🍁 GuideCAN Quick Answer
Start with at least three detailed quotes from established international movers, then compare the same inventory and service level. Allied Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines Canada and North American Van Lines are reasonable national networks to investigate, but availability and service partners depend on the origin country. Verify the Canadian Association of Movers directory, the company operating each stage and every charge in writing before paying a deposit.
International moving companies to compare
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Company or resource | Why compare it | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines Canada | International network and full service moving options | Origin agent, destination agent, packing and shipment tracking |
| Atlas Van Lines Canada | Canadian van line with international moving services | Survey method, shipment type, customs support and delivery window |
| North American Van Lines Canada | International relocation and household goods transport | Partner responsibility, valuation options and destination charges |
| Canadian Association of Movers | Directory and validation resource for Canadian movers | Current membership and international service capability |
Make every company quote the same move
A useful comparison begins with one inventory. Include furniture dimensions, carton estimates, stairs, elevators, long carries, parking limits and items that need crating. Tell every mover the same origin and delivery conditions. Ask whether the estimate is based on weight or volume and what happens if the measured total changes. A video survey can be convenient, but hidden cupboards and storage areas still need to be counted.
Understand the shipping method
A dedicated container offers more control and may suit a larger household. A shared container can reduce cost but may wait for consolidation and involve more handling. Air freight is faster and usually costs more. Door to door service can still exclude customs inspections, port storage, difficult access or delivery above a certain floor. Ask the mover to name the transport method, expected range of dates and every event that can create another charge.
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Quote item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Packing and materials | Full packing, owner packed cartons, fragile packing, crating and unpacking |
| Transport | Pickup, export handling, ocean or air freight, terminal handling and final delivery |
| Customs | Document guidance, broker role, inspection fees, duties and taxes |
| Protection | Basic liability, optional valuation, deductible, exclusions and claim deadline |
| Timing | Pickup window, sailing estimate, customs allowance and delivery window |
| Access | Stairs, elevator booking, shuttle truck, parking permit and long carry fees |
Prepare the Canadian goods declaration early
CBSA requires people moving to Canada to declare goods they are bringing and goods that will arrive later. Prepare a detailed list before travel, with values in Canadian dollars and serial numbers where applicable. Present it at the first point of entry and keep the stamped form. Goods omitted from the goods to follow list may not receive the same duty treatment later. Vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, food, plants and restricted items have additional rules.
Know who is responsible at each stage
International moves often involve an origin agent, freight carrier, customs representative and Canadian destination agent. Ask for the legal names and contact details before booking. Your contract should say who holds your payment, who answers during transit and who handles a claim. Confirm whether any stage will be subcontracted and whether the quoted Canadian company has reviewed the destination address.
Protection is not a single yes or no question
Ask the mover to explain basic carrier liability and any optional valuation plan using a realistic example. Find out whether owner packed cartons, pairs and sets, jewellery, electronics, mould, internal mechanical failure or delayed delivery are limited or excluded. Create photos and an inventory before packing. Keep receipts for high value items and follow special declaration requirements. Never ship passports, cash or irreplaceable immigration records.
Red flags before you pay
Pause when a company refuses a survey, provides only a vague total, asks for a large payment through an unusual method, has no verifiable physical address or will not identify its Canadian delivery partner. Be cautious when a price is dramatically below comparable quotes. Check the company through recognized directories and consumer sources, but also read the contract because directory membership does not replace due diligence.
Reduce cost without creating avoidable risk
Sell or donate low value bulky items, request quotes outside peak periods when your timing is flexible and separate an arrival suitcase from the household shipment. Measure whether furniture will fit the Canadian home you expect to rent. Storage, port delay and temporary accommodation can erase a small freight saving, so compare the complete relocation budget through final delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book an international move to Canada?
Start obtaining detailed quotes several months before the planned move when possible. Shipping space, packing, export paperwork, customs clearance and final delivery all require time, especially during busy seasons.
What is a goods to follow list?
It is the list of personal and household goods that will arrive after you. Give it to the CBSA officer when you first enter Canada to settle, even if the shipment has not left yet, and keep the stamped document.
Should I choose the lowest international moving quote?
Not automatically. Compare inventory, volume or weight assumptions, packing, terminal charges, customs support, delivery window, subcontractors, valuation protection and exclusions. A low estimate can become expensive when key services are omitted.
Does a mover insure everything at replacement value?
Not necessarily. Basic carrier liability and optional valuation protection are different. Ask how loss or damage is valued, which items are excluded, what evidence is required and when a claim must be filed.
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Affiliate disclosure: GuideCAN links to official company and government pages in this guide. Some provider links may become affiliate links, which means GuideCAN may earn compensation at no extra cost to you. Compensation does not decide the comparison criteria or make a service suitable for every move.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
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Editorially reviewed for clarity, practical usefulness and alignment with the official starting points listed below.
Official sources
- CBSA moving or returning to Canada
- Canadian Association of Movers directory
- Allied Van Lines Canada international moving
- Atlas Van Lines Canada international moving
- North American Van Lines Canada international moving
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.