Category: Blog

Relocating to a new home is exciting, but it can be overwhelming for your pets. To help ease their transition, Atlas Van Lines, in partnership with Paws en route, has compiled a few tips on preparing your pets for a long-distance move.

1. Plan Early: Reach out to us as soon as you know your moving date. Early planning ensures we can accommodate your pet’s specific needs, especially for international moves requiring additional paperwork.
2. Get Your Pet Familiar: If your pet is travelling in a carrier, let them get used to it in advance. Place their favorite blanket or toy inside to create a comforting environment.
3. Visit the Vet: Schedule a vet visit to ensure your pet is healthy and has up-to-date vaccinations. This is especially important for air travel.
4. Keep Comfort in Mind: To make your pet feel more secure during the move, make sure it has access to water and familiar items, like a toy or blanket.

With Paws en route, we ensure your pet is well cared for throughout their journey. Our team at Atlas Van Lines is here to answer any questions you have about the process. Let us help you make the move as easy as possible for you and your pet!

At Atlas Van Lines, we pride ourselves on making your move as smooth as possible, including providing a seamless experience for your pets. Through our partnership with Paws en route, we ensure that your pets are safe and comfortable every step of the way.

What Happens Once You Book?

1. Personalized Travel Plan: Once you book your move with us, we’ll work closely with Paws en route to create a travel plan that suits your pet’s specific needs. Whether it’s a short flight or a cross-country drive, we’ve got them covered.
2. Updates Along the Way: We know how important it is to stay informed. You’ll receive regular updates about your pet’s journey so you can have peace of mind while you focus on your relocation.
3. Door-to-Door Service: From your old home to your new one, we coordinate door-to-door service to make the process as simple as possible. Your pet’s safety is our priority, and we ensure they arrive at their new home in good health and spirits.

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your pets. With Atlas Van Lines and Paws en route, you can trust that your pet’s relocation is in capable, caring hands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with every aspect of your move!

At Atlas Van Lines, we understand that moving can be stressful, especially when it involves your furry family members. Whether you’re moving across the country or to a new city, ensuring the comfort and safety of your pets is a top priority. That’s why we’ve partnered with Paws en route, specialists in pet transportation, to offer reliable, safe, and stress-free pet relocation services.

Our pet relocation service eliminates the hassle of managing your pet’s move. Whether you have a dog, cat, or other beloved companion, we ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve. From booking transportation to ensuring all the necessary paperwork is completed, we handle every detail.

Why Choose Atlas Van Lines for Pet Relocation?

• Safe & Comfortable Travel: Paws en route provides customized travel plans, making sure your pets travel comfortably and safely.
• Expert Coordination: Our team works closely with Paws en route to coordinate every step of the move, ensuring your pet’s journey is smooth.
• Peace of Mind: With experts managing your pet’s move, you can focus on your relocation, knowing your pet is in good hands.

We make moving easier for every family member, including pets. Ready to learn more about our pet relocation services? Contact us today!

Atlas Canada and our agents care about your personal possessions. Our professional packers, skilled agents and modern equipment all contribute to the high standard of quality service our customers can rely on.

Sometimes, no matter how careful we try to be, damage may occur on your move. Atlas offers two choices of Transit Protection Plans for your consideration on long distance moves. Please ensure you fully understand the terms, conditions, and expectations of each plan before making your decision. The Motor Carrier Act states that a carrier of household goods is liable, to certain defined limits, for any loss of or damage to goods accepted for transportation. You may choose between the following levels of liability that you wish the carrier of your household goods to accept. Your choice, by signing the declaration of the value of the shipment on the Atlas Bill of Lading, will be used to determine the amount of any loss or damage, should that occur, to the goods while in transit. The conditions of carriage outlining the coverages and exclusions to liability are on the reverse of this document and on the Bill of Lading.

Cargo Protection (RECOMMENDED)

This plan provides coverage in the event that damage has occurred during transit. This choice is limited to the amount of valuation you declare on the Bill of Lading which must not be less than $10 per pound of the actual weight of your household goods. Items of extraordinary value (i.e. single item worth in excess of $5,000 with a current appraisal sheet) should be listed on the “High Value Inventory Form” and their total value should be listed separately on the Bill of Lading. The total value of these items is a supplemental declaration which is in addition to the amount declared for the balance of the shipment. Your moving consultant can advise you of the cost for this affordable plan.

Released Protection

Under this choice, you will be reimbursed for loss and/or damage up to sixty (60) cents per pound per article. (i.e.) If a table is damaged and it weighs 100 lbs, the maximum amount you will receive under this coverage is 0.60 X 100 lbs = $60. Weight calculation is based on industry/manufacturer’s averages. In the unlikely event of a total loss of all items, your maximum protection would be sixty cents for each pound of actual weight of your entire shipment of household goods. If the lost or damaged item(s) was packed in a carton by an Atlas Agent, the maximum coverage amount is calculated on the total weight of the packed carton. There is no cost for this plan; it is included in the transportation costs.

Carrier Liability Conditions

• Coverage to articles not currently purchased in the North American market is subject to their appraised value as provided by owner of items.
• The following goods are excluded from cargo protection: keys, glasses, watches, jewelry, coins, stamps, documents, currency and precious stones or metals.
• Carrier shall not be liable for damage or loss of a complete set when only part of such set is damaged or lost. Carrier shall only be liable for the repair or recovery of the lost or damaged piece.
• The damage or loss settlement on motor vehicles, trailers, campers, snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, or boats (including outboard motors) shall not exceed the current market values (depreciated) based on date of loading at origin or dealer appraisal.
• Carrier reserves the right to repair or replace any article or articles lost or damaged in lieu of making a cash settlement.
• When the carrier pays for the replacement value or replaces a damaged item, the item becomes the property of the carrier.
• Carrier is not liable for loss or damage caused by acts of God, the queen’s or public enemies, riots, strikes, a defect or inherent vice in the goods (such as caused by weather), the act or default of the shipper or owner of the goods, authority of law or quarantine.
• Damage to the mechanical, electronic, or other operations regardless of who packed or unpacked such articles unless servicing was performed by the contracting carrier, his agent or employees. Item must have encountered external visible damage directly relating to the malfunction or negligence of the carrier or his contracted service technician.
• Deterioration of or damage to perishable food, plants, pets, dried flowers or ceramic greenware.
• Loss of contents of owner packed articles unless the carton is damaged by carrier mishandling and noted on the delivery documents and is the direct cause of the damage and/or loss.
• Damage to or loss of goods at place or places of pick-up or delivery when you or your appointed representative is not in attendance.
• Liability with respect to items considered sentimental is limited to the value of the item with no allowance made for sentiment.
• If item(s) are lost in transit, exceptions must be noted on the “Customer Inventory Check-Off Sheet” or “Inventory of Articles Shipped” and signed and acknowledged by the delivering/ unpacking carrier.
• Coverage does not extend to damage to goods due to the change of volume, colour or shape caused by natural occurrences including without limiting the generality of the following: warping, fading, rusting, evaporation, condensation, shrinking and expanding, normal wear and tear and damage to particle board furniture during disassembly/reassembly.
• Carrier shall not be liable for any economic or consequential damages or loss, such as but not limited to, computer down-time, tv rentals, phone calls, lost wages, travel and personal time spent settling a claim, as a result of the damage or loss of any goods or claim settlement process.

Choosing the right Transit Protection Plan to fit your individual needs is important. Make an informed decision by carefully reviewing this document.

Terms And Conditions Of Carriage

Personal Items

In addition to personal items excluded from cargo protection (i.e. jewelry), it is highly recommended that you also carry with you articles such as medications, and small personal electronic devices – Cell Phones, laptops, tablets, GPS, etc.

Delay

The carrier will provide you with a date or time period within which delivery is to be made. If the carrier fails to effect delivery within the time specified on the face of the Bill of Lading, you will be compensated for incurred reasonable food (excluding alcohol) and lodging expenses. Request for compensation must be sent in writing to Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. and must be accompanied by paid receipts for lodging and food.

Weights

The carrier will show the correct tare, gross and net weights on the Bill of Lading using a certified public scale. In cases where no certified weigh scale is available or operating at origin, a constructive weight based on 7 lbs. per cubic foot of properly loaded van space will be used.

Charges

All charges shall be paid before delivery. Should the actual charges exceed the estimated charges by more than 10%, the carrier will deliver your household effects for 110% of the estimate. The balance is due within 15 days, excluding weekends and holidays.The 15 day extension does not apply if you have signed a waiver beforehand or the carrier notified you of the actual charges immediately after loading and you authorized shipping to destination.

Claims

All claims for loss and/or damage must be filed in writing with the carrier and/or Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. within 60 days from date of delivery or in case of failure to make delivery, within 9 months from date of shipment. Do not proceed with repairs, replacement or disposal as carrier reserves the right to inspect all items and to appoint repair/replacement firm(s) if required.

Coverage Period

The terms of coverage on the Atlas Bill of Lading shall apply during shipping and up to 60 days of storage at destination in an Atlas Agent’s warehouse. However, the coverage does expire during unloading when goods are delivered to private storage and any exceptions to loss and/ or damage must be recorded on the delivery documents and acknowledged by the delivering agent. Coverage of shipments transported inside containers shall apply for a period of 60 days from date of loading. After this period of time, coverage can be extended by Atlas Van Lines in writing or your shipment is considered as delivered into long term storage. New coverages, terms and conditions are then applicable to the contract between you and the warehousing carrier.

Atlas Dangerous Goods Guide

Common Everyday Non-Admissible Items

The following items must never be shipped on the moving van:

• Aerosol Cans
• Alcohol including wine, beer, liquor
• Ammunition/Firearms
• Anti-freeze
• Batteries
• Charcoal
• Cigarette Lighters
• Cleaners containing bleach or ammonia
• Fertilizers
• Fire Extinguishers
• Gasoline/Kerosene/Oil
• Lighter Fluid
• Matches/Fireworks
• Paints (including craft paints)
• Perfumes/Cologne*
• Polishes/Nail Polishes
• Pool Chemicals
• Propane Tanks
• Shellac/Varnishes/Stains
• Other similar products

*NOTE: At the discretion of the mover, personal toiletries (colognes/perfumes) may be packed and shipped provided these items are packed into secure containers and the containers are encased in plastic wrap to prevent leakage. Please discuss the packing and transportation of these specific articles with your Atlas Agent.

Do Not Ship Dangerous Goods

By law, a household goods mover cannot transport dangerous goods as defined in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act of Canada. Many everyday items, such as those identified below, are dangerous goods or are articles that could cause serious accidents or damage to your possessions. It is your responsibility to ensure that you dispose of these items before packing and/or loading, or you can be found liable for any damage that may occur. The mover has the authority to refuse to ship any articles or items that are considered a threat to the vehicle, its contents, or to the personnel handling your shipment.

Dangerous Goods List:

• Make your moving arrangements 6-8 weeks prior to move date.
• Never plan to move in on your “closing” day as there may be delays.
• Go through your home before the moving consultant comes to do their survey. Decide what is being moved, donated, or discarded.
• If you are doing some/all of your own packing, arrange to get started well in advance of the move.
• If you are doing some/all of your own packing, your Atlas Agent can provide you with a complete range of cartons and packing materials at a reasonable cost.
• Properly dispose of all “Dangerous Goods”, such as bleach and propane. They are not admissible on the moving van.
• Use up food from your freezer and pantry. Clean your freezer and refrigerator 24- 48 hours prior to the move to give these appliances time to properly dry.
• Make sure you have/or obtain written appraisal for antiques, high-value artwork, etc. to verify their value prior to the move. Provide a copy to your Atlas moving consultant.
• Movers do not remove items affixed to ceilings and walls. Remove drapery tracks, curtain rods, blinds or other such items, before the packers/movers arrive.

Packing With Atlas

Proper packing is crucial for a successful move, which is why many families entrust their most valuable possessions to the professionals, especially for long-distance relocations. When you choose Atlas Canada for packing and unpacking, you’re putting your belongings in the hands of skilled experts. Our trained packers use premium-quality cartons and specialized materials designed to provide the highest level of protection, ensuring your items arrive safely at their destination.

Professional Training and Care

When you trust Atlas Canada to handle your packing, you can count on receiving:

✓ Formally trained Atlas Professional Packers who bring everything required to do the job.

✓ Extensive knowledge of which packing materials are the best for which items, including proven materials and procedures to                    safeguard even the most delicate pieces.

Your Atlas Professional Packer Will:

✓ Use the professional-grade packing materials listed above for optimal protection and ease of handling.
✓ Advise you on which things you should pack and move yourself, such as important papers, keys and valuables.
✓ Notify you of which items cannot be moved, such as chemicals and hazardous materials.

Atlas Packing Materials

• S, M, L and Wardrobe Cartons
• Mirror/Picture Cartons
• Wooden Crates
• Mattress Bags
• TV Cartons
• Packing Paper
• Side Carton Labels
• Sealing Tape

Best Practices For Packing Yourself

We strongly recommend using Atlas’ professional packing service for your china and other fragile items to ensure they are safely packed. However, if you prefer to pack some or all of your belongings yourself, the expert packing tips in this brochure will help guide you through the process. Your Atlas Canada Agent can also supply a full range of cartons and packing materials at an affordable price, making it easier for you to pack with confidence.

Liability

Atlas does not assume liability for damage to owner-packed items unless there is visible external damage to the carton. In addition, items not packed by Atlas which would usually require carton/crate protection (i.e.: glass table tops, marble tables) are also excluded from coverage.

General Packing Tips:

• Gather all your packing supplies including: various carton sizes, tissue paper, tape, scissors, pack labels, marker, etc.
• Allow yourself sufficient time to complete the job.
• Begin by packing the out of season items, then the seldom used items, and lastly the things that will be used until the very last minute.
• Create a box labelled “set-up” which includes all the must have items on move day such as medication, toiletries, paper plates and utensils, bed sheets, clothing, etc.
• Place like items within a carton and keep all parts or pairs together.
• Put curtain rod hardware, screws and bolts, and other small parts in a plastic bag and tape or tie it to the article.
• When filling a carton, do not exceed 50 lbs., fill the box to the top to prevent crushing during transit, and ensure all cartons close flat.
• Be sure to back-up all computer files. Disconnect all wiring and cables and draw a simple diagram or colour-code before disconnecting to make reconnection easier.
• Dresser drawers can also be utilized for some light clothing but all other items should be removed from the dresser drawers and packed in cartons.

Packing Your Breakables:

For these fragile items, you should use china cartons or sturdy, medium size cartons with 3”-4” of crumpled packing paper in the bottom of the carton for additional cushioning.

Consider the following packing tips for ultimate protection of your breakables:

• Individually wrap each piece of glass whether it is a plate, bowl, cup, etc. Stack 2-4 to a group (using your own judgement) and wrap them again in a double layer of packing paper.
• Plates can form the bottom tier or layer of the carton, followed by bowls in the next layer and finally by cups, glassware, goblets and other light, fragile items.
• Separate each layer in the carton with a cushion of paper and ensure that each wrapped piece is snug in its layer to prevent movement.
• Fill empty space with crushed paper as well as hollow breakables.
• Use wooden crates and linens to protect mirrors, large pictures, glass table tops, etc.
• Mark the top of the carton with “Fragile” and “This Side Up”.

In today’s security-conscious world, moving from Canada to the United States has become a more complex process than ever before. At Atlas, we’ve invested the time, resources, and expertise necessary to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and procedures to ensure full compliance. Each year, we successfully manage thousands of shipments to the United States, and as industry leaders, you can trust us to handle your move smoothly and without issues.

As your dedicated van line, we are here to guide you through every step of your relocation and clarify the requirements for a successful move. Part of your responsibility includes providing the necessary personal documentation required by US Homeland Security and US Border Protection Services, ensuring your belongings can enter the United States duty-free.

Personal Documentation Requirements

Step One:

Form 3299: Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles

You are required to complete a US Department of Homeland Security, “3299 Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles” form. You can complete the form online by going to www.cbp.gov and typing “3299 form” in the search box.

Note:

Shipments Placed “In Bond”

In rare instances when paperwork is not submitted correctly, US Customs and Border Services will place your shipment “in bond” at their discretion. You will then have to appear in person at a customs facility at destination to clear your shipment. If you are not available, the mover will be instructed by US Customs to place your shipment in storage at a “bonded warehouse”, thus accruing additional charges for you.

Step Two:

The personal documentation required by Homeland Security/US Border Protection Services varies slightly depending on your status.

Non-Resident on a Work/Study/Investor Visa

• Customer’s Passport – Copy of passport for each accompanying family member
• Copy of Work Visa (one of: TN, L1, HB1, HB2, EB2, EB3, Student F1, etc.)
• Offer of Employment Letter (without confidential information)
• Copy of Visa Validation Stamp (found in passport)
• Copy of I-94 form (you must cross into the US before your goods arrive to obtain this form)
• Copy of Marriage Certificate if spouses have different last names

There Are Three Types of Immigration Status in The US:

• Non-Resident on a Work/Study/Investor Visa
• Returning US Citizen/Resident
• Part-Time Seasonal Resident

Your documentation required will depend on government status.

Returning US Citizen/Resident

• Customer’s Passport – Copy of passport for each accompanying family member
• Provide proof of length of time away from US (copy of stamped work visa is acceptable)
• If you are returning to the US with instruments/tools of your trade previously exported from the US, then include copies of previous inventories as proof they entered duty-free
• Sales receipts for major articles purchased while in Canada – items not owned and used for a minimum of one year will attract duty/tax

Part-Time Seasonal Resident

• Customer’s Passport – Copy of passport for each accompanying family member
• Copy of title to home or lease/rental agreement for US property
• Proof of Canadian residency (title to property, current property tax bill, 4-6 months of utility bills, etc.)

Importing a Motor Vehicle

Any motor vehicle that is less than 25 years old and will remain in the United States for more than one year must meet US Department of Transportation (DOT) safety and EPA standards. In most cases, cars and trucks do not travel on the moving van and other third-party arrangements must be made.

Note:

The following are considered vehicles by the DOT: cars, trucks, buses, ATV, side-by-side, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles.

Required Documentation for Motor Vehicles:

• Copy of Vehicle Ownership
• Copy of Bill of Sale (if vehicle is leased or financed, a letter of authorization from financial institution is required)
• Compliance letter from vehicle manufacturer, not dealer (not needed for recreational vehicles)
• US Department of Homeland Security and CBP Form 3299 – for vehicle only (not required if driving your own
• Form HS-7
• EPA Form 3250-1

Note:

Compliance Letter from Vehicle Manufacturer

Some manufacturers charge a fee to issue a compliance letter or will ask for a copy of your Work Visa. When you receive your letter from the manufacturer, read it carefully. If the letter states that your vehicle complies with FMVSS, “except for minor labeling requirements”, then you will know that your car is acceptable to the US. If the letter states that the vehicle meets all standards, “except for speedometer or headlights”, then you will have to have this work done before the car is taken to the US and a copy of the invoice for the replacements must be included in the paperwork presented to Customs. If the letter states that your vehicle meets all standards, “except for No. 208 automatic or passive restraint requirements”, you will NOT be able to import it on a permanent basis unless it is modified by a registered importer. Generally, the cost for conversion is too expensive to make it worth having it done.

Returning Vehicles Bought From The US

Vehicles previously exported out of the US that are being re-imported by a “returning US
resident” do not require a compliance letter from vehicles manufacturer. You must provide proof that the vehicle was previously registered/ plated in the US (State registration card, title of registration or bill of sale from the dealer).

Financed or Leased Vehicles

Most leasing companies or financial institutions will not permit you to export a vehicle to the United States. Check with your institution and the motor vehicle licensing bureau in the state you are moving to before making any arrangements.

Duties/Taxes

Former US residents can usually import a vehicle purchased in Canada and manufactured under the USMCA agreement on a duty-free basis, providing they have owned it for a minimum of one year. Vehicles made outside of the USMCA zone are generally subject to duty. Check with US customs to determine rate of duty as this is subject to change.

Wine Collections

Movers do not transport wine or liquor on the moving van along with your household goods for safety reasons. A third-party carrier will need to be arranged to handle large quantities or wine collections.

Duties/Taxes

Wine collections are not considered by US Customs and Border Protection to be household goods or personal effects and are therefore subject to state regulated duties/taxes. Some states will permit you to import up to one case of wine duty-free, but others will not. US Customs determines the admissibility according to the regulations in the state where the shipment first enters the United States unless it is shipped “in bond” to your final destination. That means you will pay duties/taxes as determined by that state. The paperwork, and in certain cases the licensing, involved in importing a wine collection is fairly complex and is best left to a Customs Broker who has the necessary experience. A fee will be levied by the broker but it is well worth it, to ensure that your shipment is not seized by CBP. For a listing of the state liquor control authorities go to www.ttb.gov/ wine/state-ABC.shtml.

Firearms And/Or Ammunition

Movers do not transport firearms on the moving van along with your household goods for safety reasons. A third-party licensed gun importer will need to be arranged to properly import these items.

An import application must be sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) a minimum of 8 weeks in advance of the date when you plan to import these items. For full information and copies of the appropriate forms go to www.atf.gov.

Importing Your Family Pets

Dogs

Dogs over the age of three months must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States. A valid rabies
vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. It should identify the animal by breed, age, colour and markings, include the date of vaccination and the expiry date. It must be signed by a licensed veterinarian.

Cats

As a general rule there are no restrictions on bringing domestic cats into the United States providing the animal appears to be in good
health. If an inspector wishes, he can insist that the cat(s) be examined by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense. There are no vaccination requirements for cats. However, if they are destined for Hawaii, they will be subject to quarantine requirements.

Turtles, Snakes, Lizards, Hamsters, and Fish.

There are no current restrictions on the importation of these types of pets. Only turtles with a shell length of 4” or less may not be imported for any commercial purpose.

Birds

Pet birds entering the US from Canada, generally require:

• Appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) certifications and permits;
• Health Certificate
• Veterinary Services (VS) import permit
• Examination at the first U.S. port of entry

Exotic Pets and Endangered Species

There are various regulations involved to import more exotic pets or endangered species.

Step One:

Obtain a Canadian export permit through Environment Canada and CITES travel.gc.ca/ travelling/documents/cites-permits.

Step Two:

Apply for a US import permit. Go to www.aphis. usda.gov and choose “imports & exports” then choose “animals”. US Fish and Wildlife Service handle the permits for the export and import of endangered species. Go to www.fws.gov for more information.

Hunting Trophies

Similar to importing exotic or endangered species, the importation of some hunting trophies is also subject to the two-step process
noted above. As described, obtain your Canadian export permit first through travel. gc.ca/travelling/documents/cites-permits. Then obtain your US import permit. Game birds, deer, moose, elk and bison hunting trophies are generally admissible to the US providing they have been prepared by an approved taxidermy facility.

Moving To The United States Contact Information

For Visa Information:

Citizenship and Immigration 1-800-375-5283
Email: USCIS.Canada@uscis.dhs.gov www.uscis.gov
For more personal service and to locate your closest US consulate office go to: www.usembassy.gov

For Customs Information:

US Customs and Border Protection 1-877-227- 5511
www.cbp.gov

For a 3299 form: https://www.cbp.gov/ document/forms/form-3299-declaration-free- entry-unaccompanied-articles

For Motor Vehicle Importation:

National Highway Traffic Safety Association/Department of Transportation 1-888-327-4236 https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle

For a DOT HS-7 form: https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle

For a 7501 Form: https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/epa-standard-form-3520-1-declaration-form-importation-motor-vehicles

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

734-214-4100
Email: imports@epa.gov
www.epa.gov/otaq/imports

For an EPA 3520-1 Form: https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/epa-standard-form-3520-1-declaration-form-importation-motor-vehicles

For Firearms Importation:

Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

(ATF) 1-800-800-3855

Email: imports@atf.gov

www.atf.gov

US Government Official Contact List:

The list of US Government Agencies above can provide you with additional assistance, specific to your person situation, and have forms available for download from their website.

At Atlas, the US/Canada border is more than just a line on a map—it’s an important part of our expertise. As the preferred mover for cross-border relocations, we handle thousands of shipments each year, making us the trusted choice for families moving between the US and Canada. When you move with Atlas, our experienced cross-border professionals will ensure a seamless, stress-free experience.

As your dedicated van line, we are here to guide you throughout your relocation and explain the steps required to make your move a success. One of your responsibilities is to provide the necessary personal documentation required by Canada Customs, ensuring your belongings cross the border without delays.

This booklet offers essential information about common concerns and provides contact details for the various government agencies that can address your specific situation.

Important Notice:

• You are required to personally meet your Trusted Agent at the Canada Customs inland facility to have your shipment legally imported.
• Movers are required to file inbound shipments in advance even though actual clearance of the shipment doesn’t occur until the owner of the goods meets the Trusted Agent at Canada Customs inland facility.
• Provide your mover with a copy of the following documents: passport(s), work visa or permanent resident card, stamped copy of B4A (also known as BSF186A), and your typed inventory.
• If shipping a recreational motor vehicle (motorcycles, ATVs, etc.), you are required to provide your mover with the original title to present to US Customs before exiting the United States.

What Happens When Your Possessions Arrive In Canada

Once your shipment has reached the border, you are required to meet your Atlas Van Operator at the nearest Canada Customs facility to clear your shipment. We cannot legally deliver your possessions until this step is completed. Your Atlas Van Operator will contact you to make the arrangements. In some centers, an appointment is required while in other locations, it is on a first-come/first served basis. Depending on the destination, you may have to travel to a major city to reach the inland customs office.

Note:

Shipments in “Bonded-Storage”

If you are not available to accept your goods or have decided to place your goods in storage, they will be placed in “bonded-storage”. When you are ready to have your goods delivered, you will have to contact your Atlas agent where the goods are stored to obtain copies of the Trusted Agent’s paperwork, and then report to the Canada Customs facility to clear your shipment. Canada Customs will stamp the documents. These documents should then be returned to the storage Atlas agent and arrangements made to deliver your possessions to your new home.

Personal Documents Requirements

Step One:

B4A/BSF186A Form: Personal Effects Account Document (list of goods imported)

Canada Customs requires you to complete an inventory list of goods being imported. This list can be created using the B4A/BSF186A form “Personal Effects Account Document (list of goods imported)” as your guideline or a typed inventory list is also accepted. You cannot use the Atlas inventory forms prepared by your Atlas Van Operator, as the items packed are not individually noted. Your inventory list must include separate sections for goods imported with you at the time of entry and goods which are to follow at a later date. All items imported on the moving van at a later date should be marked as “goods to follow”. A sample of the B4A/BSF186 is included in this booklet for your reference. To access an online version, go to www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications and choose “Forms” B4A/BSF186A. They are available by number.

Based on the inventory list of goods you submit, the Canada Customs officer will complete a B4A/BSF186A form, assign a file number and give you a stamped copy as your receipt. You will need to present this document when you meet your Atlas Van Trusted Agent Customs inland facility.

Step Two:

Bring the following documentation with you to the Canada Customs office:

Non-Resident on a Work/Study/Investor Visa

• Customer’s Passport – Copy of passport for each accompanying family member
• Your copy of stamped B4A/BSF186A form
• Copy of Work/Study Visa
• Offer of Employment Letter (without confidential information)
• Copy of Marriage Certificate if spouses have different last names
• Completed copy of Atlas Van Operator’s inventory list
• Copy of Mover’s Bill of Lading
• Copy of Recreational Vehicle Titles of Ownership or Registration (if applicable)

Returning Canadian Citizens

• Customer’s Passport – Copy of passport for each accompanying family member
• Your copy of stamped B4A/BSF186A form
• Proof of length of time away from Canada (lease documents, pay stubs, etc.); you can also use the Work Visa stamped in your passport
• Completed copy of Atlas Van Operator’s inventory list
• Copy of Mover’s Bill of Lading
• Purchase receipts for goods acquired while out of the country (past 6 months)
• Copy of Recreational Vehicle Titles of Ownership or Registration (if applicable)

Part-Time Seasonal Residents

• Customer’s Passport – Copy of passport for each accompanying family member
• Your copy of stamped B4A/BSF186A form
• Proof of ownership or lease of seasonal property
• Completed copy of Atlas Van Operator’s inventory list
• Copy of Mover’s Bill of Lading
• Proof of US residency (State driver’s license)

Duties/Taxes:

If taxes or duties are owed, you will be required to pay before goods are released. Cheques, cash, major credit cards or Canadian bank debit cards are accepted.

Note: The difference between the B4A/BSF186A and the B4/BSF186 form is that the form with “A” are for goods to follow (so items on the truck) the form without the “A” are for the customer to list items that they are taking themselves.

Special Note: for Returning Canadians

If you have been out of Canada for less than five years, you must have owned and used items for at least six months in order for them to be tax and/or duty-free. If you have been out of the country for more than five years, the six-month rule does not apply.

However, there is one major exception for any single item (including automobiles) that has a value in excess of $10,000. Canada Customs will assign a value converted to Canadian dollars then deduct a $10,000 exemption. Tax and or duties will be charged on the net difference. If the automobile was made in Canada, United States or Mexico it is usually duty-free under the USMCA agreement therefore only tax will be levied. However, vehicles manufactured outside of this zone will attract both tax and duty.

For more information go to Canada customs website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications and choose “D Memoranda” D19-12-1: Importation of Vehicles and D2-3-2: Former Residents of Canada.

Exporting A Motor Vehicle From The United States

US Customs/Homeland Security controls the export of automobiles from the United States. This is part of their “anti-theft” initiative. Motorized vehicle(s) with US plates (including motorcycles and ATVs) must be exported legally from the US into Canada. In most cases, cars and trucks do not travel on the moving van and other third-party arrangements must be made. If you’ve made arrangements with your Atlas agent to transport your recreational vehicle (motorcycle, ATV, etc.) you are responsible to complete the documents below on your own. If you are using a third-party carrier, you are required to provide the documents below to them.

Required Documents for Motor Vehicles:

• Original Title or certified copy of the Original Title
• Copy of bill of sale for the vehicle at least one week prior to your moving date

For any recreational vehicles shipping on the moving van, our Van Operator must carry the Original Title with him so that he can report to US Customs at the port of exit for final inspection of the document and the vehicle itself. If you are driving your own vehicle, your Atlas representative will provide you with detailed instructions on how to complete this process on your own. In order to export a vehicle(s) from the US, it is recommended that a US Customs Broker be contacted to assist with the process.

For more information about exporting a vehicle, visit the US Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle. You can locate Ports of Entry by visiting www.cbp.gov/contact/ports.

Importing a Motor Vehicle Into Canada

Your automobile must meet Canadian safety and emission standards. Transport Canada has contracted with Livingston International to administer their RIV program. You can find complete details and step by step instructions at www.riv.ca, call 1-888-848-8240 or send an email to support@support.riv.ca. You will need the year, make, model and VIN of your vehicle when checking to determine if it is eligible for importation. A list of eligible vehicles can be found on the RIV website.

Entry into the RIV program usually takes place at the same time as Customs clearance in Canada. You will have 45 days to make any necessary modifications before the vehicle can be registered in your new province. The current fee for the RIV program is $325.00 plus applicable taxes but is subject to change. You will also require a letter from your automobile manufacturer (not dealer) confirming that any recalls have been addressed.

Note:

Special Exemptions for Short-TermWork Visa

If you are coming to Canada on a Work Visa that has been issued for 36 months or less then you are exempt from complying with the Registered Imported Vehicle (RIV) program described below.

However, please note that the automobile cannot be sold in Canada and must be exported back to the United States when your work
permit expires. Canada Customs has the right to request that a bond be posted or a deposit provided to ensure that the vehicle will be exported at the end of the work permit period. If this occurs, make sure that Canada Customs provide you with a copy of an E29B form so that you can claim your refund when you leave Canada.

Importing Alcohol And Wine Collections

Movers do not transport wine or liquor on the moving van along with your household goods for safety reasons. A third-party carrier will need to be arranged to handle large quantities or wine collections.

You should be aware that you are only entitled to import a limited quantity of alcohol products tax and duty-free. At present the limit is 40 oz. of liquor per person of legal age by province. If you intend to import the contents of a home bar or wine collection you must make separate shipping arrangements and contact the appropriate provincial liquor control board to determine the amount of tax/duty that must be paid in advance. Canada Customs will not release the shipment without proof of payment.

Importing Food

Normal pantry items (i.e. tea, coffee, spices, etc.) can be imported, however, meat products and dairy products are prohibited. Pet food from the United States is also permitted. For a complete list of admissible items go to www.inspection. gc.ca and choose “Importing food, plants or animals”.

Importing Firearms And/Or Ammunition

Canada has very strict laws regarding firearms. As such, your mover does not transport firearms on the moving van along with your household goods for safety reasons. A third-party licensed gun importer will need to be arranged to properly import these items.

If you are planning on bringing firearms into Canada you have to declare all such items when you enter the country. If you do not declare them, they will be seized. To obtain a list of prohibited weapons and devices go to Canada

Custom’s Import and Export page at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html. For more information, contact the Canadian Firearms centre at 1-800-731-4000.

Note: For Returning Canadians

If you are returning to Canada with firearms that were previously acquired in Canada, you must provide proof to Canada Customs that the firearms were exported and are now being re-imported.

Importing Your Family Pets

Dogs

Dogs over the age of eight months must be vaccinated against rabies before entering Canada. A valid rabies vaccination certificate must accompany the animal. It must identify the animal by breed, age, colour and markings, include the date of vaccination and the expiry date. It must be signed by a licensed veterinarian.

Cats

Cats over the age of three months must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate that identifies the animal by breed,
age, colour and markings, and should include the date of the vaccination and the expiry date. The certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian.

Birds

It is possible to import personally-owned pet birds under the following conditions:

• Birds must accompany the owner or be in the possession of an immediate family member at time of entry into Canada.
• Owner must sign a declaration stating that the bird(s) have been in his/her possession for a 90-day period preceding the date of importation and have not been in contact with any other birds.
• Owner must sign a declaration stating that the birds are not for resale.

Under these conditions, no quarantine period or import permit is required.

Other Types of Animals or Reptiles

For all other types of pets or more information, contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 or go to their website at www.inspection.gc.ca and choose “Importing or Travelling with Pets”.

Exotic Pets, Endangered Species or Hunting Trophies

There are various regulations involved to import more exotic pets, endangered species and hunting trophies.

Step One:

Obtain an export permit from the United States. Go to www.aphis.usda.gov and choose “imports & exports” then choose “animals”. US Fish and Wildlife Service handle the permits for the export and import of endangered species. Go to www.fws.gov for more information.

Step Two:

Obtain an Import Permit from Canada through Environment Canada and CITES. Go to their website at travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/ cites-permits or call 1-855-869-8670 for assistance. Please note that it can take several weeks to obtain these permits so please make arrangements well in advance of your move.

Moving To Canada Contact Information

For Visa Information:

Canadian Citizenship and Immigration
1-888-242-2100
www.cic.gc.ca

For Customs Information:

Canada Border Services Agency
506-636-5064 or 1-800-461-9999
Email: contact@cbsa.gc.ca
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

For Motor Vehicle Importation:

Registrar of Imported Vehicles
1-888-848-8240
Email: support@support.riv.ca
www.riv.ca

For Firearm Importation:

The Canadian Firearms Program
1-800-731-4000
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html

For Animal Importation:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
1-800-442-2342
www.inspection.gc.ca

Canadian Government Contact List:

The list of Canadian Government Agencies above can provide you with additional assistance, specific to your personal situation, and have forms available for download from their website.

Checklist for a Long Distance Move

Most often, the weeks leading up to moving day involve long days and late nights. You’re busy trying as best as you can to get everything and everyone prepared for the move while also handling your already busy everyday work and life schedule. At this rate, by the time moving day arrives, you’ll need a whole pot of coffee just to get you out of bed!

But don’t fret just yet. We at Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. are here to help! There are several ways you can alleviate much of that last-minute stress so that come moving day, you can focus only on the important things. Below you will find what to expect for your move and several preparation and organization tips and tricks to help your entire move go as smoothly as possible. 

What can I expect for my long-distance move?

When someone first starts thinking about moving, they often envision themselves packing up and doing a long-distance, cross-country move. But soon after, the overwhelming thoughts of what this would entail may start to creep in, and, suddenly, moving to a new province or across the country seems daunting and maybe even intimidating. 

So before those anxious thoughts begin to worm their way forward, when you choose Atlas Canada as your moving company, here’s everything you can expect from us for your long-distance move.

Survey and Estimate

• Before the big day, one of our professional moving consultants will meet with you to go over any concerns you may have and to explain how our Quality Assurance Certificate protects you.
• They prepare an in-home estimate by doing an item-by-item survey of your belongings to create a pricing estimate and moving plan for you. 
• The consultant will present you with the estimate and answer any concerns or questions you may have about it. At Atlas Canada, we want to make sure you can make an informed decision when choosing your moving company.
• You will also receive a transit time guide that includes the estimated pick-up and delivery date for your belongings. 

If you decide to make Atlas Canada your designated moving company, your moving consultant will return for a follow-up appointment to go through our Quality Assurance Certificate with you. You will also receive your moving details, the transit time guide, and payment details in writing.

Packing

• Our trained packing professionals at Atlas Canada will ensure that all your items arrive at your new home safely.
• If you decide to pack yourself, give yourself plenty of time. We have plenty of packing tips for you if you don’t know where to start to help you use your time efficiently. 
• Atlas Canada can provide you with durable packing materials at a reasonable cost. 

Moving Day

• You will meet with one of Atlas Canada’s professional van operators. They and their crew will safely and carefully load your belongings onto the moving truck. 
• Our professional movers know how to pivot, maneuver, wrap, drape and protect every item, as well as your walls, floors, stairs, handrails and doorways. Floors will be protected with runners to avoid marks or dents, and your furniture with quilted moving pads to prevent damage. If you have any light-coloured furniture, it will be wrapped in clear plastic first to prevent any marks or stains. 

Transit

• Your moving truck is weighed at a government-inspected weigh station once it’s loaded to guarantee an accurate weight. The weight of the truck itself is removed from the final weight to give us an accurate shipment weight. This will be used to figure out your final shipment charges.
• At Atlas Canada, we guarantee that, as long as items were not added to your shipment after we did the in-home survey, the estimated weight your professional moving consultant gave you won’t exceed 10%.
• Your belongings will be protected in a specially equipped air-ride Atlas Truck throughout the long-distance move. 
• Your moving consultant will make sure that all necessary paperwork is ready to go if you will be crossing the border. 
• Atlas Canada also offers two levels of transit protection plans:
  • Full Protection: valued at $10 multiplied by the weight of your truck in pounds (lbs).
  • Basic Protection: valued at $0.60 per pound.

Delivery and Unpacking

• You’ll be contacted by your professional van operator at least 24 hours before delivery.
• Upon arrival at your new home, our movers will place your furniture and your packed boxes with extreme care in your designated rooms/locations, including the kitchen, bedrooms, basement and garage. Our movers will also reassemble beds and unroll carpets. 
• If your moving crew packs any boxes for you, they will also unpack them and remove any unpacking materials and debris when they leave. 

After Moving Day

• You will receive a follow-up from your professional moving consultant. We want to ensure that you are satisfied with your move and settling in well. You will also receive our quality questionnaire.

At Atlas Canada, we aim for exceptional service throughout the entire moving process. 

Is there anything I should not move long distance?

You may be surprised to learn that there are items that you cannot or should not take with you on your long-distance journey. Here is a comprehensive long-distance moving checklist of items that moving companies will not move:

• Hazardous materials: movers are not licensed to carry dangerous goods on the moving van as they can explode and cause damage to your shipment. These include dangerous or flammable items such as:
  • lighter fluid
  • paint
  • oily rags
  • matches
  • charcoal
  • pool chemicals
  • bleach
  • oven cleaner 
  • ammunition 

• Perishable items: moving trucks are not equipped with refrigeration units, so foods will spoil quickly and risk causing damage due to mould, fungus and condensation. Plus, spoiled food leaves a terrible odour. Plan to use up or give away the following items before moving:
  • meats
  • produce
  • dairy products
  • frozen foods 
  • any opened containers 

• Plants: plants do not travel well, especially long distances. If you are bringing your plants, plan to have them with you and not on the truck. You’ll be able to tend to them better. 
  • Reminder: if you’re moving outside of Canada, the U.S. has major restrictions on what plants you can bring with you. 

Do I need a home inventory checklist?

When moving, whether locally or long-distance, something everyone should consider is putting together a room-by-room checklist of everything you are bringing with you. While this process may seem tedious, here are some of the reasons why having a checklist for your long-distance move will help:

• It gives you a better idea of what you have and what you can dispose of or donate.
• You can determine how many packing supplies you will need.
• You can organize your belongings easier when packing.
• Helps you get a better estimate of what kind of insurance you will need because your checklist will allow you to estimate the value of your possessions.
• It helps you keep track of everything to ensure nothing is misplaced during your move.

Creating a long-distance moving inventory checklist in 4 easy steps

Putting together a checklist may seem like a lot of work, but it is fairly easy. To help you get started, here is our step-by-step guide to assembling your checklist:

Step 1

Either on a piece of paper, on your phone or on a computer, create a three-columned list. You will want to label each column with the name of the item, the condition it’s in and its estimated value. You will need one of these lists for each room.

Step 2

Pick a room in your home and inventory every item. Make sure you include each time on shelves, anything hanging on a wall, your decor and any knickknacks. For example, if you have a bookshelf, make sure you list every book and trinket on each shelf. Don’t forget to note its condition and estimated value!

Step 3

As you write down each item, make sure to note if it will be going into the same room at your new house or if it will be relocated to a different room. Either you can include a fourth column for this, or you can just make a little note beside only the items that will be moved to a new room.

Step 4

A great way to inventory everything is by taking photos or videos of the room before you begin packing. If you made a physical list, print out any photos and attach them to each list for that room. When taking a video, make sure you update the title of the video to include the name of the room. Store them safely on either a USB or in the cloud. 

You can also find several great apps in the app store that are perfect to use when you create an inventory of your home. 

Long-Distancing Moving Checklist

Moving is generally a chaotic process for everyone involved. One secret to staying on top of everything is to use a moving checklist. Below you will find our handy moving checklist that you can print out and keep on hand to help you remember everything you need to get done. 

Documents to Collect and Update

• Moving documents
• Home and auto insurance policies
• Mailing address
• Bank accounts
• School records
• Medical records
• Passport and Government ID cards

Discontinue and Transfer Services

• Internet, cable and phone
• Water
• Gas/Electricity

Prepare for Your Trip

• Pack sufficient clothing to wear before your shipment arrives
• Refill medication and prescriptions
• Plane tickets/directions
• Credit cards/money
• Duplicate keys
• Toys/games for children
• Blankets/pillows

Valuables

Never transport jewelry, money or other valuables in the moving van. Plan to have these with you.

Don’t Forget to Pick Up:

• Clothing at cleaners
• Tools or items loaned to family, friends and neighbours
• Items out for repair

Don’t Forget to Move:

• Outdoor toys and accessories
• Outdoor planters, pots and garden hoses
• Dismantle/remove items attached to the walls

Don’t Forget to Leave:

• Keys to the house – collect from neighbours, family, and house cleaner
• Mailbox key(s)
• Garage door code and portable opener
• File with warranties, instruction books and receipts for new owners

Don’t Forget to Transfer:

• Bank records
• House/car insurance
• Medical, optometrist and dental records
• School records
• Discontinue and transfer utilities, cable, internet, telephone and delivery services

Are labels on boxes really necessary?

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home, realizing you need something and having no idea what box it’s in. When all of your boxes are identical, it can be impossible to find anything you need in a timely manner. Therefore, labelling your boxes is the best way to prevent causing yourself unnecessary stress after you move. 

In addition to making finding things easier, having labels on your boxes will help movers know what rooms to put your boxes in, which will make unpacking easier for you as well. Here are some tips for labelling boxes:

Colour code each room

This method will help you sort boxes by room by using either a coloured marker or coloured tape. For example, all boxes for the kitchen can be labelled in green, while boxes for the living room may be labelled in pink. This will also make unloading easier for the movers. 

Add numbers

When labelling each room, another method you can include is adding numbers to each box (i.e., kitchen – 8). This can help you and the movers keep track of how many boxes each room will have, and when you’re doing your walkthrough, you will be able to quickly scan the boxes to make sure each one is there. 

List the contents

You will want to write down everything that is packed inside each box. This will allow you to scan their contents quickly when you are looking for something specific later on or even help you decide which boxes to unpack first. There are three ways you can go about this:

• Write on the outside of the box using a permanent marker. 
• Create a Google doc or spreadsheet and list the contents of each box there. 
• Use an app to track the contents of each box. These often work by using barcodes that you add to the outside of your box, scanning the barcodes, and then speaking the contents of each box into the app. 

No matter which way you decide to track the contents of your boxes, make sure you label all sides of the box with the colour code, room and box number. This will allow movers to quickly see where the box goes and help you quickly scan them during inventory later. 

Should I create a schedule in advance?

You should absolutely create a schedule in advance, as preparing to move can become an overwhelming and chaotic experience. Creating a schedule can help you remain on task and ensure you don’t forget anything you need to do. 

If you’re not sure where to start, below, you will find our personal long-distance guide to help you stay on schedule.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Find a moving company: start researching long-distance moving companies so that you won’t feel rushed to decide on one too quickly. Get multiple in-home estimates to determine what company will work best for you.
2. Decide how you’ll get there: are you driving or flying to your new home? If flying, book your plane tickets now and research thoroughly to determine who you will use to ship your vehicle.
3. Plan ahead for moving expenses: whether you’re moving yourself or using a moving company, the act of moving in itself is not cheap. In addition to the moving truck (and shipping your vehicle, if you’re going that route), plan ahead to have extra money put aside for things like hotels, dining, gas, packing supplies, and any unexpected expenses.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Organize and declutter: sort through your whole house, including the attic, garage and storage shed. Toss what you don’t plan to use at your new house or donate it to charity. 
2. Take inventory of your entire home: Now that you’ve reduced the amount of stuff you will be moving with you, take inventory of everything you own. Refer above for the inventory checklist to find four easy steps to help you make your list.
3. Get your In-home estimate: Request an in-home estimate of your moving charges from your moving company agent. After downsizing, the agent can provide you with a more accurate estimate.
4. Transfer records: start transferring records (e.g., school, medical, insurance, etc.), as these things can take a while. 
5. Schedule the essentials: sometimes, when scheduling connection dates, you’re looking at a few weeks out. So if you call to schedule the gas/electricity, water, phone, internet, and cable now, they will be set up and ready to go when you arrive.
6. Forward your mail: Sign up for the mail forwarding service with Canada Post so that you don’t miss anything. This is especially important for long-distance moving.
7. Appliance Servicing: You’ll need to prepare your appliances for moving, such as your washer and dryer, so book a reliable service firm to prepare them. Also, make sure you inform your moving company agent of special items you own, such as grandfather clocks or pianos, as these will need special attention.

3 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Start packing: people often underestimate the time and effort it takes to pack up an entire house, so give yourself plenty of time. Check out our helpful packing tips if you don’t know where to start. 
2. Make arrangements for young children and pets: if you have pets, make transportation arrangements. Don’t forget to get your pet’s health records from your veterinarian. Also, arrange for care of any young children or pets with a friend or grandparent on packing, loading and delivery days.
3. Use up frozen foods and staples: plan to use up any frozen foods as it is not recommended to transport them long distances. Also, by using up pantry items, you will have less to pack. Until moving day, consider only purchasing what you will eat before moving.
4. Dispose of flammable products: Movers are not licensed to carry dangerous goods on the moving van, so you must dispose of any flammables. 

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Create a floor plan: designate where your furniture will go in your new home. This will make unloading more efficient as your movers will know exactly where to place everything. 
2. Have your vehicle serviced: if you’re planning on driving, get your vehicle fully serviced to prepare for travel.
3. Disconnection date: schedule the disconnection of your utilities, cable, and internet. Also, don’t forget to stop or reroute any delivery services.
4. Return borrowed items: return borrowed items you come across while packing. Also, gather anything you’ve loaned out to family and friends. Pick up any dry cleaning or items out for repair.

1 Week Before Moving Day

1. Final preparation time: finish packing your essentials and suitcases. Carry any valuable documents, currency and jewellery with you — never put these on the moving truck.
2. Clean your refrigerator and freezer: clean them 24-48 hours before moving day to allow enough time for them to dry if you plan to take them with you. Leave any lids and doors open to help them dry.
3. Clear your walls and ceilings: packers and movers don’t remove items such as curtain rods, drapery tracks, and blinds, so make sure you remove anything you have attached to the walls and ceilings. 
4. Outdoor prep: drain water from garden hoses and empty out any oil/fuel from lawnmowers and other machinery. Gather up any outdoor toys and put them somewhere they can dry before loading them onto the truck. 
5. Double-check important items: run through your list of your important papers, keys, medications, and plane tickets to make sure you have everything. 

Moving Day

1. Be helpful but not in the way: try to keep your house organized and accessible to make things go more smoothly. Let movers know what items are breakable and what is and isn’t moving. 
2. Don’t leave early: plan to stay until the moving van has left so that you can: 

1. Tour the house with the van operator during inventory.
2. Sign the Bill of Lading.
3. Confirm they have the correct new address, delivery date and contact numbers.
4. Do a final walkthrough of the house.
5. Double check that windows and doors are locked, utilities are discontinued or turned off, keys are transferred, and lights are out.

1. But do plan to arrive early: you’ll want to reach your new place a day before the moving van. This way, you can confirm utilities are on and that your floor plan is correct. 
2. Verify inventory: check your inventory list to make sure all of your belongings are unloaded and accounted for. 
3. Appliance installation: in case the moving truck was delayed, you should wait to schedule this. But once your belongings are unloaded, arrange to have your appliances installed.

Final moving day tips to help things go more smoothly

• If you don’t want to spend money while travelling, pack meals and snacks for moving day, while on the road, and even for the first day in your new home. The last thing you want to do during all that chaos is cook — that is, if you can even locate your boxes of food or dishes.
• Ensure that the last box you pack is the first box you open. It should be full of items to help you clean and unpack, such as:
  • scissors
  • a box cutter
  • an extra charging cable for your phone/tablet
  • wipes
  • hand and paper towels
  • plastic cups
  • sponges
  • shower curtain
• Lastly, put together a list of anything you want to be done immediately. This list will help you to remember what should be done first so that you’re not scrambling to do something at two in the morning, such as:
  • Setting up an area for young kids/pets.
  • Putting together your bed so that you have a place to sleep.
  • Setting up the bathroom so you can take a shower.

When planning a long-distance or international move, protecting your furniture is essential. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we specialize in secure, cost-effective furniture moving solutions—whether you’re shipping a few key pieces or relocating an entire household. Our expert team provides reliable long-distance and international furniture shipping services across Canada and beyond, ensuring your items arrive safely, on time, and in excellent condition. With competitive pricing, professional care, and a seamless process from start to finish, Atlas makes moving your furniture stress-free—no matter the distance.

Preparing for a long distance furniture move

When preparing for a long-distance move, if you haven’t said the words “contingency plan” at least once, you may not be as ready as you think. One of the most important parts of that plan? Protecting your furniture from damage. Long-distance moves require special care to ensure large and fragile pieces are properly packed and secured to prevent shifting during transport.

Moving furniture can feel overwhelming—but with the right equipment, preparation, and support, it doesn’t have to be. With expert help and smart planning, even the heaviest pieces can be relocated smoothly. Here’s what you need to know about moving furniture long distance—and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

How is furniture moved for long-distance trips?

There are several ways you can look into transporting your furniture when making a big long-distance move. It can seem like a daunting task, but with so many options out there, you can easily find the best option that works for you. 

• Rent a truck — first and foremost, you can disassemble your furniture, load it up onto a rented truck and drive across the country to your new home.
• Portable moving container — when you rent a portable moving container, you load it up, and the company transports it to your new home for you. 
• By train — an efficient and eco-friendly way to transport your belongings to your new home. Transporting your furniture, or all of your possessions, by train can sometimes be the cheapest method.
• By plane — this method will cost you more than transporting your furniture by train, but you will receive your belongings quicker.
• By sea — if you are moving internationally, you can ship your furniture by sea freight. This would be cheaper than by plane, but it will take much longer. 
• Furniture delivery companies — some furniture delivery companies offer services that pick up and drop off large furniture items.  
• Moving companies
  • Full-service movers: perfect for when you have a significant amount of big furniture to move.
  • Freight shipping company: ideal for when you have delicate or expensive furniture that needs to be handled with extreme care.

There are so many different options for moving furniture long distances, each one coming with its own pros, cons and costs. The best way for you to decide which method will work best for you is to research several moving companies with a wide range of services to help you decide. 

How can I ensure a perfect long-distance move?

While it’s almost impossible to plan a perfect move without hitting a few hiccups along the way, here are some long-distance moving tips and tricks to help make your move go more smoothly.

Get lots of packing supplies

This is definitely a case of having too much being better than not having enough. You will want to ensure you have everything you need whenever you are ready to begin packing up your belongings. Nothing is more frustrating than finding your packing rhythm, only to have to break out of it to pick up more packing tape, boxes or bubble wrap.

Disassemble your furniture

The best way to reduce the risk of damaging your furniture while moving is to disassemble it and wrap it up. This will prevent scratches and dents as well as make it easier to carry! When your furniture is neatly wrapped up in pieces instead of one large item, tackling things like long-distance walks from the van to the house or stairs and narrow hallways becomes significantly easier. Don’t forget to put the nuts and bolts for each furniture piece in a ziplock back and tape it to the furniture so you can easily reassemble it later. 

Start packing as early as possible

People often underestimate the time and effort it takes to pack up an entire house, so give yourself plenty of time. This is not a time to rely on last-minute deadlines to pull you through. Doing so will lead you to toss items into unmarked boxes or bags hastily, making it almost impossible to find anything in your new home. We have plenty of packing tips for you if you don’t know where to start to help you use your time efficiently.

Don’t make your boxes too heavy

We cannot stress this enough — do not overpack your boxes with heavy items. Yes, book lovers, we’re looking at you! It may seem like having fewer boxes would make moving go faster, but having to carry several heavy boxes will tire you out quickly. Also, you and your helpers are more likely to injure yourselves if you are not safely picking them up and placing them down. 

One way to avoid this is by packing a mixture of different items in each box instead of packing it full of all one thing. Using the example above, try doing one row of books instead of filling a whole box and then adding a throw pill or bed sheets on top.

Use lots of padding

In order to ensure as much as possible that your items don’t get damaged while moving, make sure you pack your boxes as snugly as possible. Use lots of bubble wrap and newspaper, or even t-shirts and socks, to restrict the amount of movement within each box to make sure your belongings survive the bumpy, long-distance trip.

Do I need insurance for my furniture?

Moving insurance is what it sounds like — it’s insurance to cover any losses or damage to your belongings while moving since your items are at a higher than normal risk of damage or theft. Accidents happen. We all know this. In these cases, it’s a good idea to have moving insurance. Most homeowner insurance policies do not include coverage for damaged or lost items from a move. Therefore, moving insurance is certainly worth taking a look at when you think about how many potential problems your possessions could be exposed to.

How do I move large furniture?

When moving large furniture, make sure you have lots of bungee cords, blankets, and bubble and plastic wrap. Compacting it as much as possible is key to ensuring furniture is secure for travel. You want to fill up any negative space in between each item to guarantee it doesn’t bounce around or fall on your long-distance journey. Make it as dense as possible. Use blankets, pillows, bed sheets, small boxes and whatever else you can to fill those gaps!

Here are some great tips for moving large furniture:

Mattresses and bed frames

Get a plastic mattress slip to keep both your mattress and box spring safe. Disassemble your bedframe and store it between the mattress and box spring on the truck. This will help protect it. Also, as mattresses are sold and can absorb impact well, a great trick is to load your mattress onto the truck last to use it as a protective barrier to prevent your belongings from falling against the truck door. 

Couches

Remove any cushions and wrap the couch with plastic wrap. Pack it into a corner and stand it on end, if you can. If there’s anything you can anchor it to with bungee cords, this will help ensure it doesn’t topple over. Use the couch cushions to fill in any gaps around the truck as you pack it.

Dressers

First, remove the drawers. This will make the dresser significantly lighter when lifting and carrying it. Use blankets or bubble wrap on the corners of the dressers to prevent them from being damaged or causing any. Once the dresser is on the truck, cover the top of it with blankets so that you can stack other items on top without leaving any scratches or scuff marks. You can also leave your clothes inside the drawers when packing them onto the truck, but you may want to wrap them with plastic to prevent your clothes from falling out or getting dirty.

Tables

If you can, remove or collapse the table legs. If the legs are removable, wrap them separately, and wrap any chairs as well. Stacking them will help use less space, and adding bungee cords will keep everything from moving around. 

Mirrors

Mark a large X across the face of your mirror with masking tape. You have likely seen this done on TV, and it does, in fact, help. The tape helps minimize the effects of the constant vibrations your mirrors or any glass surfaces will experience while moving, making them less likely to break. You can also purchase moving boxes that are designed specifically for mirrors. 

Specialty items

Items such as a piano and a grandfather clock can be challenging to move. If mishandled, you risk damaging them very easily. We highly recommend hiring professionals to move delicate and expensive items such as these, or at least someone who can prepare them properly for you before attempting to move them yourself.

Don’t forget 

Make sure you plan ahead before you move your furniture across the province or country. The last thing you want is to arrive at your new home and find out that the furniture you spent all that time carefully disassembling and packing does not fit in your new home! Measure everything and create a new home floor plan so you know where everything will go and whether it will fit. 

What is the most cost-effective way to move furniture long distances?

There is nothing cheaper than moving your furniture yourself. However, keep in mind that time is money. So one thing you may want to do is take some time to sit down and determine how much you feel your time is worth. After making a schedule and figuring out everything you need to do for your move, if you decide it’s worth it to spend a little money to save you some time, you have got a few lower-cost options.

Renting a truck

This is definitely one of the cheapest options. Renting a truck and driving it yourself will save you a significant amount of money than hiring movers to do it for you. Plus, you can move around your schedule rather than theirs.

Renting a portable moving container

If you are willing to spend a little extra in order not to have to drive the truck yourself, one option is to rent a portable moving container. With a portable container, you just load up your items inside of it and let the company transport the container to its new location for you. Then when it arrives, you can unload it at your leisure. You can also easily store your container on your driveway or in a secure facility if needed to allow you more time to unload it. 

Moving via the Railway

Another cost-effective option is to move your belongings by train. You can virtually move anything on a train, and it’s an efficient and eco-friendly way to transport your belongings while helping you save. 

When is it time to hire a professional long-distance moving company?

You may want to consider hiring a moving company if you have many large and expensive furniture items (i.e., a piano and grandfather clock). While this is certainly the more expensive route, it can save you a lot of time and energy. 

Here are five reasons why you should consider hiring a moving company:

No heavy lifting or injury

Professional movers, trained to move hefty objects safely, will do all the lifting for you while avoiding injury. Therefore, there will be no risk of you or your helpers accidentally injuring themselves. 

Stairs or accessibility concerns

Moving can be physically draining or demanding when your home is a long distance from the road or has many stairs. Hiring professional movers will ensure that your items get transported safely. 

Some items need special care

As mentioned above, moving items like a piano or grandfather clock can be risky. Moving companies have movers trained to transport specialty items and will help ensure they arrive at your new home safely.

It’s time-saving

When you are planning to move, there is never enough time in the day to get everything you need to get done. You still need time to organize, pack, load, transport and unload your belongings on top of your already busy schedules. Hiring professional movers will save you time, as they will do most of the work for you. 

They’re professionals at what they do

Utilizing professional movers with years of experience, you can be confident they know how to pivot, maneuver, wrap, drape and protect every item, as well as your walls, floors, stairs, handrails and doorways. Experienced movers know the safest ways to pack your belongings onto the truck properly. They know how to secure your possessions to prevent them from moving around or breaking during the move, as items are guaranteed to get jostled on a long-distance trip. 

At Atlas Canada, our experienced long-distance movers have assisted Canadians for almost six decades with moving not just across the country but all over the world. Whether you are moving across the province or the country, with more than 100 movers in every Canadian province and territory, you can rest assured that you put your trust in one of the most established and reputable van lines in Canada. We are ready to ensure you and your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

Are you preparing to move and exploring your relocation options? Request your free long-distance moving quote from Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. today!