Best way to move belongings from California to Vancouver? Mover recommendations?

[trecht]

I'm planning to move from Oakland, California, to Vancouver within the next month or two and am trying to figure out the best way to move my belongings. I'm not planning to take much or any furniture, but have several hundred books as well as clothes, a desktop computer, and musical instruments. Unforunately a road trip with U-Haul is out of the question (I'll be flying). Any recommendations for moving services and the like? Ideally, they'd deliver my stuff to storage in Vancouver since I'll be in short-term housing at first. I've looked at U-Haul's U-Box service, which is basically exactly what I need, but they're quoting me $3,348.95 + Delivery for one container, which is pretty steep.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

[steaky]

How much would the airline cost for additional check-in baggage?

 

[siddharthbala]

I’d check with DHL aor Fedex about ground services, so you can ship your stuff to the new address as freight (and being ground freight makes it a lot cheaper, better than forking over for air freight) and since you’re flying to Vancouver, you’ll be there to receive it on the other side.

 

[gabbar0101]

I’d check with DHL aor Fedex about ground services, so you can ship your stuff to the new address as freight (and being ground freight makes it a lot cheaper, better than forking over for air freight) and since you’re flying to Vancouver, you’ll be there to receive it on the other side.

Have you tried it personally ? I just checked DHL website and kept getting error when I tried "Road Freight" - it says we do not provide Road Freight to Private customers

 

[canuckinla]

I'm planning to move from Oakland, California, to Vancouver within the next month or two and am trying to figure out the best way to move my belongings. I'm not planning to take much or any furniture, but have several hundred books as well as clothes, a desktop computer, and musical instruments. Unforunately a road trip with U-Haul is out of the question (I'll be flying). Any recommendations for moving services and the like? Ideally, they'd deliver my stuff to storage in Vancouver since I'll be in short-term housing at first. I've looked at U-Haul's U-Box service, which is basically exactly what I need, but they're quoting me $3,348.95 + Delivery for one container, which is pretty steep.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

We moved from Los Angeles to Victoria last month and used U-Pack for moving. They quoted approx. $2750 including higher insurance coverage for 2 pods from our home in LA to their terminal in Surrey. The pods arrived in BC ahead of schedule and we were able to clear it through customs when we drove across the border at Blaine, WA.

 

[siddharthbala]

Have you tried it personally ? I just checked DHL website and kept getting error when I tried "Road Freight" - it says we do not provide Road Freight to Private customers

Haven't done it personally (except for FedEx Ground, which does allow you to do it and will pick it up from your place as well - needed to use this service multiple times at my old job for hauling convention displays and materials to and from the location from storage) - For DHL, you might actually need to co-ordinate or book it from an actual DHL courier's field office - they usually run services like this specifically targeting international students (something like "Don't abandon your stuff in the dorm, have it shipped home instead!") and it can be used for moves, too. I'd call them up and ask them specifically for their ground shipping options as this tends to be a custom quote.

 

[gabbar0101]

Haven't done it personally (except for FedEx Ground, which does allow you to do it and will pick it up from your place as well - needed to use this service multiple times at my old job for hauling convention displays and materials to and from the location from storage) - For DHL, you might actually need to co-ordinate or book it from an actual DHL courier's field office - they usually run services like this specifically targeting international students (something like "Don't abandon your stuff in the dorm, have it shipped home instead!") and it can be used for moves, too. I'd call them up and ask them specifically for their ground shipping options as this tends to be a custom quote.

Got it - I have done it from India to US Fedex without any issues and custom clearance. But Canada seems to be different ballgame.

 

[gabbar0101]

We moved from Los Angeles to Victoria last month and used U-Pack for moving. They quoted approx. $2750 including higher insurance coverage for 2 pods from our home in LA to their terminal in Surrey. The pods arrived in BC ahead of schedule and we were able to clear it through customs when we drove across the border at Blaine, WA.

@canuckinla - how does the coordination on the clearance works? - you get call from customs or third-party carrying the stuff? Also, what if someone lives far away from border lets say 6-7 hours drive - he will have to drive all the way to the border to get clearance or there are better ways through documentation etc.?

 

[canuckinla]

@canuckinla - how does the coordination on the clearance works? - you get call from customs or third-party carrying the stuff? Also, what if someone lives far away from border lets say 6-7 hours drive - he will have to drive all the way to the border to get clearance or there are better ways through documentation etc.?

We had U-Pack email us the necessary custom clearance forms and presented the forms to customs when we crossed The border. You can also have a relative clear the goods on your behalf. They would need the clearance forms and a letter from you authorizing them to clear the goods. Remember you will need to quarantine for 14 days once you cross into Canada.

 

[cookchr]

How did you do it at the end? Also looking for reliable movers now and would really appreciate some recommendations

 

[reannamurphy]

How did you do it at the end? Also looking for reliable movers now and would really appreciate some recommendations

I moved from California to Vancouver last year, and after a lot of research, I found that the best option depends on your budget and how much stuff you have. If you’re moving a full household, a reputable international moving company.

If you're on a tighter budget, U-Haul or Penske can work well, especially if you don’t mind driving. Another good option is renting a U-Haul and hiring local movers on both ends to help with loading/unloading.

For a middle-ground option, you can look into container services like U-Pack or PODS. They drop off a container, you load it, and they handle the transport. It’s usually cheaper than full-service movers but more convenient than a DIY truck rental.

Also, make sure you’re prepared for the customs process at the border! Have an itemized list of your belongings and check Canada’s import rules, especially for vehicles or restricted items.

 

[reannamurphy]

I moved from California to Vancouver last year, and after a lot of research, I found that the best option depends on your budget and how much stuff you have. If you’re moving a full household, a reputable international moving company.

If you're on a tighter budget, U-Haul or Penske can work well, especially if you don’t mind driving. Another good option is renting a U-Haul and hiring local movers on both ends to help with loading/unloading.

For a middle-ground option, you can look into container services like U-Pack or PODS. They drop off a container, you load it, and they handle the transport. It’s usually cheaper than full-service movers but more convenient than a DIY truck rental.

Also, make sure you’re prepared for the customs process at the border! Have an itemized list of your belongings and check Canada’s import rules, especially for vehicles or restricted items.

I want to relocate from Vancouver