zardoz said:
Well, we have got to that point where we are now packing everything into boxes in preparation for storage/shipping etc. The house is being redecorated and patched up to put on the market. The next big question is the preparation of the B4/B4a lists for "landing" and "goods to follow". As this is a spousal sponsorship application, we are obviously looking at moving lock, stock and barrel over the Atlantic.
We would really appreciate advice and experiences from those who have gone before us, specifically in relation to moving a whole household and not just a few personal items. What sort of philosophy did you apply when a) boxing and b) making B4/B4a entries? How much granularity did you go to? What were the "gotcha" items? What did you look back at and think "we got that wrong..."?
Anything and everything that you can offer in terms of information will not only help us but possibly the rest of the forum.
First off, its important to realise that completing form B4 before you land is entirely optional. The customs officer will do this at the border if you don't prepare it in advance yourself. Form B4 A is simply a continuation form for use if you run out of space on form B4.
What
is important is the list you make of your goods. This can be neatly handwritten or (easier still) done on an Excel spreadsheet. Do two lists - one for goods you have with you and one for goods to follow. Provide two copies of each list. The B4 form acts as a cover sheet for your lists.
An example list is here: http://mypage.intergate.ca/~rajanr/Van_File/List_GTF.html
I find the example too disorganised but each to his/her own.
qorax has some good suggestions here: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/form-b4-goods-to-followaccompanying-list-how-to-t44793.0.html
I personally think qorax's spreadsheet is overkill and unnecessarily detailed. Also, some of the information in that thread is out of date (where goods have a model and serial number these must be listed now).
This is a very worthwhile read: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Goods_To_Follow
This post is too: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/form-b4-goods-to-followaccompanying-list-how-to-t44793.0.html;msg2238950#msg2238950
Now, my tips:
- If you are bringing garden tools, camping gear, kayaks, pots for plants, or other outside items clean them thoroughly with a disinfecting solution. Make a separate list for those items (you will include them with the list to go with your B4 too) and make a note beside them detailing the steps you took to ensure they are clean. You won't need this list at the border but may need it when your shipment arrives.
- Your goods accompanying you include everything you have with you. That means suitcase, carry-on luggage, clothes, shoes, jewellery, etc.
- When you are doing your lists make sure you include everything. If you aren't sure if you will take an item put it on the list anyway, just in case. Once the list has been seen at the border you can't add anything to it but you are under no obligation to take every item on it so leaving something behind later is not a problem.
I hope this helps.
