Moving to Canada: What You Need To Know

Moving to Canada from the US can be an exciting opportunity for those looking to experience a new culture and way of life. With its beautiful landscapes, diverse cities, and friendly people, Canada is an attractive destination for many Americans. However, there are some important things to consider when planning your move to Canada, including logistics, customs documentation, and paperwork.

After creating your reservation, one of the first steps in moving to Canada is to determine how many U-Box containers you will need to ship your goods. The U-Box container dimensions along with helpful packing videos can be found on our website. You can load the containers on site at your local U-Haul facility, have them delivered to your home, or you can hire Moving Help to deliver, load your belongings and return your U-Box container to a U-Haul facility all in one trip! It's important to carefully plan and budget for your move.

An important factor to consider is what can and cannot be packed in a U-Box container. Items such as food of any kind, spices, and alcohol cannot be packed in the container per government regulations and U-Box policy. For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped in our U-Box containers, please review our FAQ, or the terms and conditions of your contract. You will need to create a detailed inventory list of all items packed in the container with receipts for any newer high-value items.

Moving to Canada Requirements

Another consideration when moving to Canada is the customs documentation and paperwork that you will need to complete to bring your household goods into the country duty-free. This includes a detailed inventory list, the BSF186 customs form, your proof of residency/visa, and copies of your passport and secondary photo ID. All documentation is due before the shipping process can begin. It's important to carefully review the requirements and make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid any delays in shipping or issues at the border. Once your reservation is placed, you will have access to a secure documentation portal where the inventory form and required documentation will be available to you. Our team of international moving experts will be there to assist you throughout the process!

Once all documentation has been approved, you must be in Canada for the entire shipping duration. After the containers are taken across the border, they will be delivered to a government bonded warehouse. You will receive an email with instructions on when and where to clear your goods. You will be required to clear your goods in person with CBSA. After it has been cleared, your U-Box container(s) will be delivered to the final U-Haul location where you will have the option of how to unload. You can unload the U-Box containers on site, have them delivered to your home, hire Moving Help to help unload the container, or keep it in storage for as long as you need to!

Overall, moving to Canada can be a fulfilling and exciting experience, but it's important to carefully plan and prepare for the move. By considering the logistics, customs documentation, and paperwork, you can ensure that your move to Canada is smooth and successful.