The South African Expat

Are you planning to move from South Africa to the Netherlands? Whether you’re relocating for work, studies, or a fresh start, knowing what to pack can make your transition smoother. Many South African expats wonder what essentials they should bring to feel at home in their new country. After careful thought, research, and chats with other expats, here’s what you should consider when making the move:

Pillows & Bedding: Ask any South African expat in the Netherlands, and they’ll tell you—Dutch pillows are not the same! They’re very square and much bigger, resembling decorative cushions rather than something for a good night’s sleep. You can find standard South African pillow sizes on Amazon, but I’d still recommend bringing your own. We even brought our duvet from South Africa, which is slightly larger than the ones here. The downside? Now we have to buy duvet covers in South Africa and ship them over, as the sizes don’t match what’s available in Dutch stores.

Medication: You won’t find over-the-counter medicine as good as Corenza C, Allergex, Linctagon, Med Lemon, ACC, Citrus Soda, or Mybulin. My friends and I literally stuff our shoes full of these when we visit South Africa and return to the Netherlands. If you rely on any specific medication, bring a supply with you.

Your Braai Bak, Potjie & Braai Accessories: South Africans are truly spoiled when it comes to sunshine, proper meat, and braai accessories—especially a good old braai bak. You won’t easily find an equivalent in the Netherlands unless you buy from a South African shop. It’s much easier to just pack yours in when you move.

Sentimental Items: If you’re like me, your fridge has always been a dream board covered in cute magnets and photos of loved ones. That’s why I made sure to pack my fridge magnets and favourite photos to bring a piece of home with me. My husband and I also love game nights with friends, so we packed a few board games too. Bringing sentimental things made our new place feel more like home.

Shipping Your Own Stuff: This one is a bit controversial. Many believe that household items from South Africa are easily replaceable in the Netherlands. It’s true—things like washing machines and dishwashers are affordable here, but I still regret selling everything before we moved. We let go of our wedding presents, some fantastic Masterchef pots and pans, and even the cutest towel rack. If I had the chance to do it again, I’d definitely ship a few things. Replacing everything does add up in Euros, and having some of our own items would have made the move feel less overwhelming.

Important Note: If you’ve never been to the Netherlands before, it’s important to know that apartments, houses, and staircases are often very small and narrow. If you plan to ship furniture or large items, consider this carefully. Staircases, in particular, are a challenge. Ground-floor items are usually fine, but anything going upstairs is best purchased here in a flat-pack form so it can be easily assembled.

A Quick Note on Netflix: You don’t have to change your Netflix password when moving! The only thing that changes is the content—some shows may disappear, but most will still be available. No need to cancel and resubscribe; just update your billing information if needed.