When you are relocating to Canada, packing a container full of your belongings is an important part of your move, and can be stressful. Don’t worry! There are many options available to help make shipping a container to Canada simple and easy for you. Read over some of these tips for packing a container to Canada to help to feel at ease!

Before you start: Tips for packing a container:

– Check the voltage limits on electrical items, such as blow dryers, hair straighteners/curlers, electric razors, televisions and DVD/Blu-ray players, as they may not be compatible. If their voltage limit does match, you can bring and use them here with a power converter. However, purchasing them when you arrive in Canada will make it much simpler.

– If you are packing your containers yourself, make sure you have blankets, news or other types of large paper sheets, packing tape, styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap and flat boxes. These are essential for wrapping artwork, sculptures, and other breakable items to make sure they are secure and protected.

– Confirm your dates about 2-3 weeks before your move, and make sure your contact details at home and at your destination are correct, to avoid losing contact with your movers.

– It is better to sell your car(s) and buy a new one when you arrive, instead of shipping them. Not only are car prices cheaper in Montréal, but you will have to pay vast import taxes and licensing fees in order to bring your vehicle with you.

The four main principles of moving are very important.

– Make sure your mover is reputable and look for one approved by the Better Business Bureau

– Get at least three estimates so you know you are getting a fair price

– Make sure that you receive the terms and conditions of your move in writing and read them carefully

– Assure that your items are adequately insured.

Tips for Packing a Container to Canada:

A great idea before you start packing a container is to go through your house with post-its and colour code your items, for selling or packing. If you do this, you will have a clear idea of what you are keeping, and what you will need to purchase when you arrive – this also depends on your budget as furniture is heavy and expensive to ship. Make sure you make a complete list of all items in your container to Canada and take it with you, as immigration officers will likely ask for it. Also think about whether you want to be packing the container yourself, or if you want a professional moving company to do it for you.

Cost Per Volume of a Container:

The cost of shipping your items depends on what you are bringing, and from where. When shipping a container to Canada it is best to get pricing information from moving companies as it differs greatly depending on your situation. Also, depending on the company and where you ship from you may be charged by weight of your container, or by cubic square footage.

Tips for Packing your Suitcase:

When you are packing your suitcase, it is best to pack only what you will need immediately when you arrive, this will avoid unnecessary excess baggage fees at the airport. Pack items such as:

– underwear and pyjamas

– clothing and shoes (think seasonally – if it is summer, you will need far less in the first few days than if it is winter)

– toiletries (face wash, toothbrush, etc)

– jewellery and personal items of value

– Winter clothing takes up a lot of room. If you don’t own any, do you best to pack some warm clothes, and purchase it when you arrive so that you can be sure what you are buying will be adequate in the cold winter months.

For more information on finding a mover, and tips for packing a container to Canada, visit The Canadian Association of Movers.