Removals to Canada from the UK: Costs & Customs 2026

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Removals to Canada usually involve two journeys: an Atlantic crossing, then a long trip across Canada. Containers sail from UK ports to Halifax or Montreal, then go inland by rail or truck to Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver. This guide covers 2026 costs, timings and the Canadian customs forms you need.

Removals to Canada: typical costs in 2026

Taille du déplacement	Eastern Canada (Halifax, Montreal, Toronto)	Western Canada (Calgary, Vancouver)
Shared container, small move (100–300 cu ft)	£1,600–£3,200	£2,200–£4,000
1–2 bedroom (shared or 20ft)	£3,800–£6,800	£4,800–£8,500
2–3 bedroom (20ft container)	£5,500–£9,000	£6,800–£11,000
4–5 bedroom (40ft container)	£8,000–£13,000	£9,500–£15,500

Indicative door-to-door prices. Remote areas and the Prairies add inland transport.

Container cargo ship sailing — Most removals to Canada sail to Halifax or Montreal, then go inland by rail or truck.

How long do removals to Canada take?

Itinéraire	Typical door-to-door time
UK to Halifax or Montreal	4–7 weeks
UK to Toronto (via Montreal and rail or truck)	5–8 weeks
UK to Calgary or Edmonton	7–10 weeks
UK to Vancouver (via rail or the Panama Canal)	8–12 weeks

Winter can add delays. The St Lawrence route sees ice, and some services switch to Halifax.

Canadian customs (CBSA): the key forms

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) handles household goods. The most important rule: declare everything when you first arrive in Canada, even goods that follow later.

Form B4 (Personal Effects Accounting Document): lists the goods you bring with you and the goods to follow.
Form B4A: the “goods to follow” list. Present two copies when you land.
Duty-free conditions: for settlers, goods owned and used before arrival are generally duty-free.
Documents: passport, your permanent residence confirmation or work permit, and a detailed inventory with values

If you don’t present your “goods to follow” list when you first land, you may pay duty and taxes on your shipment later.

Aerial view of a container ship — Western Canada is often reached via the East Coast and rail, or via the Panama Canal.

What not to ship to Canada

Food, plants, soil and dirty outdoor equipment
Firearms, unless declared and licensed
Cannabis, including from places where it is legal
Some UK electrical items: Canada uses 110–120V, so many small appliances won’t work
Vehicles that don’t meet Canadian standards: check the RIV rules before shipping a car

Choosing your removals company

Get three quotes based on a full inventory survey.
Ask about the inland route and the timings to your city.
Check what the Canadian destination agent charges.
Prepare the B4 and B4A forms before you fly.
Insure your goods for full replacement value.

See our Guide pour s'installer au Canada depuis le Royaume-Uni, cargo ship to Canada from the UK et moving money abroad.

Arrive in Canada by sea

Some container ships carry passengers across the North Atlantic to Canada. It’s a slow and memorable way to start a new life.

Foire aux questions

How much does it cost to ship household goods to Canada?

A 20ft container for a 2–3 bedroom home usually costs £5,500–£11,000 door to door, depending on the province.

How long does it take to move furniture to Canada?

About 4–8 weeks to eastern Canada, and 8–12 weeks to Vancouver.

What are forms B4 and B4A?

CBSA forms listing the goods you bring and the goods to follow. Present them when you first arrive in Canada.

Do I pay duty on my household goods in Canada?

Settlers’ goods owned and used before arrival are generally duty-free, if declared properly.

Can I take my car to Canada?

Possibly, but it must meet Canadian standards and go through the RIV process.

Cross to Canada by sea

Ask us about passenger cabins on container ships from the UK to Canada.

Get a voyage quote →

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Steve Joury

Conseiller en voyages Cargo chez Cargoholidays

Passionné par le voyage lent et la mer. Steve connaît la plupart des routes maritimes et des procédures pour découvrir notre beau monde depuis la mer sur un porte-conteneurs. Il a participé à la plupart des voyages, de 7 jours en cargo à 140 jours à bord.

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