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 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.

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. 

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

Also, Check out: How much will it cost to move overseas

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!