How to Move to Canada

Are you considering a move up to our friendly neighbors to the North? Perhaps you’ve recently gotten a new job across the border, or maybe you’re researching contingency plans for a variety of reasons. Whatever the case may be, there are some important things to know about making a smooth cross-border transition. So, if you need to know how to move to Canada, here are some helpful tips for international moving and long-distance moving in general.

Long Distance Moving Helpful Hints

First, let’s start with some basic tips to get you ready for any type of long-distance move, be it across the US or all the way to Canada. Following these helpful steps will ensure your precious cargo arrives safely and securely.

1. Pack Properly: Over the course of a long move, your items will need to endure lots of shifting in transit. Don’t skimp on quality of boxes, and make sure everything is cushioned properly both within the box and inside the shipping container or truck. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to set aside enough clothes, basic necessities, and also important documents for you and your family during the moving period.
2. Don’t Forget Insurance: Check with your moving company to ensure they carry proper insurance, and find out what gaps in coverage might exist for which you’ll want to purchase additional protection.
3. Pack mattresses in a box to ensure there isn’t damage from dirt or being misshapen.
4. Avoid packing liquids and perishables. Also check out any outdoor items for possible insect infestations prior to packing them away!
5. As with any move, the more organized you are during the packing process, the easier unpacking and settling into the new home will be. For long-distance moves, you’ll also want to ensure all of your items are labeled properly as they might share a ride with other people’s property.
6. Know what to expect from your delivery window. Make sure you’re prepared in case items don’t arrive in a timely manner, or better yet, obtain a guaranteed delivery date.
7. Plan ahead for any potential unloading/delivery issues. Is the new home accessible to the moving truck, or will a smaller shuttle be required? Also, make sure there aren’t any issues with accessing elevators if you’re moving into a condo.
8. If you need help with car transport, storage, or other moving services, make sure you’ve reserved everything prior to scheduling your official move day.
9. Beyond insurance, make sure you’re dealing with a licensed, certified moving company that will stick to their quote and their promise for safely transporting your goods.

Tips on How to Move to Canada

So now that you’ve got a few ideas to help your packing and dealings with a moving company run smoothly, it’s time to focus on the hardest part, getting officially settled in Canada. There is plenty of paperwork to focus on, and you’ll have to plan carefully to coordinate the shipment of your goods and your own arrival across the border. Here are some important things to know:

1. Your possessions will not be allowed to clear customs unless you are present. Coordinate this carefully with your delivery driver to ensure you’re ready.
2. All boxes must have contents listed and numbered on the outside of the package. Make sure that you’ve confirmed the legality of importing items such as firearms, plants, pets, and perishable items.
3. Ensure you and your family have current travel documents and ID.
4. Beyond basic ID and travel documents, you’ll need to provide copies of multiple other documents to the moving agent. These include the appropriate Canadian visa and resident status for all members of your family, valid passports, detailed inventory of all items arriving with you with value of items listed, inventory and value of later arriving items, and finally a letter from your new employer or hosting agency.
5. If shipping a car to Canada, a copy of registration and title must be given to customs 72 hours prior to entering, and the original documents must be in driver’s possession upon entry.
6. Expect to pay taxes and duties on the vehicle as well, and double check with customs to ensure there aren’t any other additional requirements for entry.

Ok, now you’re all set for a long distance move to Canada. Just make sure you’ve got a job or other reason for the relocation firmly established prior to planning much further ahead, and safe travels!