dutch politics.
Utrecht
Utrecht is a fascinating city located in the heart of the Netherlands. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, it's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the Netherlands' cultural heritage.
Climb a 14th-century church: the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Utrecht. If your legs can handle it, take a tour and climb the 465 steps to the top for breathtaking city views.
Appreciate some religious art: Museum Catharijneconvent is a former monastery dedicated to Christianity's history in the Netherlands. Explore an extensive collection of religious art and artefacts that range from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Tour a prestigious home: Rietveld Schröder House is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most prominent examples of De Stijl architecture. Designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1924, it is open to the public.
Drift through the city: the Canals of Utrecht are sometimes called "little Amsterdam" due to their picturesque views. Take a scenic small boat tour and learn about the history and architecture of the city.
More handy information about overseas shipping
Prohibitive goods
Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
International shipping services
As one of the country's top international shipping companies, trusted for over 25 years, we make sending boxes and luggage overseas affordable and stress-free.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.
MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® self-load moving container makes home and overseas removals easy and affordable.