There are many reasons why people move from Canada to the USA. This includes reasons like job, more affordable housing, lower cost of living, warmer climates, and familiar or cultural ties. While moving inside Canada is one thing, making a move across the international border is entirely different. If you are planning such a move, here are the things you need to know.
Here are factors you need to prepare for and the steps you need to take as part of your move from Canada to the United States.
1. Documentation
You should ensure that the following paperwork is completed and in proper form:
- Valid passports for everyone who will be moving
- Visas or permits, wherever applicable
- Vehicle registration and a driver’s license if you will be driving your car
- Customs declaration forms detailing the inventory of items being moved
- Insurance policies for your new location
- Copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates, if required
- Records of vaccination
- Tax and financial documents for both countries
It is recommended to keep all the crucial documents with you and not in your moving truck.
2. Create an Inventory of Your Belongings
Both your moving company and customs officials will need to see an inventory of the belongings you will be moving. It is also important to pack your items properly. Follow these tips in this regard:
- Create a list of all the items based on the rooms where they belong
- Label the boxes with both the room name and contents
- Keep documents and precious items with you
3. Handling Restricted Items
It is important to know the restricted items that require special permits or are not allowed to be moved across the border. You can seek the guidance of your moving company, but this usually includes the following items:
- Meat and fresh produce
- Firearms and ammunition may be allowed with special permits
- Soil and plants
- Paints, cleaning products, and flammables
4. Utilities & Bank Accounts
Make sure not to forget transferring or canceling your utility connections and financial accounts. It is recommended to take the following steps:
- Transfer or cancel all your utilities, including electricity, cell phone, and internet connection
- Transfer or close your Canadian bank account. Some Canadian banks do have branches or tie-ups in the U.S.
- Update your new address with Revenue Canada
- Notify your credit card companies you are moving
5. Healthcare & Medical Information
The healthcare systems are vastly different between Canada and the United States. You should take the following steps before your move:
- Get health insurance before you move
- Transfer your prescriptions and find new specialists near your new location in America
6. Moving Pets
If you have pets, take the following steps for their smooth relocation across the border:
- Get their health certificates from the current veterinarian
- Maintain up-to-date vaccination records
- Make sure the moving company specializes in the safe transportation of your kind of pets
If your pet will be flying, make sure to check the border and airline requirements.
7. Hire the Right Moving Company
Not every moving company is capable of handling an international move. Choose a mover that already has a proven track record of moving clients from Canada to the U.S. They must have a clear understanding of up-to-date border regulations and customs procedures. They should be ready to handle all the documentation and logistics of the move.
Check their reviews, ask them if they provide real-time updates on the move, and the kind and scale of insurance coverage they provide. The kind of services offered also matters. It is preferable to choose a mover that handles everything, including packing and unpacking.
So, make sure to keep these points in mind before planning your move from Canada to the U.S. Having an experienced and specialized cross-border moving company on your side can be the perfect decision, as this can prevent you from making any mistakes.
