Moving between cities is a hectic task, and moving between continents is all the more exhausting. With significant investment of your financial resources, moving demands an investment of your time. And we all know how tasking the waiting periods can get.
For a streamlined and efficient move to Canada, you’ll need to be equipped with the right information. After all, this is no small task. If you’re looking to move your belongings to Canada, we’ve compiled a list of some considerations that’ll help you understand how long it may take.
So, read on if you’re looking for a streamlined and efficient move.
The medium of shipping
Since the vast Atlantic Ocean lies between the UAE and Canada, the land route is not an option for you. Between the remaining two routes, sea and air, air transport takes a lot less time than sea. If you send your belongings from Dubai to Toronto via air, they’ll arrive in about 3 days. However, via sea, the waiting period can last between 18 to 24 days.
Air freight, however, is five times costlier than sea freight. So, if you’re moving on a budget and aren’t that pressed for time, we’d recommend opting for the sea route. Shipping via sea is also advantageous for bigger families. If you have a significant number of belongings that you’d liked shipped to Canada, you should probably book a whole container. Opting for a full container load will give you plenty of space, and will also protect against property loss, damage, and additional transport costs.
Your choice of port
If you’ve selected shipping via sea then you need to be well-informed. Be sure to contact your moving company to select the port that is closest to your actual address as this will also impact how long it takes to import my personal belongings to Canada.
The major port in Toronto, appropriately named the Port of Toronto, is located on Lake Ontario. Your container will actually sail down the St Lawrence River and pass through Quebec and Montreal before finally reaching Toronto. Although the route sounds long and winding, there’s absolutely no need to worry. The Port of Toronto is one of the largest in the country and is quite experienced in handling cargos. So, rest assured, your shipment will be taken care of.
Customs
The Canadian authorities are very accommodating. Nevertheless, holdups at customs are to be expected. Your goods will be involved in a comprehensive inventory and declaration process. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will investigate your container before it can be delivered to your final address. Although the CBSA aims to complete all investigative processes within 24 hours, you might experience delays on busier ports like Port Metro Vancouver.
Whilst it’s true that importing your personal belongings to Canada will be a demanding process, you can alleviate a lot of the stress and strain of moving by choosing the right international movers. The right company will not only provide the shipping and delivery services you need, but should also guide you through any problems as they arise. For more information on how we can help, get in touch here.
Happy moving!
