Moving can be pretty expensive, especially with a family. To help you budget your expenses and to make the move to Canada from the UAE easier on you, read on for some key considerations when you are determining the cost of moving to Canada from the UAE.
How much stuff have you got?
An important variable in determining moving costs is the volume of goods that you’re shipping. If the contents are equivalent to those of a three-bedroom house, you should opt for a 20-foot container. If the volume of your belongings is equivalent to the contents of a four- (or more) bedroom house, then you should get a 40-foot container. Shipping the contents of a one-bedroom flat from Dubai to Toronto via sea, will cost you a lot less. Shipping the contents of a three-bedroom and five-bedroom house by sea will likely get you more bang for your buck. Prices can start from 20,000 AED* depending on the size of the container but get in touch with us for a more accurate quote on the cost of moving to Canada from the UAE.
What route is best for you?
Since there’s an entire ocean between you and your destination country, the land route is out of the question! Between air and sea, most people prefer the sea route. Your choice of shipping route will affect costs. When comparing the two available options, the air route is generally the costlier one, although it will take less time to arrive. However, if you are only shipping a low volume of items (under 300kg) the prices between the two options can be very similar. While the air route may take from one to three day, the sea route can take up to 24 days. However, with some planning and preparedness, you can ship more at a more economic rate via sea. Remember, sea freight is typically one fifth the cost of air freight.
Make use of the cost advantage!
We know what a kind of clutter a family can gather, with a ton of memorabilia and miscellanea all over the place. Of course, you wouldn’t want to leave it all behind. So, opting for shipping via sea is a great, cost-effective option.
You’ll have to book a container according to the volume of items you’re shipping and will be charged a flat price for the whole container. You’ll likely receive greater value for the price per unit area if you opt for the sea route.
If you want to cut down on waiting time and transport costs, we’d suggest opting for a full container load in lieu of a less-than-container load. This way, you can ship all your desired items in one go. A full container load will also ensure that you don’t risk loss of or damage to your belongings. For a 20 Foot container you should expect the cost to be between 20,000 and 25,000 AED and a 40 Foot container allow between 32,000 to 36,000 AED* your professional moving company will be able to provide you with a full and accurate cost at the time of shipping.
When are you looking to move?
Like most industries, the international shipping industry also has peak seasons. Peak season means higher prices. So, moving to Canada will probably cost you more if you’re looking to move in the summer, between June and August than it would do in the winter.
Consider getting insurance
Even with the most reputable international movers, you still run the risk of property loss or damage. So, it’s a good idea to get your cargo insured. Shipping insurance depends on the monetary value of your belongings, instead of their volume or weight. It’s not that expensive and will put your mind at ease through the stressful moving process (or at least partially!).
With a thorough plan and a good moving company, your move can be smooth sailing. For further details and to discuss the cost of moving to Canada from the UAE, don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch here.
*Note: the figures quoted are accurate at the date of publishing. For up-to-date costings, please contact your moving company.