Moving furniture across US- Canadian borders

[blue_Michigan]

Hi all,

I'm planning to move to Canada (GTA) from Michigan, USA. My plan is to rent a UHaul truck and drive it myself across the borders. I understand that I need to fill a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document.

My question to those who have done it, would I be required to unload my belongings on the borders for inspection etc ? or is it ok to leave them in the truck ? How easy/hard is the whole process? Is it better to hire a moving company to do it?

Thanks

 

[2_of_5]

Hi all,

I'm planning to move to Canada (GTA) from Michigan, USA. My plan is to rent a UHaul truck and drive it myself across the borders. I understand that I need to fill a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document.

My question to those who have done it, would I be required to unload my belongings on the borders for inspection etc ? or is it ok to leave them in the truck ? How easy/hard is the whole process? Is it better to hire a moving company to do it?

Thanks

Hi, I moved from Michigan to Ontario back in 2010, it was very painless.

I did prepare the BSF186, but the particular CBSA agent at secondary didn't even look at it. He also just had me open the back of the Penske truck, then he took a brief look around and told me I was good to go.

Granted, you may have a different experience than me, but it's best to be prepared with all your documentation in order. I highly doubt you would be required to unpack the truck, unless they REALLY had a suspicion about you.

Also, if you are taking the Ambassador Bridge, don't do like me and use the Truck lanes. Use the car lanes. I went through the truck lanes, and was chastised by the agent at the booth. Truck lanes apparently are only for those who drive trucks "for a living".

Good luck, and welcome.

 

[blue_Michigan]

Hi, I moved from Michigan to Ontario back in 2010, it was very painless.

I did prepare the BSF186, but the particular CBSA agent at secondary didn't even look at it. He also just had me open the back of the Penske truck, then he took a brief look around and told me I was good to go.

Granted, you may have a different experience than me, but it's best to be prepared with all your documentation in order. I highly doubt you would be required to unpack the truck, unless they REALLY had a suspicion about you.

Also, if you are taking the Ambassador Bridge, don't do like me and use the Truck lanes. Use the car lanes. I went through the truck lanes, and was chastised by the agent at the booth. Truck lanes apparently are only for those who drive trucks "for a living".

Good luck, and welcome.

Thank you very much, this is very helpful.

 

[asinght]

Hi all,

I'm planning to move to Canada (GTA) from Michigan, USA. My plan is to rent a UHaul truck and drive it myself across the borders. I understand that I need to fill a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document.

My question to those who have done it, would I be required to unload my belongings on the borders for inspection etc ? or is it ok to leave them in the truck ? How easy/hard is the whole process? Is it better to hire a moving company to do it?

Thanks

I moved with a truck full of household goods. Canadian officers did not inspect the truck - they do expect you to fully declare in the paperwork various goods (categories) and value of the goods.

Also, if you can drop the truck off in the US instead of in Canada, it might save you some money. Do explore that option if the rental companies have a drop off location close to the border and you have some form of conveyance to go back across to Canada.