1. Get your paperwork ready
Preparing for Canadian customs means making sure your documents are organized and ready before moving day. To move your belongings smoothly across the border, we will ask for:
A copy of your passport and immigration documents (work permit, study permit, permanent residency, or visa)
A copy of your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (if applicable)
A completed BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document) – required for bringing personal belongings into Canada
A detailed, itemized list of everything being moved and its estimated value in Canadian dollars
A Letter of Authorization allowing us to transport your belongings across the border on your behalf
Any additional customs or shipping documentation required for your specific move
We will use this information to prepare all necessary shipping paperwork, including customs documentation, a Bill of Lading, and shipment control numbers. Even if you’re handling parts of the move yourself, it’s important to understand what is required.
Call or email us if you have any questions – like how to get a certain form, why we need these documents, or what any of them are. We’re here to help, every step of the way!
2. Pack your belongings
We can handle all packing for a fully hands-off move, but if you’re packing yourself, here are key tips:
Keep essentials easily accessible: toiletries, clothes, bedding, towels, and basic kitchen items for your first few days
Keep important items on hand: keys, chargers, medications, passports, financial cards, and documents
Use clothing and linens to wrap fragile items to save space and reduce waste
Declutter before moving. Sell, donate, or discard items you don’t need to reduce moving costs
Label every box clearly with contents and destination room
Check what can and cannot cross into Canada. Some food items, plants, firearms, and certain medications may be restricted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Being thorough with packing and labeling helps avoid delays at the border and makes unpacking easier once you arrive.
3.) Make sure your pets can come too
If you’re bringing pets into Canada, plan ahead:
Ensure vaccinations are up to date (especially rabies for dogs)
Bring official vaccination records and health certificates
Check Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements for your specific animal
Make sure pets are healthy on moving day to avoid entry delays or quarantine
Confirm whether your type of pet is permitted entry into Canada
Requirements vary depending on the animal, age, and vaccination status. Always verify in advance to avoid complications.
1. Plan Your Move
▢ Choose a moving date.
▢ Hire movers.
▢ Book storage if required.
2. Declutter
▢ Sort belongings: Keep, donate, sell, or discard.
▢ Host a garage sale or sell items online.
▢ Book storage if required.
3. Organize Important Documents
▢ Gather passports and immigration paperwork
▢ Secure medical, insurance, and school records
▢ Prepare copies of all key documents
4. Start Packing
▢ Pack non-essentials first
▢ Label boxes clearly
5. Gather Required Forms
▢ Passport and immigration documents
▢ BSF186 Personal Effects form
▢ Itemized inventory with values in CAD
▢ Bill of Lading
▢ Shipment control documentation
▢ Letter of Authorization
6. Notify Important Parties
▢ Forward mail through USPS
▢ Update address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions
▢ Notify employers and service providers
7. Prepare Essentials
▢ Moving-day essentials kit
▢ Keep valuables and documents separate
8. Confirm Plans
▢ Confirm details with movers
▢ Arrange childcare or pet care if needed
9. Final Prep
▢ Finish packing
▢ Clean and defrost appliances
▢ Confirm move-in details
10. Update Registrations
▢ Apply for provincial health coverage
▢ Update driver’s license and vehicle registration
▢ Set up banking and utilities in Canada
11. Unpack Gradually
▢ Start with essential rooms
▢ Dispose of packing materials responsibly
12. Celebrate Your New Home
▢ Meet neighbors
▢ Settle in and explore your new community
Why choose Cougur Logistics for your move to Canada? Because we’re here to help every step of the way. We’re more than movers — we provide full support from planning to unpacking so your transition is seamless and stress-free.
We start with transparent pricing. Our rates are competitive, clearly listed, and free from hidden fees. We’re always available for consultations and detailed quotes.
Feeling overwhelmed by paperwork? We handle that too. From ensuring you have the correct forms to helping you complete them properly, we make sure everything is ready for Canadian customs and border clearance.
Cougur Logistics offers flexible, hands-on service. We manage residential and commercial moves and can include packing, vehicle transport, and secure temperature-controlled storage. Everything we offer is fully insured.
We are proudly partnered with Penske for international moves — one of North America’s most trusted trucking providers. With access to a fleet of internationally certified vehicles and our experienced team, your belongings are handled safely and professionally from start to finish.
Our company is known for its careful, considerate approach. Reliable, hardworking, and professional, our team ensures your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. With over 100 five-star reviews, our clients consistently say the same: you’re in good hands.
Are you planning on bringing a vehicle?
There are several steps to ensure it can legally enter and be registered in Canada.
Confirm your vehicle meets Canadian safety and emission standards through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program
Obtain a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer
Gather documents: proof of ownership, bill of sale, title, and identification
Complete required import forms and pay applicable duties and taxes
Ensure the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned, including the undercarriage
Notify U.S. Customs of vehicle export at least 72 hours before crossing
After arrival in Canada, complete RIV inspection and register the vehicle in your province
Anything inside the vehicle is also subject to Canadian customs laws, so travel with essentials only if driving it yourself.
Cougur Logistics can assist with every step — from confirming eligibility and paperwork to safely transporting your vehicle across the border. We make international vehicle transport simple and reliable.
