FAQs — International Moving from Canada
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. answers the most common questions Canadians ask before, during, and after an international move to the USA.
Moving Process & Planning
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
We recommend booking 8–12 weeks before your target move date. Peak moving season (May through September) books out quickly. Ocean freight shipments require additional lead time for container booking and vessel scheduling — book earlier if your move involves a full container (FCL).
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
Enveo provides free, no-obligation quotes following a home survey — in-person at your Canadian address or via video call. The survey assesses your volume in cubic metres (CBM), identifies specialty items, and confirms your US destination and move date. A full all-in quote is issued within 24 hours.
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
Every quote includes: professional home packing and all materials; your chosen freight mode (ground, ocean LCL, FCL, or air); CBSA export declaration filing; US CBP import entry filing; all-risk cargo insurance from packing day to US delivery; and door-to-door delivery including furniture reassembly. One all-inclusive price — no hidden fees, no separate US agent invoice.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
Yes. Enveo provides door-to-door international moving services from all major Canadian cities — Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, and beyond — to all 50 US states.
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Customs & Documentation
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
The primary documents are: the CBSA B13A export declaration (filed by Enveo via CERS before your goods depart Canada), and the US CBP Form 3299 Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles (filed by Enveo’s US licensed brokers at the port of entry). You also need: household goods inventory, proof of Canadian residency, and a bill of sale if shipping a vehicle.
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
No — Canadians permanently relocating to the USA qualify for duty-free entry of household goods under CBP Form 3299, provided items have been owned and used for at least one year. Items purchased new shortly before your move may be dutiable. Enveo identifies potentially dutiable items during the inventory stage.
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
No. Enveo includes licensed CBSA and US CBP broker services in every quote. Our brokers handle all filings at both ends. You do not need to engage a separate customs agent.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
The B13A is the Canadian export declaration required for all international shipments. Filed electronically by Enveo through the CBSA CERS system before your goods depart. Must accurately describe all household goods — which is why Enveo’s room-by-room inventory is essential.
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Shipping & Transit Times
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
Ground freight from Vancouver to Seattle: same day. Toronto to New York City: 1–2 days. Vancouver to Los Angeles: 2–3 days by ground. Ocean freight from Port of Vancouver to Port of LA: 8–12 days sailing plus US inland delivery. Ocean freight from Port of Montreal to Port of New York/Newark: 5–8 days.
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
Enveo offers four modes: cross-border ground freight (most common for moves within 4 days drive of your US destination); ocean LCL shared container (best for partial homes under 15 CBM); ocean FCL full container (best for 3+ bedroom homes); and air freight (fastest, best for small volumes or urgent moves).
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
Delays are uncommon when documentation is complete and accurate. If a delay occurs, Enveo’s licensed brokers liaise directly with CBSA or US CBP to resolve it. Most documentation-related delays resolve within 24 hours. Physical inspection delays for ocean freight may take 2–5 business days.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
Yes. Enveo provides tracking updates throughout your move. For ground freight, your coordinator provides departure confirmation and delivery windows. For ocean freight, vessel tracking is provided. Your coordinator remains your single point of contact from packing day to delivery.
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Costs & Insurance
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
International moving is priced primarily by volume (CBM) for ocean freight and by weight and distance for ground freight. Your home survey establishes the volume, which drives the freight cost. Packing, customs, insurance, and delivery are included in the Enveo all-in quote.
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
Yes. Every Enveo international move includes all-risk cargo insurance from loading at your Canadian home through delivery at your US address. The policy covers loss, theft, and physical damage. Policy documentation is provided before your goods depart.
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
LCL is priced per CBM — you pay only for the space your goods occupy in a shared container. FCL is priced per container — you pay for the entire 20ft or 40ft container. FCL is typically more cost-effective for homes above approximately 15–18 CBM, and offers lower handling risk than LCL.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Health, Finance & Administration
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
Your provincial health coverage ends on the date you leave Canada as a permanent resident. No grace period exists. Arrange US health insurance (ACA marketplace, employer plan, or private insurer) to begin on your move-in date.
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
We strongly recommend consulting a cross-border financial advisor before your move. Key points: RRSP can generally remain in Canada as a non-resident account. TFSA typically loses its tax-sheltered status under US tax law and should be collapsed before departure in most cases. The rules are complex — get professional advice before you move, not after.
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
Yes. In the year you emigrate, you must file a Canadian tax return and a CRA departure return declaring your departure date and reporting a deemed disposition of assets. Failure to file results in penalties. Consult a cross-border tax advisor licensed in both Canada and the USA.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
Apply at your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office after arriving in the USA with an eligible visa or immigration status. Bring your passport, US immigration document, and proof of US address. The SSN is typically issued within 2–4 weeks of application.
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Ready to Move Your Household Goods from Canada to the USA?
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. provides fully managed household goods moving services from Canada to all 50 US states. Professional packing, cross-border customs clearance, ocean or ground freight, and door-to-door delivery — all under one all-inclusive contract. Contact us today for your free no-obligation quote.
Call Enveo at +1 587-358-2992 — serving Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and all major Canadian cities to all 50 US states.
