Cross Border Canada Movers
Moving & Storage Solutions provides professional cross-border moving services for households relocating between Washington State and Canada. Whether you’re moving from Washington to British Columbia or from Canada into the United States, our experienced moving consultants help coordinate packing, transportation, documentation, and delivery so your household goods arrive safely and on schedule.
Why homeowners trust us with their Canada move:
- Authorized agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving
- BBB A+ rating, accredited since 1998
- AMSA Certified ProMover
- Family-owned and operated moving company serving Whatcom County since 1995
- Certified Moving Consultants who plan every detail of your relocation
- Trained, background-checked moving crews
- 4.6-star average rating on Google Reviews
- Located minutes from the Washington–British Columbia border in Bellingham, WA
As an authorized agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving, Moving & Storage Solutions combines local, family-owned service with the resources of a national moving network, giving you the reach to move internationally without losing the personal attention of working with a local company.
Moving Between the United States and Canada
Cross-border relocation is one of our specialties. Based in Bellingham, just a short drive from the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway border crossings, Moving & Storage Solutions has built its cross-border moving services around the specific needs of families and businesses relocating across the U.S.–Canada border.
Moving From Washington to Canada
We help households relocate from Bellingham and communities throughout northwest Washington to destinations across Canada, including British Columbia cities such as Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford, and Victoria. Our proximity to the border means our crews are familiar with the crossings, the paperwork, and the logistics involved in getting your household goods from a Washington origin to a Canadian destination smoothly.
Moving From Canada to Washington and the United States
Cross-border moving works both directions. Moving & Storage Solutions also coordinates moves that begin in Canada and deliver to Washington State or other U.S. destinations, handling the same level of planning, documentation coordination, and transportation logistics for households relocating south across the border.
What Makes a Cross-Border Household Move Different
A move across the U.S.–Canada border involves more than loading a truck and driving. Cross-border moves typically include:
- Crossing an international border, which requires advance planning
- Customs documentation for household goods
- A detailed shipment inventory
- Coordination with border requirements on both sides
- Regulations that differ from a standard domestic or interstate move
- International transportation logistics
- Potential short- or long-term storage if your timelines on either side of the border don’t line up
Because of these added layers, working with a mover experienced in cross-border logistics (rather than a general household mover) helps reduce the risk of delays or paperwork issues at the border.
How Our Cross-Border Moving Process Works
In short: we start with a free estimate, build a moving plan around your timeline and border requirements, professionally prepare your belongings, coordinate the cross-border shipment, and manage delivery on the other side.
1. Schedule Your Free Moving Estimate
We’ll ask about your origin address, destination, preferred moving date, approximate household size, any special or high-value items, and whether you’ll need packing or storage services. This gives your moving consultant what they need to start planning.
2. Build Your Moving Plan
A Certified Moving Consultant evaluates the size of your shipment, your origin
and destination, access at both properties, transportation needs, packing requirements, timing, storage needs, and border-related requirements, then builds a plan around your specific move.
3. Prepare Your Household Goods
Our crews professionally pack, label, and inventory your belongings ahead of transport. A complete, accurate inventory is especially important for a cross-border shipment, since it supports the documentation required at the border.
4. Coordinate the Cross-Border Shipment
Rather than leaving you to navigate border logistics on your own, we coordinate the transportation and manage the cross-border portion of your move as part of the overall relocation plan.
5. Deliver Your Belongings
On arrival, we handle delivery coordination, unloading, furniture placement, unpacking (if selected), and a final walkthrough to confirm everything arrived as expected.
What Does a Cross-Border Move to Canada Involve?
A cross-border move involves transporting your personal and household goods internationally, which means customs documentation and border requirements come into play. Depending on what you’re moving, this can include household furniture and belongings, vehicles, and other specialty items.
Some categories (such as pets, plants, alcohol, food, firearms, medications, and high-value items) are subject to specific import rules that can change and depend on your individual circumstances. Rather than provide general guidance that may not reflect current regulations, we recommend confirming requirements for these categories directly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before your move. Our team can help you understand what we coordinate as your mover, while pointing you to the right government resources for anything regulatory.
Cross-Border Moving & Customs Documentation
Customs documentation is one of the most important, and most misunderstood, parts of a cross-border move. An accurate household goods inventory is central to this process, since it’s used to document what’s being moved across the border.
Here’s how we help:
- Why inventories matter: A complete, itemized inventory of your household goods supports the documentation required for a cross-border shipment.
- What to prepare: Have a general list of what you’re moving, along with any documentation related to high-value or restricted items, ready before your move date.
- Why accuracy matters: Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can slow down your shipment at the border.
- How we help: Our moving consultants and crews are experienced with the documentation process for cross-border household shipments and help keep your inventory organized and accurate.
- What you’re responsible for: As the shipper, you remain responsible for ensuring items you’re bringing across the border comply with current customs regulations. Requirements can vary depending on what you’re moving and your personal circumstances.
Common questions about cross-border documentation:
- What documents do I need to move my household goods to Canada? Requirements vary by circumstance, so we recommend checking current CBSA guidelines and working with your moving consultant to prepare an accurate household inventory.
- Does Moving & Storage Solutions help with customs documentation? Yes, we help you prepare an accurate inventory and understand the documentation process, while directing you to CBSA or CBP for official regulatory requirements.
- Do I need an inventory of everything I’m moving? Yes, a detailed inventory is a standard part of any cross-border household goods shipment.
- Can I bring my vehicle with my household goods? Vehicle import rules for Canada are specific and subject to change. Ask your moving consultant what we can coordinate for your particular move.
- Are there items I cannot bring into Canada? Certain items are restricted or prohibited. Check current CBSA requirements or ask your moving consultant for guidance specific to your shipment.
What Can We Move to Canada?
- Household Furniture & Personal Belongings: From full households to individual rooms
- Appliances & Large Items: Packed and transported with the right equipment
- Fragile & Specialty Items: Glassware, mirrors, electronics, and other delicate belongings
- Artwork & High-Value Belongings: Handled with extra care and documentation
- Specialty Transportation Needs: Talk to your moving consultant about any specialty items your move requires
Note: Some goods may be restricted or subject to special import requirements at the border. Confirm specifics with your moving consultant and CBSA before your move.
Professional Packing for Cross-Border Moves
Professional packing is especially valuable on a cross-border move. The longer transportation distance, multiple handling points, detailed inventory requirements, and added paperwork all make careful, consistent packing more important than on a typical local move.
- Full-Service Packing: Our crew packs your entire household
- Partial & Fragile-Only Packing: We pack the items that need the most protection while you handle the rest
- Specialty Packing: Customized protection for high-value, oversized, or delicate items
Professional packing reduces your workload, protects your belongings over a longer trip, and keeps your inventory consistent for customs documentation.
Cross-Border Moving Storage Solutions
Timelines don’t always line up perfectly on both sides of the border. Maybe your Washington home closes before your Canadian home is ready, or your Canadian move date shifts after transportation is already scheduled. Moving & Storage Solutions offers the following storage solutions:
- Short-term storage between pickup and delivery
- Long-term storage for extended timeline gaps
- Storage before delivery on the Canadian side
- Storage after pickup on the Washington side
- Secure, climate-controlled warehouse storage in Bellingham
- Storage coordinated directly with your transportation plan, so nothing falls through the cracks between the two
Why Choose Moving & Storage Solutions for Your Canada Move?
Local Knowledge of the Washington–Canada Border
Based in Bellingham, we’re minutes from the border crossings into British Columbia and have years of experience serving communities throughout northwest Washington.
International Moving Resources
As an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving, we have access to a broader network of resources for international and cross-border relocation than a purely local mover.
Experienced Moving Consultants
Our Certified Moving Consultants focus on planning your move correctly from the start.
Trained, Vetted Moving Crews
Our crews are trained and background-checked, so you know who’s handling your belongings.
Packing, Moving & Storage Under One Roof
For a cross-border move, having one company handle packing, transportation, and storage means fewer handoffs and less coordination on your end.
One Company Coordinating Your Move
You have a single point of contact managing your relocation from estimate to delivery, rather than juggling multiple vendors across two countries.
Cross-Border Moves From Bellingham & Northwest Washington
Moving & Storage Solutions is based in Bellingham and serves communities throughout Whatcom County, Skagit County, and the surrounding areas, including Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Birch Bay, Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley, with cross-border moving services to and from Canada.
Moving to British Columbia
We coordinate moves into Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford, Burnaby, Victoria, and other British Columbia communities.
Moving Beyond British Columbia
Need to relocate farther into Canada? We can coordinate longer-distance Canadian relocations beyond British Columbia. Ask your moving consultant about your specific destination.
How Much Does a Cross-Border Move to Canada Cost?
Cross-border moving costs depend on several factors, including:
- Origin and destination
- Shipment size and weight
- Moving date and season
- Distance
- Packing services needed
- Specialty or high-value items
- Storage needs
- Accessibility at both properties
- Border-related logistics and documentation
Because every cross-border move is different, the most accurate way to find out what your move will cost is to request a personalized estimate.
How Far in Advance Should I Book a Canada Move?
Cross-border moves generally benefit from more advance planning than a local move. International logistics, moving-date coordination, customs documentation, home closing dates, packing, storage, and peak-season demand can all affect scheduling. Reaching out to your moving consultant as soon as you have a general timeline gives you the most flexibility in planning your move.
Preparing for Your Cross-Border Move
Before Your Estimate
- Determine your origin and destination
- Identify your desired moving date
- Take stock of your belongings
- Note any specialty items
- Decide whether you’ll need packing services
- Consider whether storage may be necessary
Before Packing
- Set aside important documents
- Pack a bag of travel essentials separately
- Identify any restricted items
- Organize valuables separately
- Gather any customs-related information you’ll need
Before Moving Day
- Confirm access at both properties
- Confirm closing or lease dates
- Complete required documentation
- Confirm your transportation schedule
- Keep personal essentials with you rather than on the truck
Start Planning Your Canada Move Today
Moving across the U.S.-Canada border doesn’t have to mean managing transportation, packing, storage, and paperwork on your own. Moving & Storage Solutions can help coordinate every part of your household relocation, from your initial estimate through delivery.
Cross-Border Canada Moving FAQ
Does Moving & Storage Solutions move households between the U.S. and Canada?
Yes. We provide cross-border moving services in both directions, Washington to Canada and Canada to Washington and other U.S. destinations.
Do you offer both USA-to-Canada and Canada-to-USA moves?
Yes, we coordinate cross-border household moves in either direction.
Can you move me from Washington to British Columbia?
Yes. Given our location in Bellingham, moves into British Columbia, including Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford, and Victoria, are one of our specialties.
How does a cross-border move differ from a domestic move?
A cross-border move involves an international border crossing, customs documentation, a detailed shipment inventory, and regulations that don’t apply to a standard interstate move.
Does Moving & Storage Solutions handle customs paperwork?
We help you prepare an accurate household goods inventory and understand the documentation process. For current regulatory requirements, we recommend confirming directly with CBSA or CBP.
What documents do I need for a Canada move?
Requirements can vary based on your circumstances. Check current CBSA guidelines and work with your moving consultant to prepare your documentation.
Do I need an inventory of my household goods?
Yes, a detailed inventory is standard for any cross-border shipment and supports your customs documentation.
How much does it cost to move to Canada?
Cost depends on factors like shipment size, distance, packing needs, storage, and border logistics. Request a free estimate for pricing specific to your move.
How long does a move to Canada take?
Timing depends on your origin, destination, and shipment size. Your moving consultant can give you an estimated timeline once they know the details of your move.
How far in advance should I schedule my move?
We recommend reaching out as soon as you have a general moving date in mind, since cross-border moves involve more planning than a local move.
Can you pack my belongings for a cross-border move?
Yes. We offer full-service, partial, fragile-only, and specialty packing for cross-border shipments.
Can you store my belongings during a cross-border move?
Yes. We offer short- and long-term storage in our climate-controlled Bellingham facility, coordinated with your transportation schedule.
Can you move specialty or fragile items to Canada?
Yes, our crews are experienced in packing and transporting fragile and specialty items.
Are there items I cannot bring into Canada?
Some items are restricted or prohibited. Check current CBSA requirements or ask your moving consultant for guidance on your specific shipment.
Do you move to cities outside British Columbia?
Yes, we can coordinate longer-distance relocations to other parts of Canada. Ask your moving consultant about your destination.
Do you provide moving estimates for cross-border moves?
Yes, and they’re free. Call 360-676-5267 or request a quote online to get started.