What to Leave Behind: Relocation Packing Mistakes

I know there are plenty of things you'd love
to bring with you to the Netherlands, but remember, packing certain items is a mistake:

1. Tools: wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers are not only heavy, but you can also easily buy them here.
2. Electrical appliances: on the night of my flight, I saw them refuse to let passengers bring a blender, even in checked baggage! Remember, the voltage in Europe and Iran is the same, so there is no need to bring electrical devices with you. Besides, many apartments are fully furnished.
3. Dishes and pots: not only can you buy them easily and at a reasonable price in the Netherlands, but some houses also have induction or electric cooktops, and not every pot or pan works on an electric surface.
4. Heavy shoes: one of the things I wanted to bring was my hiking boots, but they were no longer new, and they were bulky and heavy. Generally, don't bring worn-out shoes. One of the great things about the Netherlands is that stores offer discounts on various occasions, and you can buy essential items at good prices. If you have a pair of shoes you haven't broken in yet, do not bring them, because your first days as a newcomer mean a lot of walking!
5. Clothes: I only brought one suit, and I still haven't had the chance to wear it! If you have comfortable and new clothes, bring them, but remember you need specific clothing suited for the Netherlands. For example, in winter, I had to buy warm loungewear because even the air inside the house is cold due to energy saving!
6. Books: we all have plenty of good books that we can't bear to part with, but I didn't even bring my Divan of Hafez. You have to manage every single gram in your suitcase. If time permits on future trips back to Iran, you can always bring keepsakes and non-essentials.
7. Bedding and pillows: never take the risk of packing your lovely thick blanket; it unnecessarily eats up precious luggage space. Instead, you can buy all kinds of duvets and blankets suited for the Dutch climate from IKEA.
8. Towels: they take up both weight and volume, especially bathrobes. Bringing a simple microfiber towel is more than enough for the first few days.
9. Toiletries and detergents: only bring enough for your first two days of use. Anything more simply raises the risk of leaks inside your suitcase.
10. Power strips and adapters: a single one is enough, and just for the first couple of days. Make sure it definitely includes a built-in power switch.
11. Old and duplicate cables: just your phone and laptop chargers

are plenty. Avoid grabbing a pile of old or non-original cables.

1. Codeine and over-the-counter sedatives:

this is no longer just a "don't," it's strictly forbidden! Medications like Clonazepam, Tramadol, Diazepam, and Acetaminophen-Codeine fall under controlled substances laws,
and bringing them in is considered a serious legal offense.

1. Cigarettes: bring a maximum of 2 cartons with

you. Bring any more than that, and not only will they seize them, but they will also fine you.

A simple formula to see if something is worth bringing or not:
compare its weight against the cost per kilo of excess baggage and its local retail price in the Netherlands!