Moving to Europe from Canada

Professional relocation services from Canada to Europe. Get expert guidance and competitive pricing for your European move.

Polimark Moving and Relocations

30+ Years of European Moving Experience

Moving to Europe isn't a single service. It's a series of decisions. We help you choose the right approach for your move, whether that's a small parcel shipment, a pallet, or a full container, based on your destination, volume, timeline, and budget.

Every European move is different. Instead of selling fixed packages, we provide personalized relocation planning. We help you understand your shipping options, customs requirements, delivery scope, and total costs before you commit.

What we typically cover during a consultation:

  • What are your shipping options? Air, sea containers, or small moves - what's best?
  • What should you pack? Guidance on what to bring and what to leave behind.
  • How do customs clearance and brokers work? We'll walk you through it.
  • What hidden costs should you know about? We believe in transparency.
  • International vs local moves - why you may need fewer items than expected.
  • Total costs and why the most expensive option isn't always the best.

Ready to Get Started?

Get a personalized quote or speak with a relocation specialist to plan your move to Europe with clarity and confidence.

Why Choose Polimark for European Moving?

Discover what makes us a trusted choice for European relocations

Moving Challenges

Moving to a new country is exciting but stressful.

There's so much to consider - packing, customs, cultural adaptation. Doing it alone risks mistakes and damaged belongings. You need trusted, experienced international movers.

Polimark Can Help

Over 30 years experience moving to Europe

As a highly reputable 5-star moving company, we specialize in stress-free relocations. Our comprehensive services guide you through every step, ensuring peace of mind with our industry expertise.

Free Consultation

Take the first step and talk to an expert

Have a comprehensive consultation with our European moving specialists. Get personalized guidance, ask questions, and receive clear explanations for informed decisions throughout your move.

Get Started

Before you price a pallet or container, watch this

It'll save you hours of research (and often thousands in "surprise" destination charges).

Video explaining parcels vs freight for moving to Europe
Watch: Parcels vs Freight

Video summary – avoiding costly mistakes when moving to Europe

In this video, we explain why many people overestimate how much they need to ship when moving to Europe — and how that assumption often leads to unnecessary costs and frustration.

Key points covered:

  • Why most personal moves don't actually require a full container or pallet
  • The difference between parcel shipping and freight shipping
  • Why low freight quotes often hide major destination charges
  • Common surprise costs, including port handling, customs brokers, storage, and final-mile delivery
  • Why shipping large appliances and oversized furniture often isn't worth it
  • How narrow streets and access limitations in Europe can add unexpected fees
  • A simple planning approach: price parcels first, then evaluate freight only if needed
  • Questions to ask freight companies to avoid unpleasant surprises

The goal isn't to ship the most belongings — it's to choose the right approach for your move, without discovering major costs after your shipment is already in transit.

Important Moving Information

Essential information to help you make informed decisions about your move to Europe

Do I Need A Shipping Container?

Many assume a sea container is necessary - but it's not always the case.

The first step is thorough research and assessing your specific needs. Evaluate the volume of belongings you intend to bring. Often, possessions can be transported using alternative methods.

This approach saves the expense of renting an entire container and offers greater flexibility in delivery times. Consult with experienced international movers to explore the most suitable options for your circumstances.

Ensuring Transparency for Your Move

Be aware of potential hidden costs and understand what's expected.

A reputable moving company provides transparent information about the entire process. They'll clearly explain whether service is door-to-door or port-to-port, so you know exactly what to expect.

Inquire about additional fees like customs duties or taxes, and whether the company will assist with customs brokers. Ask these questions upfront to avoid surprises.

A trustworthy company prioritizes open communication and addresses all concerns, explaining every detail including costs. Better to understand the complete cost structure upfront than be lured by low prices hiding additional charges.

Supported Destinations

We provide professional moving and relocation services from Canada to all major European destinations. With over 30 years of experience, we handle moves of all sizes.

European Union Countries

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden

Additional European Destinations

Ukraine
United Kingdom

Moving services are planned on a destination-by-destination basis. For smaller moves, parcel shipping options are available on individual country pages.

Simplified EU customs for EU member states Full customs support for all destinations Door-to-door service available

Moving Questions Answered

Common questions about relocating to Europe

What's the best way to move to Europe from Canada: parcels, pallets, or containers?

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.

Request a Moving Consultation
Will I have to pay duty, VAT, or taxes when moving my household goods to Europe or the UK?

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.

Contact Us for Guidance
How much does it cost to ship a container or pallet to Europe from Canada?

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.

View Parcel Shipping Options
What does "delivery to terminal" mean (terminal-to-terminal vs door-to-door)?

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.

Will my shipment be delivered to my home at destination (inside delivery or final mile)?

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.

Why are prices so different between moving and shipping companies?

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.

Can I ship furniture or tools when moving to Europe?

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.

Can I ship luggage?

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

What Our Customers Say

5.0 (129 reviews)

"Wow, this is my second time going and using their service. I'm so happy the way they are very helpful, kind, friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and lovely sense of humour. I will highly recommend their services and definitely myself near future using their services. Thank you so much dear, Polimark for helping everyone and delivering our packages over sea and placing smile on their faces. Great services"

Michelle Rotaru

"Great company and great service! Cannot recommend them highly enough. We used them to ship some boxes from Canada to Germany for our move and the process was straight forward and by far the cheapest option. Sebastian was great, from his first email replies to meeting him in person, he was friendly, honest and shared all important and relevant information. We couldn't have asked for a better service and would definitely recommend them to anyone who is looking to send stuff to Europe."

Adina Simeth

"By far, the best courier service we have ever dealt with. Sent with them several times and have never had any issues. Sending a package is always stressful but with Adam and Sebastian, I know everything is in good and capable hands. And the price is always reasonable!"

Adrian L

"I had a few parcels to send home to Germany and was a bit overwhelmed on what would be the best way to do so. Luckely I heard about Polimark in Calgary from other travellers. From the first minute I got there they comforted me. Sebastian was very patient and supportive checking all the different options for me and figuring out the best possible way. Also answering all my questions and making sure I was happy with the suggested choices. What an incredible job he has done, highly professional, experienced in the shipping business and super friendly!!"

Jeanetter Koch

"Sebastian & Adam are AMAZING, very helpful with my move to Sweden. So knowledgeable, took really good care of all my personal belongings. Highly recommended!"

Sadia Anwar

"Best delivery service in Western Canada if you want to send a Parcel to Europe. The customer service was amazing, they called me when there was a little issue with the customs and managed it for me. The best overall is the reasonable price. It's just the half of the price what Canada Post charges and they are faster! The owner is great, very friendly and very helpful."

Raph B

"What a great shipping company. Very competent, good prices, reliable. If you have something to send, this is the right place. I felt very well looked after and my suitcase is well packed and on its way to Germany. There are even some Polish magazines there. Thank you guys! :)"

Sylvi

"First time use and got an excellent experience with them! Fast and cheap shipping overseas comparing with others! Staffs communication is perfect! They care about you and your parcels. Will definitely use their services in the future and recommending to use Polimark for you too!"

Gvegosas

"I highly recommend this company. I sent 2 big boxes to Slovakia and one to Ukraine. Packages came earlier than expected, in a great shape. Fantastic customer service, helped me on the place and by emails, to track my boxes. Prices are very fair."

Sona Lompartova

"Flawless service. Helpful, knowledgeable, and very good people. Recommend 100 percent!"

Igor Dragic