Depending on how long you'll be moving to Canada--and why you're moving--getting your stuff across the border can be slightly tricky or relatively easy. Either way, there are several companies that specialize in U.S.-to-Canada moves. See the Resources section for links to the Canadian Services Border Agency.
Decide how much stuff you need to take with you. Draw a floor plan of your new house to help you decide which furniture stays and which furniture will go.
Choose a moving company. Many of the best-known U.S. moving companies--including Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines and Mayflower--will help you move your belongings across the border. International movers such as Gateways and Orbit also specialize in moving large amounts across borders. U.S. Canada Moving specializes in cross-border moves, and its website has lots of relevant links.
Decide whether you will pack for yourself or have the movers do it. Check your insurance policy to see whether moving is covered. Start to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, canned goods and flammable household aerosol cleaners. Buy only what you will use before moving.
Contact the moving company, and tell them the Canadian city you're moving to, as well as the dates you plan to move. Set up a date for an agent to come over and survey your goods. Unless you're given a binding estimate, the cost can vary depending on the actual weight of items and any extra services.
Make an inventory of everything you are moving, and write down all serial numbers of electronic items, as well as any receipts of recently bought items. Upon entry into Canada, the movers will need to submit two detailed lists, in duplicate. Show values, makes, models and serial numbers.
Ask your shippers for detailed instructions on the necessary paperwork.
Decide how much you want to take with you.
Make an inventory of everything you are moving, and write down all serial numbers of electronic items, as well as any receipts of recently bought items. Upon entry into Canada, you will need to submit two detailed lists, in duplicate. Show values, makes, models and serial numbers.
Get your jewelry appraised before you go. If you're taking valuable pieces of jewelry with you, get an appraisal report from a qualified gemologist, jeweler or from their insurance agent. Individually identify them on the list of goods submitted to the Canadian Border Service Agency.
Fill out paperwork before you hit the border. You will have to submit a Form B4 at the border, but you can speed up the process by completing a Form B4 in advance and presenting it to the officer when you arrive in Canada. You can get Forms B4 and B4A in French and English on the CBSA Web site at cbsa.gc.ca.
Have all the necessary paperwork ready to go before you get to the border. You'll need your U.S. passport, detailed inventories, all documentation proving ownership, possession and use, all receipts for new items being imported, previous airport of U.S.-Canada border declaration papers, and liquor import declaration (if applicable).
Clear your stuff at the first point of entry. If you're transporting your own personal goods using a private or rented vehicle, you'll have to clear the car and your possessions at the first point of arrival in Canada.
