The Ultimate Guide to Removals to Canada from the UK Reloux® 2025 Edition
- reloux®-GB
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Making Your Move to Canada Smooth, Simple and Stress-Free
Planning a move from the UK to Canada is an exciting step, whether you’re relocating for work, a fresh start, family reasons, or a lifestyle change. But an international move also comes with thousands of details: packing, paperwork, customs forms, freight choices, schedules, insurance, delivery access, and unpredictable logistics.
That’s where Reloux® steps in.
With years of specialist experience handling international removals to Canada,
Reloux® manages the entire process from door to door — expertly, professionally, and with the personal support you need at every stage. From export packing in the UK to customs clearance in Canada, through to final delivery and unpacking inside your new home, we ensure your relocation is smooth and fully guided.
This ultimate guide brings together everything you need to know before moving to Canada from the UK. It includes expert advice, full explanations of costs, transit times, documentation, and a complete FAQ section covering every major Canadian city — from Toronto and Vancouver to Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and beyond.
Whether you’re shipping a few boxes or a full household, this guide will help you understand the entire process, avoid costly mistakes, and move with total confidence.
Why Are So Many People Moving to Canada from the UK?
Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for British families and professionals relocating overseas. The reasons are clear:
High quality of life
Strong economy & job opportunities
Safe, clean cities
Welcoming immigration policies
Affordable housing (outside major city centres)
Modern lifestyle with nature on your doorstep
Top destinations for UK movers include:
✔ Toronto
✔ Vancouver
✔ Montreal
✔ Calgary
✔ Ottawa
✔ Edmonton
✔ Winnipeg
✔ Halifax
✔ Victoria
Reloux® ships to every major city — as well as remote areas, small towns and regional communities across Canada.
How Reloux® Helps You Move to Canada, Complete Door-to-Door Service
Reloux® specialises in UK to Canada international removals, offering:
Professional export packing
Furniture disassembly and wrapping
Custom crating for delicate items
Sea or air freight
Customs clearance in Canada
Delivery inside property
Unpacking & debris removal
Storage in the UK and Canada
MoveProtect™ insurance
Dedicated Move Manager
From the moment you contact us, you have one expert point of contact guiding you through the paperwork, requirements, customs, and every logistics stage.
No stress. No guesswork. No hidden charges.Just a reliable, professional service from a trusted UK international moving company.
How the Process Works: Moving from the UK to Canada Step by Step
Below is the complete process as managed by Reloux®:
Step 1 — Video Survey or Home Visit
A trained surveyor assesses the volume (in cubic metres) of the items you plan to move.Reloux® offers:
7-day availability
Advice on packing & fragile items
Step 2 — Your Personal Quote
You receive a clear, transparent quotation covering:
Export packing
Handling
Sea or air freight
Customs clearance
Delivery
Optional storage
Insurance options
Transit times
All pricing is based only on volume, not weight.
Step 3 — Export Packing & Collection in the UK
Reloux® uses international-grade materials:
Export wrap
Double-walled cartons
Wooden crates (when required)
Furniture disassembly
Full inventory created
Detailed box-by-box contents list (required for Canada customs)
Step 4 — Freight to Canada
Two main options:
Sea Freight
Most cost-effective for full households:
20ft container (28–31 CBM)
40ft container (59–62 CBM)
Groupage/shared container for smaller moves
Air Freight
Fastest option for urgent or smaller shipments:
7–14 days transit time
Charged by volume & weight
Step 5 — Customs Clearance in Canada
Reloux® handles:
BSF186/BSF186A documentation
Inventory preparation
Liaison with Canadian Border Services Agency
Customs release
Compliance with residency requirements
Most used personal effects enter Canada duty-free.
Step 6 — Delivery to Your New Home in Canada
Reloux® and our Canadian partners provide:
Delivery inside property
Unpacking of furniture and breakables
Placement of items
Same-day debris removal
Optional storage
Assistance with access challenges
Moving Costs to Canada — Full Breakdown
The cost of removals from the UK to Canada depends on:
Volume (CBM)
Destination city
Access at both properties
Packing requirements
Sea or air freight
Insurance
Additional services
Groupage is the most economical for smaller moves; full containers are best for larger households.
Transit Times from UK to Canada
By Sea Freight
Toronto: 5–8 weeks
Montreal: 5–8 weeks
Vancouver: 7–9 weeks
Halifax: 6–9 weeks
Calgary/Edmonton/Winnipeg: additional inland delivery time
By Air Freight
7–14 days (depending on destination)
Customs Clearance & BSF186 Form
Explained
Canada requires:
BSF186 or BSF186A
Copy of passport
Proof of residence or status
Detailed inventory prepared by Reloux®
When completed correctly, used personal belongings typically enter duty-free.
Packing Standards for Canada Moves
Reloux® uses premium export packing:
Export-wrap for furniture
High-density cartons
Bubble-wrap and cushioning
Custom wooden crates for artwork, TVs, marble, mirrors
Full inventory preparation
This ensures safe international transit and smooth customs clearance.
Insurance: MoveProtect™
Reloux® offers full insurance cover for:
Damage
Loss
Water exposure
Handling risks
Self-packed boxes may only be covered for loss; Reloux-packed items receive full protection.
GENERAL REMOVALS TO CANADA
What is the process for removals to Canada from the UK?
Moving to Canada involves several stages: survey, packing, shipment, customs clearance, and final delivery. Reloux® handles every part of this process, offering a fully managed door-to-door service. We begin by assessing the size of your move through a video survey. Once your quote is confirmed, our professional crew arrives at your home to export-wrap your furniture, pack your cartons, and prepare a detailed customs inventory. Your belongings are then loaded and transported to port or airport, shipped to Canada, cleared through customs, and delivered directly into your new home—complete with unpacking and same-day debris removal.
How do I move my household goods from the UK to Canada?
The easiest way is to use a specialist international moving company like Reloux®. We take care of everything: expert packing, freight booking, customs forms, and delivery in Canada. You do not need to organise anything yourself—our Move Manager oversees every stage and updates you regularly.
What documents do I need for removals to Canada?
Canada requires you to complete the BSF186 form (also known as the Personal Effects Accounting Document). This confirms the personal household goods you’re importing. Reloux® guides you step-by-step to ensure it is completed correctly, along with any supplementary documents such as proof of status, work permit information, passport copies, and residency evidence.
How long does international shipping to Canada take?
Sea freight typically takes 6–11 weeks, depending on whether your destination is on the East or West Coast. Toronto and Montreal are quicker, while Vancouver has a longer sailing route. Air freight is much faster, usually 5–10 days.
Do I need insurance when moving to Canada?
Reloux® strongly recommends MoveProtect™ international moving insurance, which covers loss, damage, handling risks, water exposure, and transit hazards. International moves involve multiple stages—vehicles, warehouses, ports, container yards—so insurance provides full peace of mind.
Can Reloux® handle door-to-door removals to Canada?
Yes. Reloux® provides a complete end-to-end service, covering everything from packing in the UK to unpacking inside your new Canadian home. This includes customs clearance, local handling, delivery, and debris removal.
How far in advance should I book my move to Canada?
We recommend 4–6 weeks’ notice, although we can often assist sooner depending on scheduling. Peak season (June–September) fills up fastest.
COSTS & QUOTATIONS
How much does it cost to move to Canada from the UK?
The cost varies depending on volume, destination city, access, and service level. Smaller shipments sent via groupage start at lower price points, while full household moves require 20ft or 40ft containers. Reloux® prices are always volume-based, transparent, and include all core services. A personalised quote is essential for accuracy.
What affects the cost of removals to Canada?
Key factors include:
Total volume (CBM)
Packing requirements
Origin & destination access
Container type (groupage or full load)
Sea vs air freight
Distance to inland Canadian cities
Insurance
Storage (if needed)
Reloux® always explains costs clearly so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
How is the volume calculated for a UK-to-Canada move?
Volume (CBM) is calculated through your video survey. The surveyor measures your items and determines how much space they will occupy in a container. This ensures accurate pricing and proper planning.
What is the cheapest way to ship household goods to Canada?
For smaller moves, the most cost-effective solution is groupage shipping (shared container). This allows you to pay only for the space you use. Reloux® consolidates multiple shipments to reduce costs.
Do you offer quotes for small shipments to Canada?
Yes. We specialise in both full household moves and small consignments, including box-only shipments. Whether you’re sending 5 boxes or a 3-bed house, Reloux® handles it.
Are customs taxes included in the removal cost?
Standard quotes do not include duties or taxes, as these depend on your personal circumstances. However, most used personal belongings enter Canada duty-free when you complete BSF186 correctly. Reloux® ensures your documents are properly prepared to avoid unnecessary charges.
PACKING & PREPARATION
Do you provide export packing for removals to Canada?
Absolutely. Reloux® uses premium export-grade packing materials to protect your belongings during the long international journey. This includes export blanket wrapping, reinforced cartons, bubble-wrap, shrink-wrap, corner protectors, and custom wooden crates for fragile or high-value items.
What items cannot be shipped to Canada?
Prohibited or restricted items include alcohol, food items, plants, seeds, firearms, aerosols, flammable materials, chemicals, and hazardous goods. Reloux® provides a full prohibited goods list beforehand to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations.
How are fragile items packed for shipping to
Canada?
Fragile belongings such as artwork, sculptures, mirrors, marble, antiques, and electronics are packed using specialist methods. For extremely fragile pieces, Reloux® designs and builds custom wooden crates to guarantee maximum protection throughout transit.
Can I pack my own boxes?
You can, but insurance may be limited. For full all-risks insurance cover, Reloux® must professionally pack your belongings. Many clients choose a mixture: we pack fragile items, while they pack clothing or soft items.
Do I need to list the contents of each box for customs?
Yes. Canada requires a detailed inventory listing the items inside each carton. During packing, Reloux® creates this inventory for you, ensuring your customs documents are fully compliant.
How are large items like sofas and beds packed?
Reloux®’s crew disassembles large furniture where necessary, export-wraps each component, applies corner protection, and secures items using international-grade materials. This ensures safe handling through multiple stages of transit.
SHIPPING OPTIONS
Should I choose sea freight or air freight?
Sea freight is the most economical for full households, while air freight is recommended for smaller, urgent, or time-sensitive belongings. Many clients ship essentials by air and everything else by sea.
What is the difference between full container and shared container?
A Full Container Load (FCL) is dedicated solely to you—ideal for an entire household.A shared container (groupage) combines your goods with other shipments, reducing cost for smaller volumes. Reloux® offers both options.
What can fit inside a 20ft and 40ft container?
20ft container: approx. 28–31 CBM — suitable for a 2-bedroom property.
40ft/40ft HC container: approx. 58–62 CBM — suitable for 3–5 bedroom homes.
Volume capacity can vary depending on furniture type and packing configuration.
Is there a minimum volume for removals to Canada?
Yes, typically 1–2 CBM depending on the service. This is ideal for small shipments or student relocations.
TRANSIT TIMES
How long does a container take from the UK to Canada?
Average transit times:
By Sea Freight
Toronto: 5–8 weeks
Montreal: 5–8 weeks
Vancouver: 7–9 weeks
Halifax: 6–9 weeks
Inland destinations may require additional time for onward trucking.
Does customs clearance affect delivery time?
Yes. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if customs select the container for inspection. Reloux® minimises the risk by ensuring all paperwork is accurate and ready before the shipment arrives.
Can weather delays affect shipping?
Yes — especially in winter months around the West Coast. However, Reloux® monitors all shipments and keeps you updated throughout.
Your Trusted Partner for Removals to Canada from the UK
Moving to Canada is a major milestone — one that deserves careful planning, professional packing, and a trusted partner by your side. Reloux® delivers a personalised, high-quality international removals service designed to make your transition smooth, stress-free and fully supported from start to finish.
Whether you’re moving to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa or any other
Canadian destination, our expert team handles everything:
Export packing by trained professionals
Safe handling and loading
Sea or air freight
Customs paperwork & BSF186 guidance
Full delivery and unpacking
Debris removal
Storage in the UK & Canada
MoveProtect™ insurance
Dedicated Move Manager throughout your journey
From the first video survey to the final unpacked box in your new Canadian home, Reloux® ensures peace of mind, clarity and exceptional service at every step.
Ready to Begin Your Move? Get Your Reloux® Quote Today
Begin your stress-free move to Canada with a free video survey and personalised quotation. Our experienced team is ready to help you plan your relocation with confidence.
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