Last year, we helped a steady stream of families move to Canada
When relocating your home goods to Canada, you have a variety of shipping choices to suit your budget and timeline, all coordinated by the same individual Move Manager.
Robinsons Relocation is a member of FIDI and OMNI, our industry’s elite international trade associations, which means that our overseas partners operate to the same high standards. It’s your assurance that the quality of service provided in the UK is matched by that provided by our partner in Canada.
Your goods are cared for by us until they are brought to your new home, be it in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec, Calgary, or Halifax.
Canada Shipping Options Explained
Groupage: A low-cost option where your goods are consolidated with other customers’ possessions into a shared shipping container. Good for smaller moves, you only pay for the space you take up, so it’s an economical solution if you don’t have enough to fill a complete container by yourself. While groupage may be a little bit slower since it involves consolidating multiple shipments, it is the most popular choice for moving overseas.
Full Container Load (FCL): Your whole house in a shipping container, all to yourself. This is the best way to move a lot of items from your old home in the UK to your new home in Canada, with minimal wait and added security.
Air Freight: In case your products need to be delivered as quickly as possible, air freight is the fastest way to get goods to Canada. While more expensive than sea freight, it’s the best choice for essential products or rush relocations where time cannot be wasted.
Our expert International Removals team will walk you through the whole process and all of your options. We will work with you to come up with the best solution for you.
Local branch near you
Our branches cover most of the UK.
Dedicated move managers
Take care of all move paperwork, including parking requirements.
Customer-first approach
We know moving is stressful, that’s why we put you first.
Flexible service
We make the move fit you to take the stress away.
“Excellent” TrustPilot rating
Our customers love us – see what they say!
Competitive pricing
We price competitively, but never compromise our quality of service.
100+ years experience
Robinsons have been moving families and businesses since 1895.
Free, no obligation survey & quote
Call today to arrange your home survey.
Your international move with Robinsons in 6 steps
Step 1
We quote your move
Step 2
We schedule your move
Step 3
We pack and load
Step 4
We deal with customs
Step 5
We keep you informed
Step 6
We deliver at destination
Our recommended top 4 priorities to tackle when moving to Canada
Immigration
If you are looking to relocate permanently to Canada, you need to apply to one of Canada’s immigration programmes. To get some guidance and check your eligibility, visit the Government of Canada website.
Home
Whether you are planning on renting or buying a property, these websites are the perfect starting points to check the types of property on the market and their cost: realtor.ca, remax.ca and zoocasa.ca.
Schools
Each provincial and territorial government runs its own education system, thus creating significant curriculum differences amongst jurisdictions. The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada website provides key information to help you choose the right school for your children.
Healthcare
If you already have the Canadian citizenship or if you are a permanent resident card holder, you can apply for Canada universal healthcare system. Each province and territory has their own public health insurance scheme, so visit the Government of Canada website for more detailed information. Private healthcare insurance is available to cover additional healthcare expenses as well.
Moving to Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and a major hub for global finance, technology, and culture. It is an exceptionally diverse destination, with a massive expat community making up a significant portion of the population.
For British families relocating here, the city offers top-tier schools and an extensive public transit system featuring a comprehensive subway network, meaning you can comfortably live in the urban centre without owning a vehicle. The local economy is robust, providing numerous employment opportunities for skilled professionals in business, healthcare, and software engineering.
The climate features distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters bring freezing temperatures and snowfall, though the city is expertly equipped to handle the winter weather with its underground walkway network connecting major downtown buildings.
Moving to Vancouver
Situated on the west coast, Vancouver is famous for its breathtaking natural landscape where mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. It is the perfect choice for expats who love outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and sailing.
The city has a remarkably mild climate compared to the rest of Canada, with winters rarely dropping far below freezing, though it does experience higher rainfall. The economy is driven by thriving sectors in technology, film production, green energy, and construction.
While the cost of housing is higher than in other Canadian cities, many residents find the active, health-conscious lifestyle and stunning scenery more than make up for it. Excellent schools and safe neighbourhoods make Vancouver an ideal place to raise a family.
Moving to Montreal
As the cultural capital of Quebec, Montreal offers a unique European flair blending historic charm with modern city living. It is a vibrant hub for the arts, festivals, and world-class dining, frequently ranked as one of the most liveable cities globally.
The city operates as a bilingual environment. While English is widely spoken in many areas, learning French makes life significantly richer and greatly improves job prospects, as French is the official language of business and government services across the province.
Montreal boasts an affordable cost of living compared to Toronto and Vancouver, with lower rental prices and a fantastic metro transit system. The local economy is strong in aerospace, gaming technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence.
Removals from UK to Canada: Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with the things I can’t take to Canada?
As a result of Canada’s regulations, there are certain things that you may have to leave behind. For a comprehensive summary of the Canadian Border Services Agency requirements, please read the FIDI Customs Guide for Canada
And if you can’t find a home for the items that you can’t take with you to Canada, Robinsons offers first-class, secure storage facilities.
How long will it take to ship my possessions?
We quote the following shipping times for popular destinations:
- 4-5 weeks for East Coast (Montreal, Québec, Toronto)
- 5-7 weeks for West Coast (Vancouver)
What is Form BSF186 and why is it important?
Form BSF186 (previously known as the B4 form) is the official Personal Effects Accounting Document required by the Canada Border Services Agency.
It allows new immigrants to import their used household goods and personal belongings duty-free.
You must complete this form and present it at your very first point of entry in Canada. It must include an itemised list of everything arriving with you, as well as a separate list for items that will arrive later as goods to follow.
While you are responsible for filling out the forms yourself, Robinsons offers assistance to ensure you complete everything correctly and on time.
Can I bring a pet from the UK to Canada?
Yes, you can bring your dog or cat, and because the UK is classified as a rabies-free country, there is no mandatory quarantine requirement if your paperwork is correct.
Your pet will need an ISO-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination certificate written in English or French, and a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel. Always check specific airline regulations regarding container specifications and breed restrictions before booking.
Robinsons can help transport your pets. They provide full door-to-door assistance from the UK to Canada, ensuring all travel requirements are handled smoothly.
All moves to Canada are overseen by our expert international removals team.
Call 0800 521 541 and get your quote today!
Call us free on 0800 521 541