Considering a relocation to Canada in 2025? If you’re interested in moving to Canada, you’ve come to the right place. This complete guide details the steps you need to follow to ensure a successful relocation to this North American country.
No matter the size or distance of your move, we’ve got you covered with the best way to approach this exciting transition.
In these 14 steps, you can effectively prepare and plan for your Canada adventure. Discover the steps you should take to ensure a successful relocation to Canada!
First and foremost, researching your destination is a crucial first step. Canada is a massive country, and it has many diverse cities to choose from. Whether you’re seeking a quiet town with stunning natural views or a bustling metropolis with endless activities to enjoy, Canada offers both—and everything in between. Take your time to research the available options, as the more comprehensive research you complete will lead to a higher likelihood of your new home suiting your needs.
If you have the opportunity to visit Canada before moving, this can be a helpful part of the process. Narrow down the areas you’re considering relocating to, and visit them to gauge if they accurately meet your expectations and cater to your goals and needs. If you’re unable to visit before moving, that’s okay—you can also consider speaking with locals or other expats to gain insights about the cities and regions you’re considering.
Once you’ve determined the Canadian town or region you want to call home, it’s time to find a place to move to. Whether you want to rent or buy, working with a real estate agent can be helpful to ensure you find a great place despite the distance. Consider your options carefully to raise the likelihood of finding a place that suits all of your needs.
As you plan for your relocation, creating a budget is an absolute must. A budget provides a financial guide that can prevent overspending and ensure you accurately estimate how much your move will cost. Take time to assess how much you should allot for the different aspects of your relocation, and set aside money for any unforeseen expenses that may pop up. Preparing according will prevent financial stressors, which can be very valuable throughout the move.
In addition to creating a budget, you should also create a plan for your relocation. Your moving plan should include a comprehensive to-do list, including any important deadlines, as well as a schedule to keep you on track throughout your moving preparations. One great option is to consolidate all your moving-related items in a dedicated moving binder, as this can help you stay organized throughout the relocation.
As with any move to another country, handling the visa requirements correctly is a crucial element of your relocation. Many types of visas exist for expats aiming to relocate to Canada, and understanding which one is right for you is a necessity. Consider the various work and study visas, and determine the ideal one for your needs. Once you determine the right visa for you, gather the necessary items to apply for this visa. Having all the correct items will prevent delays during your visa process.
Although DIYing an international move is a possibility, working with professional movers will significantly improve the process. However, choosing a trustworthy moving company is crucial. As you consider moving companies, complete careful research to ensure they are fully licensed and insured and that they have consistently positive customer reviews without unresolved complaints.
As you figure out the timeline for your relocation, the next step is to make travel arrangements. Handle this step with ample time to spare to prevent any issues booking the dates you need. Book your flight to Canada, and book any lodging if necessary before you get to your new home.
With any relocation, decluttering your space is a necessary step, but this step is even more important with international relocations. Moving your belongings internationally is typically expensive, so decreasing the weight of your items ahead of moving can be a great way to save money. Plus, this will allow you to settle into your new home without any extra clutter. Sort your belongings into categories—donate, sell, trash, and keep. Determine which items you no longer want or need, and opt to declutter them from your space.
As you pack for your move to Canada, be sure to pack with care and protect your items accordingly. Because your items will be traveling a long distance, the risk of damage is increased, so protecting your belongings is a must. Fill your boxes carefully, and be sure to reinforce any empty space with bubble wrap or soft fabrics. This will decrease the risk of jostling and, in turn, prevent damage more effectively. You should also take care not to overfill your boxes, as overly heavy boxes can break upon lifting.
When moving to a new country, it’s important to handle healthcare in a timely manner. Canada has a public healthcare system, but temporary residents aren’t eligible. This means you will need to consider private healthcare options to have coverage.
A week or so ahead of your relocation, confirm all bookings to ensure you don’t encounter any last-minute surprises. Check your flight, lodging, and moving company bookings ahead of your move to Canada.
For any move, an essentials bag is a must. Since you will be traveling a long distance, you will already have luggage with you, but it’s important to have all of your essentials in this luggage. Be sure to have multiple changes of clothes, chargers, any necessary medications, important paperwork, valuables, and anything you may need when you first arrive at your new home. If you’re moving with kids or pets, be sure to carry all of their essentials as well.
Time to head to your new home in Canada! Safe travels on your exciting journey.
With these steps, you’re fully prepared to handle your relocation to Canada.
Searching for a trusted moving company to help you get there? Choose Allied International, the trusted international movers for over 136 years. Our team offers high-quality moving, packing, and storage services around the world, allowing customers to enjoy streamlined international moving experiences.
Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our top-rated solutions!
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
