Moving to Canada
Removals to Canada - packing and shipping
Moving to Canada can be plain sailing!
If you’re thinking of moving to Canada, there’s probably one thing uppermost in your mind - your new life in an exciting new country. Well who could blame you? But it is worth thinking about the bit that precedes it – the move itself.
There are some practical steps you can take to help take the strain out of the move.
The most important thing is not to leave it until the last minute. It’s never too early to start contacting removal companies. For example, leading international removers Robinsons International recommend at least 12 weeks prior to your move, although some start their search as early as 12 months before! Selecting a good, reputable international removals company can make moving so much easier.
The first step is to get some quotations for packing and shipping - at least two and probably more. Standards between moving companies do vary, and like in the rest of life, cheapest is not always best. Make notes about what is being offered for the price given, so you know you’re comparing like with like. As a general rule, look for removal companies that are BAR bonded – it’s the international removals industry’s equivalent of ABTA or ATOL in the travel business. And if like Robinsons International they belong to the international trade associations FIDI and OMNI, it means their overseas partners operate to the same high standards, and also offer financial safeguards and tailored insurance services.
You may also find it useful to make contact with someone who has already experienced emigrating to Canada. Julie Parry is a Realtor/Relocator in the Calgary, Alberta area, who moved to Canada with her husband and children two years ago. As well as using her experience and expertise to find you the right property in the right area for your needs, she also offers an impressive range of complimentary relocation services to ensure that your relocation is as smooth as possible. Check out Julie's website at www.julieparry.com.
Removal companies will normally arrange for an on site survey of the goods to be shipped, free of charge and without obligation. It’s worth noting that your quotations will generally exclude Customs Duties and Taxes, customs or quarantine inspection fees and any additional fees incurred beyond those covered in the moving company’s terms and conditions.
Like every other country, Canada has its own particular requirements and local regulations that need to be adhered to in order to avoid potential delays and costs in the customs clearance process. Canadian Customs’ clearance of any goods generally requires the importer to be present in person.
Transit times when shipping to Canada
As the country is so vast, door-to-door transit times to when shipping to Canada can vary greatly. For example, Robinsons International quote 4-5 weeks for a Sole Use Container to Canada’s East coast, but 5-7 weeks to the West coast – there’s a continent to cross in between! The quoted time for Shared Containers is 6-8 weeks in both cases. Leading west coast removals company and import experts Williams Moving International of Coquitlam, Vancouver, advise you to allow 7-10 days for local delivery from port of entry, and 10-15 working days (depending on the final destination) for out of town delivery. Remember, transit times are only estimates and may vary for reasons beyond themover’s control.
Your mover will appreciate as much notice as possible on the move date, with two weeks as an absolute bare minimum. Preparation is as ever the key. Before you start packing, it’s very important to prepare your packing list – companies like Robinsons International have a pre-move checklist (see Moving Checklist).
Your mover will advise you on the method of shipment - it has a major bearing on the removals costs. Ships set sail for Canada weekly.
Insurance is another key issue. Check that all your Inventory items are covered for everything from minor breakages to the ship sinking! And you have to consider replacement values for your items in the country you are moving to, not the one you’re leaving. In fact, considering the cost of purchasing goods in Canada against the cost in the UK should be a part of your planning and deciding what and what not to take with you.
If you have a shipment to follow, on first arriving in Canada you must report to Canadian Immigration and obtain a B4E declaration form for goods to follow, and provide a detailed valued inventory. So if you plan to take your prized wine or whisky collection, you should list each item by type and brand, quantity in litres, percentage of alcohol and purchase price.
Importing vehicles
Motor vehicles imported into Canada cannot be licensed unless they have been cleared by customs. Used second hand vehicles other than of the current year’s manufacture are generally prohibited. Canada Customs will examine all vehicles at the port of entry, at a cost of approximately C$75 + dock handling charges.
The vehicle must be completely clean and free of soil. Load it last into the container, so it can be removed easily for the inspection. Customs may also decide to inspect any items that have been in contact with soil, such as garden tools, camping gear, lawnmowers and flower pots), so make sure they also are completely clean.
If you are entering Canada on a temporary visa, you may import a vehicle that does not comply with Canadian standards, but you cannot sell it, and it must be exported out of Canada when the visa terminates.
To be certain that your vehicle will be allowed into Canada, click here to check on the Transport Canada website, telephone 1-613-998-8616 or fax: 1-613-998-4831.
After your arrival in Canada, generally 7-10 days before your consignment is due to arrive, our Canadian partner will contact you in order to organise the clearance process and make delivery arrangements.
Then, on delivery day itself, the crew will check the items against the original packing inventory that was completed at the loading address to ensure all items are received in good condition, and you will have to sign to confirm receipt.On most door to door moves, unpacking is included in the contract, and the movers will unwrap and unpack all professionally packed items and remove the used packing materials. That includes re-assembling any items such as beds or wardrobes that were dismantled in the UK.
It all sounds a lot to think about, but we know exactly what needs to be done and when, and will guide you every step of the way. Try to get us involved as early as possible, do the preparation, then leave it to the professionals, leaving you free to concentrate on your new life!
You may find the following websites useful for current customs information and regulations:
- Returning Canadians – Moving back to Canada
- Settlers - Landed Immigrants
- Temporary Residents - Work Permit (PDF)
- Importing a Vehicle
Additional helpful websites:
Immigration Canada:
International trade bodies:
- FIDI (Federation Internationale Demanagements Internationeux) - www.fidi.com
- OMNI (Overseas Moving Network International) - www.omni.com
