Homes & Relocation Detail
Making the move a smooth one
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, writes Peter Strange of Robinsons International.
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 recommend you make contact 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 certainly make moving 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 British Association of Removers (BAR) bonded – it's the international removals industry's equivalent of ABTA or ATOL in the travel business. And if they belong to the international trade associations Federation Internationale Demanagements Internationeux (FIDI) and Overseas Moving Network International (OMNI), it means their overseas partners operate to the same standards, and also offer financial safeguards and tailored insurance services.
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. However, at the ports of Toronto and Vancouver, there is a 'Fast Track' or 'Speed System', permitting the moving company or clearing agent to act on the importer's behalf and present their documentation. Even so, the system is no guarantee that customs will clear the goods without a personal interview.
Transit times
As the country is so vast, door-to-door transit times 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.
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 the mover'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 – some companies have a pre-move 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 CDN$75 plus 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, check with Transport Canada.
After your arrival in Canada, generally 7–10 days before your consignment is due to arrive, the Canadian partner of your chosen moving company 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 by the UK mover.
It all sounds a lot to think about, but your removals company knows exactly what needs to be done and when, and will guide you every step of the way. The important thing is to choose a good one, get them involved as early as possible, do the preparation, then leave it to the professionals, leaving you free to concentrate on your new life!
Search and browse properties for sale in Canada
For further information:
Importing a Vehicle
British Association of Removers
Overseas Moving Network International
Robinsons International
Register for your FREE emigration starter pack