Cost of Moving from

The US to Canada

International Moving

Cost of Moving from

The US to Canada

There are many reasons why more Americans are flocking to Canada. Over the past couple of years, we’ve had many American natives relocating to Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. 

Canada offers space. It’s the second-largest country in the world, and there’s plenty of room to build. 

Canada also seems to be a happy country. According to CEOWORLD Magazine, it’s the fifth most optimistic country in the world. 

Another good reason is health care. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent residence, you can apply for public health care insurance. 

There are many more reasons people are moving from the US to Canada, but let’s get into the cost of hiring movers. 

What’s the process for moving from the US to Canada?

Unlike a domestic move, moving to Canada will require another step in the process. Since moving to Canada is an international relocation, you will need to fill out Canadian Customs paperwork at the border. Your mover will bring your household goods to a nearby bonded warehouse, where you will have to meet them. The paperwork will need to be filled out there before the clearance of your goods. 

The cost for customs varies based on what you have and where you’re moving. It’s always best to speak with your mover to figure out what you should expect. The cost of moving from the US to Canada is dependent on the size of your load. 

How long will my move take from the US to Canada?

Quick Answer: The average time it takes to move from the US to Canada is 14 to 18 days from the date of pickup. However, some factors can delay the process, such as customs, weather, or mechanical issues; although not typical, it’s always best to understand the process. 

A minor move can take longer than a more significant move because it’s consolidated. A mover has to wait until he can fill a truck before his departure. At the same time, a more extensive move or a move that uses the entire trailer will ship quickly. It’s always best that you speak with the moving company of your choice regarding transit times. 

What’s the average cost of moving from the US to Canada?

Quick Answer: The average cost of moving from the US to Canada is $4500 to $6500. Several factors will determine your moving cost, with the most significant weight. However, the mileage, time of year, and mover you chose will also be determining factors. 

There are many ways to reduce the cost of your move. The first is self-packing. Packing your boxes will help reduce your moving cost by about 10%, give or take. Boxes and other packing supplies can be purchased online or at any local Home Depot, Uhaul, or Lowes. It’s always best to speak with your mover to confirm the packing supplies you’ll need.

Picking the right moving company is also an essential factor. Many companies claim to offer moving services to Canada but outsource your move. You will get a better moving cost if you go direct to the carrier instead of a middle man. 

Lastly, the peak moving season starts in May and ends in August. It’s the busiest time for movers making the demand and rates high. If you can move in the winter, you will save about 20% instead of moving in the summer. The cost of moving from the US to Canada will vary, but this should help give you an idea. If you want to narrow down the price, you should request an international moving quote.

1000-3000lbs

Household Goods

4000-6000lbs

Household Goods

7000-9000lbs

Household Goods

10000-12000lbs

Household Goods

13000-15000lbs

Household Goods

$ 3500-4000

All In

Door to Door
$ 5500-7000

All In

Door to Door
$ 8500-10000

All In

Door to Door
$ 11000-15000

All In

Door to Door
$ 12000-18000

All In

Door to Door

How do Canadian customs work for moves?

Quick Answer: You’ll have to pay duty on any items that haven’t been used. The Canadian government reserves the right to charge duty on certain household goods imported into the country. You can visit Canada.ca for more information. 

Duties will vary based on the item and value. However, it’s not significant, so don’t worry. 

Here is a list of items you will not have to pay duty on:

  • books
  • linens
  • clothes
  • jewelry
  • antiques
  • furniture
  • silverware
  • musical instruments
  • gifts worth CDN $60 or less each
  • hobby tools and other hobby items
  • private collections of coins, stamps, or art
  • appliances, such as a stove or refrigerator

Items you will have to pay duty on:

  • farm equipment
  • equipment you plan to use in:
    • contracting
    • construction
    • manufacturing
  • vehicles you plan to use for business
  • items you have bought on your way to Canada
  • items you have leased or rented
    • we don’t consider leased or rented items things that you own
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The pros and cons of self-packing for a move

Self-packing can save you money, but is it worth it? There are a few questions you have to ask yourself. For one, do you have the time? Self-packing for an international move is time-consuming. You will have to plan, prep, and purchase packing supplies that meet the standard. 

Secondly, self-packing can be labor-intensive. If you have a bad back or are pregnant, it’s not recommended that you self-pack for your move. All of your clothes, book, and shoes will need to go into boxes. You will need to figure out how you’re going to pack pictures and dishes. Any national moving company can give you some tips, or you can use Youtube videos as your guidance. 

Packing yourself will save you approximately 10%. I may be biased, but having a professional pack of your household goods is worth it, in my opinion. An international moving company will come in and professionally pack everything for you and in a way to avoid damages. 

International Moving Company

What’s the cost of moving a car from the US to Canada?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move a car from the US to Canada is $1900 to $2500. Most vehicles are duty-free. The size of your vehicle and mode of transportation will determine the cost. Trucks and SUVs are on the higher side of the price. Additionally, if you chose an enclosed trailer, that will also be on the higher end. 

The standard transit time to ship a vehicle from the US to Canada is 10-15 days. However, that can vary based on the time of year and the mover you chose. Most international moving companies also offer auto transport so if you’re moving your household goods, make sure to ask about the car.

The cost of moving from the US to Canada will vary based on the company and time of year. 

How much does it cost to ship boxes overseas

Quick answer: If you’re looking to ship boxes from the US to another country, you can use a moving company or parcel service like FedEx. The number of packages, weight, and final destination will be the most significant cost factor. 

The average cost for parcel shipping is $1000 to $2500. Additionally, you may want to put insurance on your goods which can be an added cost. Companies like DHL and FedEx can assist. However, some international movers can provide you with a significant discount making less to use them.

You can speak with a mover directly or visit the FedEx or DHL website if you’re calculating the key international moving costs. Before doing so, it would help if you had the total box count, dimensions, and approximate weight. 

Top questions to ask your moving company

If you’re hiring a moving company to relocate your household goods from the US to Canada, you should know the right questions to ask. Below are the top 10 questions you should ask your moving company before you hire them. 

  1. Do you have experience with moving from the US to Canada? 
  2. How long have you been in business? 
  3. What is your DOT license number? 
  4. Are you a carrier or a broker? 
  5. How long will my move take? 
  6. How many movers are you going to send? 
  7. Is the cost of my move binding? 
  8. What do the movers pack? 
  9. What is on the prohibited item list? 
  10. Will you do an in-home or virtual tour? 

The cost of moving from the US to Canada will depend on a few factors, but finding the right mover is the most important. Price shopping is not ideal when looking for moving companies. There are many scams, so do your research before you begin. 

What’s the process for moving from the US to Canada?

First, establish what you’re moving and create an inventory list or a video. Then try and determine your pickup date. Many people will work backward and arrange a pickup that is suitable for their delivery date. Last, figure out if self-packing for your move is worth it. 

Once you have those items established, begin your research on moving household goods from the US to Canada. Google is a helpful tool to check reviews and find companies. However, it would help if you dug in a bit deeper. Before calling a mover, you should check the FMCSA SAFER website for license information. You will want to make sure you’re dealing directly with a carrier and not a broker who will outsource your move. 

After you research your move, get three quotes to compare. The cost of moving from the US to Canada should not vary that much. If you get a rate that looks too good to be true, it may be. Anyhow, once you feel good about your choice, go ahead and book your moving date. Most movers will require a deposit. 

Conclusion

The cost of moving from the US to Canada is based on several factors. However, the most important is the mover you chose. Choosing the wrong company can be the difference between a significant headache and thousands of dollars. Before you proceed, spend time and do some research. 

Moving from the US to Canada is exciting. Find a good mover, know the right questions to ask, and have an amazing moving experience!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The least expensive time of year to move is the winter months. It’s about 20% less costly to relocate to a new country during the winter than in the summer. 

Summertime is peak moving season. Kids are out of school, and the supply and demand in the housing market shift. 

Although you may not be able to control when you move, if you can move during October and April, it will be less expensive. 

Transit time can vary based on the size of your move, shipping or moving company, and the service you request. A typical transit time for door-to-door sea freight is 17-25 days, whereas a door to port service will be closer to 12-15 days. 

Before planning your schedule around the shipping time, you should speak with your moving company directly and get the schedule. A shipping or moving company can gather details directly from the ocean carrier and confirm arrival dates. 

Your final price will not change unless you request a specific arrival date which may require a different mode of transportation. 

The key to having a positive outcome when moving to a foreign country is to plan and research. Allow yourself at least three months before your moving date to plan. Preparing for your move in advance can be the difference between a smooth experience or a rocky road.

If you’re hiring a mover, you should start the process at least three months prior. You want to give yourself enough time to research the best international movers. You also need to gather details on what you’re shipping and learn about the different service and price options. It’s good to get an exact cost for your move. 

Additionally, you will also need time to secure a visa. It can take some time, but you can make sure everything sinks well together with the proper planning. 

The key to international moving costs is to gather all the details and plan and budget accordingly. 

There are many benefits to moving overseas, including the opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a new language, and gain new skills and experiences. Moving overseas can also be a great way to advance your career or start a new business.

Additionally, living in a new country can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, there are also some challenges to moving overseas, such as adjusting to a new culture. Overall, the decision to move abroad is a personal one that depends on your circumstances.

If you are considering moving overseas, it is vital to do your research and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about moving overseas:

1. The cost of living in your destination country.

2. The availability of jobs.

3. The quality of life.

4. The climate.

5. The safety of the country.

6. The proximity to family and friends.

7. The political situation in the country.

If you’re moving to another country, there’s a lot to think about in terms of your finances. One of the big questions is how much money you should save up before making a move. The rule of thumb is to save at least three months’ bills and additional moving toward relocation costs. 

There are a few things to consider when figuring out how much to save. First, you’ll need to have enough money saved up to cover the cost of your move. It includes airfare, shipping costs, and any other associated expenses.

You’ll also need to have enough money to cover your living expenses in your new country. It includes housing, food, utilities, and other necessary costs. Make sure to research the cost of living in your new country to budget accordingly.

Finally, you’ll need to have some extra money saved up in case of emergencies. It is essential if you’re moving to a country with a higher cost of living. It’s always better to be safe than sorry for your finances.

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