International Moving

Moving from the USA to Canada? Our cross-border team handles the packing, paperwork, and delivery so you arrive ready to settle in.

Your Move to Canada, Handled

Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a fresh start, our experienced cross-border team takes care of every detail, so you don’t have to. From packing and documentation to transport and delivery, we make sure your move is efficient, compliant, and worry-free.

Help with customs paperwork, including the BSF186
Partnered with Penske for internationally certified trucks
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Backed by $2 million commercial general liability insurance

3 Things to Do Before Your Big Move

These are the essentials for a smooth crossing into Canada.

Get your paperwork ready

Preparing for Canadian customs means having your documents organized before moving day. To move your belongings smoothly across the border, we’ll 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, with estimated values in Canadian dollars
A Letter of Authorization allowing us to transport your belongings across the border on your behalf
Any other customs or shipping documents your move needs

We use this information to prepare the shipping paperwork, including customs documentation, a Bill of Lading, and shipment control numbers.

Pack your belongings

We can handle all of the packing for a fully hands-off move. If you’re packing yourself, here are our top tips:

Keep essentials easy to reach: toiletries, clothes, bedding, towels, and basic kitchen items for your first few days
Keep keys, chargers, medications, passports, financial cards, and documents with you
Wrap fragile items in clothing and linens to save space and reduce waste
Declutter first. Selling, donating, or discarding what you don’t need lowers your moving costs
Label every box with its contents and destination room
Check what can cross the border. Some food, plants, firearms, and medications are restricted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Careful packing and labelling helps avoid delays at the border and makes unpacking easier.

Get your pets ready

Bringing pets into Canada? Plan ahead:

Make sure 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 animal
Make sure pets are healthy on moving day to avoid entry delays or quarantine
Confirm your type of pet is allowed into Canada

Requirements vary by animal, age, and vaccination status, so always check in advance.

Questions about a form?

Not sure how to get a document, why we need it, or what it is? Call or email us. We’re here to help, every step of the way.

Essential Moving Checklist

Twelve steps from planning to your first week in Canada. Prefer paper? Download the printable version.

Weeks before your move

1. Plan your move

Choose a moving date
Book your movers
Arrange storage if needed

2. Declutter

Sort belongings: keep, donate, sell, or discard
Host a garage sale or sell items online

3. Organize your documents

Gather passports and immigration paperwork
Secure medical, insurance, and school records
Make 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 your mail through USPS
Update your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions
Notify employers and service providers

Moving week

7. Prepare essentials

Pack a moving-day essentials kit
Keep valuables and documents separate

8. Confirm plans

Confirm details with your movers
Arrange childcare or pet care if needed

9. Final prep

Finish packing
Clean and defrost appliances
Confirm move-in details

After you arrive

10. Update registrations

Apply for provincial health coverage
Update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration
Set up banking and utilities in Canada

11. Unpack gradually

Start with the essential rooms
Recycle packing materials responsibly

12. Celebrate your new home

Meet the neighbours
Settle in and explore your new community

Bringing a Vehicle into Canada

There are a few steps to make sure your vehicle 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
Get a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer
Gather documents: proof of ownership, bill of sale, title, and identification
Complete the import forms and pay any applicable duties and taxes
Clean the vehicle thoroughly, including the undercarriage
Notify U.S. Customs of the vehicle export at least 72 hours before crossing
After arriving, complete the RIV inspection and register the vehicle in your province

Anything inside the vehicle is also subject to Canadian customs rules, so travel with essentials only if you’re driving it yourself.

Cougur Logistics can help with every step, from confirming eligibility and paperwork to safely transporting your vehicle across the border.

Moving to Canada Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

We’re more than movers. We support you from planning to unpacking, and with over 175 five-star Google reviews, our customers consistently say the same thing: you’re in good hands.

Transparent pricing

Competitive, clearly listed rates with no hidden fees, plus free consultations and detailed quotes.

Paperwork help

From finding the right forms to filling them in properly, we make sure you’re ready for Canadian customs.

Partnered with Penske

Internationally certified trucks through our Penske partnership, handled by our own experienced crew.

Full service

Residential and commercial moves, packing, vehicle transport, and storage options, backed by $2 million liability insurance.