The documents required for an international household move depend on direction, residency and personal circumstances. Customers should begin with current government information.
Start with the right information
Create a detailed inventory and keep identity, immigration and customs records accessible. Moving to the USA may involve CBP Form 3299 for certain unaccompanied articles; moving to Canada may involve BSF186 and BSF186A for applicable categories.
- Origin and destination addresses
- Preferred moving date or date range
- Home size and room-by-room inventory
- Elevators, stairs, parking and loading access
- Packing, storage and specialty-item needs
- Items that will not be included in the shipment
Build a realistic moving plan
Never copy an old form from an unrelated website without checking the current official version. Customers remain responsible for accurate declarations and should seek qualified advice when circumstances are unusual.
A professional estimate should explain the proposed service and identify details that still need confirmation. Extremely low prices based on incomplete information can change once shipment size, access or added services become clear.
Protect the moving day
Reserve elevators and loading areas, keep important documents and medication with you, label cartons by destination room and remain available by phone. For long-distance moves, confirm delivery-contact information and any flexibility around timing.
Questions to ask a mover
- Is the estimate based on my actual inventory and access?
- Which packing and protection services are included?
- How will updates be provided?
- What should I prepare before pickup?
- What information is required at delivery?
Next step
Use this guide to organize the move, then request a route-specific estimate. The more accurate the starting information, the more useful the moving plan will be.