Packing Essentials for Your First Weeks As An American Moving Abroad: Netherlands Edition
When I moved to the Netherlands in 2021, I knew it might take a while for our shipping container to arrive. What I didn’t anticipate was how challenging it would be to restock even the most basic household essentials once we landed.
Supply chain issues in 2021 made things harder than an average year, but the real challenge was learning how Dutch retail works: which stores carry what, how to pay when you don’t yet have a local bank account, and how to prepare to make those first few weeks easier.
Why Those First Weeks Can Be Bumpy
When you first arrive, unless you have previously spent time in the Netherlands or have family or friends there, you may be unfamiliar with which stores carry which items. You might be jet lagged for a week or so, adding to your brain fog as you use google translate to avoid putting buttermilk in your coffee. (A thing that actually happened to us – you might want to avoid “karnemelk” unless you are making pancakes.)
Additionally, we found that most stores in our town would not accept American credit cards, and we did not yet have a Dutch bank account, so we had to carry cash around. Our shopping locations were somewhat limited until we got a Dutch bank account.
The combination of these challenges can make running a quick errand to buy dish soap or an extension cord take three times as long and feel twice as frustrating as it would in your home country. It can also feel like a fun adventure! Both things can be true.
What to Pack in Your Suitcase When Moving Abroad
Everyone’s move looks a little different, of course, but here are some packing essentials that many people moving abroad find helpful to have in the early weeks:
Personal Essentials
- Important documents
- Clothing – including rain gear and a bag for dirty laundry
- Any over the counter medications you take regularly, along with prescriptions. Aim to bring several months of any critical medication, as it can take some time to find a doctor and get your prescriptions replaced after your move.
- Towels – one per person
- Chargers and adapters
- Toiletries for at least 1–2 weeks
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor
Bedding & Sleeping Arrangements
- Pillow. Having your own pillow can help make your new place feel like home – but keep in mind you may not be able to buy replacement pillowcases for standard American sized pillows once yours wear out, as pillows come in different sizes abroad.
- Duvet and duvet cover – pack in vacuum bags
- We struggled to align the delivery date of our mattresses with our move-in date, and we ended up paying a premium to buy mattresses that could be delivered that day. Ideally, you would already have a bed in your new property, but if that is not possible, consider purchasing an air mattress or bringing a camping pad for a few days or weeks.
Basic Suitcase Kitchen Kit
- Lightweight dishes – one per person
- One fork, spoon, and knife per person
- Favorite cooking utensils like a spatula
- A knife or two (I brought a chef’s knife and a paring knife)
- 1-2 pots and pans
- Dish towel
- Flexible cutting board
- Reusable water bottles
- A few Ziplocs, trash bag
Office items
- Laptop and charger
- Office supplies – paper, pens
Pet essentials if traveling with pets
- Food for 1-2 days
- Bowls
- Medication, if needed
Miscellaneous
- Scissors
- Tape
- Zip ties
- Favorite spices or pantry items you use every day
- A screwdriver – we have one that can switch from + to –
Shopping and ordering at Dutch merchants
One nice thing about delivery in the Netherlands is that items ordered online often arrive the next day.
A word of caution: your packages may be delivered to your neighbors or sent to a pickup point if you are not home when the delivery service attempts to deliver your item. I once received a television for a neighbor I hadn’t even met yet. If you don’t yet have a car, picking up a large shipment from a pickup point can be a challenge. Try to include a note during checkout to specify what you would like the delivery person to do if you are not home when they deliver your package. The PostNL app allows you to indicate what you prefer them to do with your packages, but setting up the app can take a few weeks, as they snail mail a piece of paper mail to your address to set up your online account.
Moving Soon?
If you’re preparing for your own move to the Netherlands — or anywhere abroad — contact us to set up a complimentary intake call.
© 2025 Darien Wilson for Dutch Home Hunters, All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or medical advice. Laws, regulations, and personal circumstances vary, and the content here may not apply to your specific situation. Before making any decisions, you should consult with qualified professionals such as an attorney, immigration advisor, financial planner, tax consultant, or healthcare provider. The author makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accepts no liability for any actions taken or outcomes resulting from its use.