Preparing for an international move is not about putting the entire house in boxes. It consists of deciding well. The better you select what travels with you, the easier it will be to organize the transfer, reduce costs and get off to a good start in the new destination.
If you’re moving between the Netherlands and Catalonia, this guide will help you prioritize.
What should be brought?
1. Important personal documentation
Although it may seem obvious, it is advisable to separate a folder or backpack from the beginning with:
- identity documents,
- contracts,
- housing papers,
- work or academic documentation,
- basic medical history,
- important digital copies.
This should not travel mixed with general boxes.
2. Objects for immediate use
During the first days at your destination you will appreciate having on hand:
- clothes for several days,
- chargers,
- hygiene items,
- personal medication,
- laptop,
- basic utensils.
The ideal is to prepare survival luggage so as not to depend on opening twenty boxes as soon as you arrive.
3. Furniture and objects that really compensate
There are pieces of furniture that are worth taking: those that are in good condition, have economic value or fit perfectly into the new home.
Before deciding, ask yourself:
- Would I buy it again?
- is it in good condition?
- Is it worth it for me to transport it?
- Do I have real space for it?
What perhaps should not be carried
1. Cheap or very damaged furniture
If a piece of furniture is damaged, difficult to disassemble, or you were already planning to change it, it may not be worth including it in the move.
2. Duplicate objects
Kitchen, decoration, textiles, small appliances or boxes kept “just in case” tend to multiply without us realizing it. A move is the perfect time to filter.
3. Things you don’t use
Simple rule: if you haven’t used it in a while and it has no real sentimental value, it probably isn’t worth taking up space.
What should not go in a move
Transport PM indicates on its page that there are certain prohibited objects, including weapons, explosive or flammable materials, some plants, drugs, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.
Furthermore, in the EU there are specific rules for certain products when transported between member countries. Although there are no customs duties between EU States for moving goods from one country to another, there may be restrictions or special conditions depending on the type of product.
Therefore, when in doubt, it is always advisable to consult with the moving company beforehand.
How to decide better: practical method
To avoid getting blocked, use this simple system with each object:
- lo necesito,
- me compensa transportarlo,
- puedo sustituirlo fácilmente,
- tiene valor sentimental o funcional real.
If an item meets almost none of these points, it probably shouldn’t travel.
Less burden, more clarity
Most moves get better when you move less. Not only because of the price, but because:
- packaging is faster,
- the inventory is clearer,
- downloading is more convenient,
- Installation at destination is easier.
Moving well is not about taking everything. It is wearing the right thing.
Conclusion
In an international move between the Netherlands and Catalonia, every box counts. Choosing well what to take, what to leave and what to avoid is one of the most important decisions of the entire process.
If you make that selection in advance, your move will be faster, more economical and much less stressful.
