Moving from US To Canada - Movers

[gprasad.n]

Dear Fellow Members,
The people of this forum has been of a great help to me in many occassions earlier - thank you. Now that I'm ready to move to Toronto by December. Here's my situation. I live in MD, USA. I want to move my things to Toronto. I have already filled up my B4 while landing last year and they are good to go. I contacted a random but reputed mover (by Google search) to move my stuff and they quoted US$6700 to move to Toronto. I would rather sell my furnitures and buy new in Canada after the move, however the furnitures I have are all new, which I bought just before I landed last year and selling wouldn't be of much help to me as well.
I would like to know if any of the members who have used movers before from US to Toronto or are there any cheaper way to move things or If you guys have any contacts let me know who can help move or any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[jes_ON]

I used a "self pack" service, it cost less than half of the professional movers. Basically, you do the packing and loading/unloading. Even if you hire a couple of guys for a day to help, it's a lot cheaper.

http://blog.upack.com/posts/tips-on-moving-from-the-us-to-canada

Note that if you go this route, you also have to do the customs clearing yourself. Was not a big deal for me, except for the fact that I DON'T live in Toronto.

Also note - you have to ditch the mattresses, or get them fumigated, sealed, and certified.
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/what-you-can-bring-home-to-canada

Used or second-hand mattresses
You cannot import used or second-hand mattresses into Canada unless you have a certificate, letter or any other document signed by a person qualified to clean and fumigate that clearly proves that the mattresses have been cleaned and fumigated.

 

[gprasad.n]

Thanks a lot. Will check it out.

 

[gprasad.n]

I googled mattress fumigation Canada and ended up in this page. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Mattress_Fumigation if my understanding is right, the page says fumigation is not required, can you guys please shed more light on this?

 

[Ponga]

Looks like tariff no. 9807.00.00 is your `new' lucky number.

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

I had used Upack for my CT, USA to Quebec move last year and Quebec to CT, USA move this year. I saved tons of money but few of my furniture items broke down while others got good scratches. I will be moving back to Canada in 1-2 years and next time I plan to sell furniture in USA and move only boxes.

I had moved my Mattress from USA to Canada and Canada to USA. I had packed it properly using Mattress cover. I did not declare it in B4 and simply put it as first item in my truck so that it was invisible behind other items.

I had thought about getting my mattress fumigated but then dropped the idea after hearing about price of fumigation and the fact that mattress stinks for several days once fumigated.

 

[jes_ON]

I had thought about getting my mattress fumigated but then dropped the idea after hearing about price of fumigation and the fact that mattress stinks for several days once fumigated.

Not sure how much I would want to sleep on a fumigated matttress afterwards, anyway. For me, it was a good excuse to buy a new mattress when I got here. Not worth the risk, in my opinion. And coming from the USA, there was a special concern about bedbugs (as if they are not already here). But I will say no one bothered to inspect my shipment.

 

[gprasad.n]

I believe per tariff no. 9807.00.00, I don't have to fumigate the mattress

 

[scylla]

I believe per tariff no. 9807.00.00, I don't have to fumigate the mattress

You are correct. You don't have to fumigate.

 

[2_of_5]

I moved from West Virginia to Ontario in 2010 on a work permit. I rented a Penske truck and moved myself. I went to the trouble of inventorying everything in a spreadsheet, and had my mattress in the truck too.

Your experience may be different, but when I crossed at the Ambassador Bridge, the CBSA agent didn't want to see my inventory list, and just had me lift the overhead door of the truck so he could take a (seriously) five-second glance inside and he told me I was all set.

 

[gprasad.n]

I am going to use U-pack to move in Mid January 2017.. Is there any special requirement for packing items for an International move (US - Canada). I already have the goods to follow form with the list items declared when I landed. Do I have to provide the form to the truck company. I will be carrying some valuables with me personally in that case, can I make a copy of the form to take it along with me? I really don't know how does this work. Little confused and tensed as well. Appreciate your valuable input in this regard. Thank You.

 

[JessHarvey]

Moving to another city, state or country is always challenging and stressful. Advance planning and organization will make your move go smoother. Keep all documents related to your move in one easily accessible location. Use a folder, notebook or even a daily planner to keep track of important phone numbers and documents. While hiring movers few things should be considered in mind. First of all, the working quality of the movers. Gathering reviews about them from the internet or from friends,etc. Moving and carrying heavy items is stressful, and you may want to take the worry off the movers and give them some appreciation for their work. Referrals for new physicians, maps of your new town and contact information for old friends are just a few more things that you may want to stash in your organizer.

 

[JessHarvey]

My friend has recently moved to new place hired moving company queens for his shifting procedures. Their way of working was very friendly and quality driven. My friend was very after moving, they help in all the ways and moving fragile stuffs carefully, etc.

 

[gprasad.n]

Update : I had to go to the CBSA office at Kitchener Airport to clear my goods from the customs. Next thing is to arrange a move from upack to my new apartment

 

[Jaina_Fel]

Anyone has any experience with smaller moves? Looks like UPack specializes in bigger ones.

I have a studio apartment but if it will cost too much to move furniture, I am leaving them and just moving my stuff and a couple appliances. Moving from NYC to TO. I already landed a couple of years back and I still have my to-follow inventory list, however, I have definitely accumulated more stuff since then. Any suggestions/insight will be super helpful.