International Moving Checklist — Canada to USA
Everything you need to do before, during, and after your international move from Canada — organised by timeline so nothing gets missed.
Your Complete Canada–USA Moving Timeline
Follow these phases in order. Each item has been validated against CBSA, CRA, and US CBP requirements for Canadian emigrants.
3–6 Months Before Moving Day
- Book your international mover — get at least two written quotes with full customs handling included
- Confirm your US visa or immigration status — moving without status confirmation can delay customs release
- Start decluttering — items not worth shipping internationally should be sold or donated now
- Research your destination city's neighbourhoods, cost of living, and school zones
- Notify your Canadian employer of your departure date and confirm final payroll arrangements
- Begin researching US health insurance options — ACA marketplace, employer plans, or private insurers
- Contact a cross-border financial advisor regarding RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, and CRA departure tax obligations
- Get a pre-move survey from Enveo — volume assessment, specialty items flagged, all-in quote issued
6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- File CRA departure return paperwork — confirm your deemed disposition date with an accountant
- Notify Service Canada if collecting EI, CPP, or OAS — cross-border payment rules apply
- Cancel or transfer your Canadian provincial health insurance (OHIP, BC MSP, AHCIP, etc.) on departure date
- Arrange US health insurance to begin on your arrival date — no gap coverage exists between plans
- Cancel Ontario/BC/AB vehicle registration and notify your provincial insurer (ICBC, MTO, SGI)
- Obtain a formal appraisal for high-value items — art, antiques, jewellery, electronics
- Begin collecting ownership documents for all items: receipts, photos, serial numbers
- Confirm your US mailing address and set up Canada Post mail forwarding
- Notify your Canadian bank and update address; research US banking options
- Cancel subscriptions, memberships, and recurring billing tied to your Canadian address
2–4 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Confirm your Enveo packing day schedule and access arrangements at your Canadian property
- Prepare your household goods inventory list — Enveo will photograph and document every item
- Set aside items travelling with you personally (passports, medications, valuables, devices)
- Confirm US delivery address availability and parking access for a moving truck
- Arrange short-term storage if your Canadian move-out and US move-in dates do not align
- Transfer any Canadian provincial transit card balances (PRESTO, Compass, etc.)
- Confirm RRSP, TFSA, and pension handling with your financial institution
- Back up all digital files and ensure cloud storage is not tied to Canadian-only services
Moving Day
- Be present for the full packing day — answer questions about special items and room placement
- Review and sign the household goods inventory before the truck departs
- Retain copies of all customs documents: CBSA B13A export declaration, CBP Form 3299
- Keep your passport, immigration documents, and medical records with you — never pack these
- Photograph every room after packing is complete for insurance and claims purposes
- Confirm the Enveo coordinator has your US contact number and delivery window
Arrival in the USA
- Register with the US CBP port of entry if crossing by land — present your immigration documents
- Apply for a US Social Security Number (SSN) within your first weeks of arrival
- Register your Canadian vehicle with the state DMV within 30 days (varies by state)
- Obtain a US driver's licence — most states require this within 30–90 days of residency
- Enrol children in school — US districts require proof of address and immunisation records
- Open a US bank account — bring your Canadian bank reference letter and two forms of ID
- Set up US utilities: electricity, gas, internet, and renter's or homeowner's insurance
- Confirm delivery date with Enveo and ensure access to your US property on delivery day
What Enveo Handles — So You Can Focus on the Checklist
Every Enveo move includes full customs documentation, packing, and delivery coordination. These items come off your list automatically.
CBSA Export Filing
Enveo files your B13A export declaration electronically via CERS before your goods leave Canada. You sign — we handle the rest.
US CBP Import Entry
Our US licensed brokers file CBP Form 3299 for duty-free household goods entry. No separate customs invoice, no surprises.
Household Goods Inventory
Every item photographed, labelled, and inventoried by our packing crew on move day. Provided to you for insurance and customs.
All-Risk Cargo Insurance
Goods are covered from Canadian packing day through US delivery. Policy documentation provided before departure.
Ready to Move? Get Your Free Quote Today
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. provides free, no-obligation moving quotes from all major Canadian cities to all 50 US states and worldwide. One all-inclusive price — no hidden fees.
Serving Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax and all major Canadian cities.
