Cross-Border Movers: Canada and the United States

Moving between Canada and the United States is prepared as much on paper as in the truck. As a member of United Van Lines, we handle cross-border moves throughout Canada and to all 50 U.S. states. Whether it starts in Montreal, or Calgary for that matter, our team packs and loads your belongings, prepares the customs documents with you, and takes care of the border crossing and the delivery to your new home. The same goes in reverse when you are coming back to Montreal, elsewhere in Quebec, or anywhere else in Canada.

How does a move to the United States work?

1. Quote and inventory. Our moving consultants go over your inventory, dates, special requests and documents with you. For a larger home, we offer a free in-home estimate or a virtual visit. You then receive a written quote listing the services, dates and prices, and we go through it with you to make sure every line is clear.
2. Documents. We explain what U.S. customs needs before we set the loading date.
3. Packing and loading. Pack it yourself with boxes from our online store, or let our crews do it with our packing services. Every piece is protected, and the inventory is checked before departure.
4. Border and delivery. Your belongings cross the border, clear customs and are unloaded at your new address on the dates set in your quote.

What documents do you need to move to the United States?

Two things come up every time. First, a detailed inventory of your belongings, with their value. Second, for your personal effects and used furniture, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection declaration, CBP Form 3299, used to claim duty-free entry for belongings that travel separately from you.

Your status in the United States, whether citizen, permanent resident or visa holder, determines which rules apply to your belongings. Check it before you set your date: we plan the move around your paperwork, not the other way around. We are not customs brokers or immigration advisers, and we say so plainly so you ask those questions of the right people.

Some items have their own rules at the border, such as plants, food, alcohol and firearms. Tell us about them when we quote.

What about moving back to Canada?

If you are returning to Canada after at least a year abroad, or settling here for the first time, the CBSA asks you to prepare a list of your goods in two copies, split between what you bring with you and what will follow. You hand it to the officer at your first point of entry, even if your furniture arrives later: that is what lets it come in duty free. It is all explained on the CBSA page Moving or returning to Canada.

How much does a move to the United States cost?

We do not publish a range, because the price depends on distance, the weight of your belongings, the destination, the date and the services you hand to us. Montreal to Plattsburgh and Montreal to Miami have nothing in common. We give you a written quote from your inventory that states what it covers, with no hidden fees.

Why trust Flex with a cross-border move?

Because you deal with a Montreal company you can meet and check, with United Van Lines behind your move on both sides of the border. We are a member of United Van Lines (Canada), as well as a CAA-Quebec approved mover and a member of the Canadian Association of Movers, operating since 2017 and rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google.

When should you book?

As soon as you know your date, ideally before your paperwork is final, so we can plan together. Summer and month ends are the busiest periods. If your U.S. entry date and your departure date do not line up, storage is available in between.

Describe your move and a moving consultant answers in writing within 60 minutes during office hours.

For a move elsewhere in Canada, see our long distance moving page, and for overseas, international moving.

Flex Moving Montreal
365 Rue McCaffrey, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1Z7
Phone: 514-692-6657
Email: info@flex-demenagement.ca