Moving to Europe from Canada

For most people, the best option is small-to-medium parcel shipping. Parcels are usually cheaper, easier to arrange, and come with fewer unexpected destination fees compared to freight.

Freight options such as pallets or containers make sense when you're moving large furniture, bulky items, or full household contents. In short, most people overestimate how much freight they actually need.

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In many cases, no — or significantly less, if you qualify for transfer of residence relief.

Most European countries and the UK allow used personal household goods to be imported with reduced or zero duty and VAT when you're relocating your normal residence. Eligibility depends on factors such as prior use, ownership duration, residency status, and correct documentation.

Rules vary by country, and approval is never automatic. We handle shipping and forwarding, but customs authorities make the final decision. For freight delivered to a terminal, customers typically manage customs clearance themselves or hire a local broker.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, contact our team and we'll help you understand the requirements before you ship.

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There's no single price — costs depend on shipment size, destination, and delivery scope. Instead, think in tiers:

• Lowest cost / most predictable: Parcel shipping
• Mid-range: Pallets or crates shipped to a destination terminal (you handle or arrange customs, destination charges and pickup)
• Highest cost: Full containers with delivery and unloading

If your priority is low stress and predictable cost, parcels usually win. If you need to move furniture or large items, freight may be necessary.

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Delivery to terminal means your shipment is delivered to a freight terminal, warehouse, or cargo facility at the destination. Once it arrives and is available for pickup, your responsibility begins — including customs clearance, pickup, and onward delivery.

Plain English: we get it to the terminal — you take it from there.

Not by default. Most freight quotes end at terminal or curbside delivery.

Inside delivery — bringing items into your home — usually requires a local moving or delivery service arranged by you or added as an extra service where available.

Parcel shipments, by contrast, are typically delivered directly to the recipient's address, making them a simpler option for smaller moves.

Because "container shipping" can mean very different scopes of service. Price differences often come down to:

• Currency: Many freight rates are quoted in USD
• Scope: Port-to-port vs terminal vs door vs inside delivery
• What's included: Destination fees, documentation, brokerage, fuel and security charges
• Accessorials: Lift-gate, residential delivery, waiting time, storage
• Destination charges: Sometimes excluded upfront and billed later

Tip: Always compare quotes using the same checklist of included services.

Yes but it's often not cost-effective unless you're already shipping freight volume. Large furniture may require oversized pallets, additional bracing, and specialized handling. In many cases, the shipping cost rivals the item's value.

Items containing lithium or rechargeable batteries may be restricted, especially by air, and can require special packing or dangerous goods handling, which adds cost and time.

Luggage shipments typically require special handling and surcharges usually apply.

Standard luggage pieces may need additional packaging for safe international transport, and carriers often have specific requirements and fees for baggage-style items. Contact us to discuss your luggage shipping needs and we'll provide accurate pricing and requirements.

Contact Us About Luggage Shipping