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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.
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What moving company should I use?
Members used a mix of approaches. Allied/Lille and Mayflower both got positive reviews for full-service cross-border moves. The drivers at Allied were described as experienced with border processing.
Sample costs reported:
- 3-bedroom / 2,700 sq ft move, Oregon to Vancouver Island, full service: about $24,000 USD, with antiques and heavy items included.
- Mayflower, Minnesota to Nanaimo, 1.5 containers: about $6,700 USD. Member drove his own truck separately.
- Self-driven 26-foot U-Haul, 3-day rental, Oregon to the island: about $1,200 USD, plus around $500 USD on each end for loading and unloading movers, plus gas and ferries.
Should I use PODS, U-Pack, or U-Haul boxes?
- U-Haul boxes: small and expensive.
- U-Pack and U-Boxes: bigger and significantly cheaper, but only deliver as far as Vancouver. They do not service Vancouver Island, so you would need a separate move to finish the trip, which kills the savings.
- PODS: one member reported 5 to 7 week delivery to Vancouver due to backup.
Several members ended up just renting a small trailer like a 5x8 U-Haul behind their car, which could be returned in Canada. A one-way surcharge applies, but it is still cheaper than a full truck.
How do customs work with a moving truck?
You fill out a Goods Accompanying list for what is in the vehicle with you, and a Goods to Follow list for anything being shipped separately. Members reported the border experience varying:
- With a CUSMA work permit, one member was told she was not yet technically a settler, so the paperwork was nice to have but not needed. The officer just asked about guns, produce, meat, and dairy, did a walkaround, and waved her through.
- When shipped goods arrive separately, you go to the local customs office (for Nanaimo, the downtown office) with paperwork from the shipping agent, get it stamped, take it back to the agent, and the goods are delivered. One member did the whole stamping process in 5 minutes with no fees.
If you use a moving company, they often help with the customs paperwork directly. If you drive your own U-Haul, consider hiring a private customs broker or just handling it yourself with a well-organized list.
Your moving date may not be nailed down until the last minute, which was frustrating for members whose schedules depended on it. Pressing the company, and becoming friends with your driver, helps.
What about pets?
Bringing dogs and cats across is straightforward. From the Canadian Food Inspection Agency rules members consulted: