Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage in the origin country
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
We guide you through the quarantine and customs clearance process
New MoveCube® shipping routes in Canada!
We're delighted to announce an expansion to our MoveCube® removals routes in Canada. You can now import and export household belongings using our unique mini shipping container to Halifax in Nova Scotia.
Removals to Canada: everything you wanted to know
Thanks to awe-inspiring natural scenery, friendly locals and multicultural metropolises, Canada is a popular destination for young professionals, students, new families and retiring couples alike. So, why not get your exciting new life in this North American highlight started today by booking our international movers?
As one of the world's best-loved removal companies for over 25 years, we know how to make your removal experience easy and stress-free. Drawing on our considerable local knowledge, free packing supplies and friendly customer service, it's no surprise we're South Africa's top choice for international removals.
Trusted by our customers for over 25 years, we make overseas removals easy
Affordable and intuitive, our international removals service reaches most cities and towns in The Great White North, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Quebec and Edmonton. Here is a sample of the many benefits when choosing our removals services.
- Free Starter Pack: with each MoveCube® order, our robust moving pod, you'll find a measuring tape, a box cutter knife, a marker pen and a roll of parcel tape and dispenser. Plus, three plastic floor sheets to assess how much can fit in a Small, Medium or Large MoveCube®.
- Safe storage: enjoy 2 weeks of free storage at our secure depot in your country of origin, allowing ample time to arrange travel and settle into your new home.
- No surprise hidden fees: we are always upfront about cost. Grab a free instant quote today for a transparent breakdown of all your shipment's charges.
- Pay in 3 instalments: we'll never ask for full payment upfront. Instead, you can pay in three manageable stages throughout your removal shipment's journey.
- Assistance with customs clearance: we offer our expert advice to guide you through the Canadian customs process.
How our international removal services work
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't just take our word for it
Our customers love us!
International removals to Canada with the MoveCube®
After deciding which charming Canadian city or town to settle in, the next step is to pack up all your personal belongings and have them transported. Perfect for large removals, our robust, secure MoveCube® acts as your very own international shipping container. We'll deliver it to your address to be loaded by you with everything from furniture and kitchen appliances to sports equipment and musical instruments.
Booking our removals service is easy. Simply get a free quote in minutes and place your order. Then, inform us of a suitable date so we can deliver your free Starter Pack and conduct a site inspection to ensure your MoveCube® loading day goes smoothly. We'll then deliver as many MoveCubes® as needed to be loaded by you within an assigned time frame. Lastly, complete all your online documentation. After you have cleared your shipment through customs, let us know, and we can arrange a suitable time to deliver it to your new home.
If you feel nervous about watching your precious household items disappear over the high seas, don't worry, it's only natural. We've put in place insurance policies that give your goods an extra layer of protection should something go wrong. What's more, our online tracking tool lets you see your shipment's movement wherever in the world it is.
Perfect for large removals, our robust, secure MoveCube® acts as your very own international shipping container.
See our international MoveCube® in action:
The three sizes of our MoveCube® removals container
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience shipping internationally, we designed our MoveCube® removals crate to protect your goods over long journeys. You can choose from three different sizes depending on your needs: Large, Medium and Small (see below for dimensions). For bigger removals, order multiple MoveCubes® by calling our helpful customer support team.
If you only have a few boxes to send, our boxes and bags shipping service is your best option.
Large MoveCube®*
Internal dimensions:
146cm/57 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
226cm/88 inches (D)
Medium MoveCube®*
Internal dimensions:
111cm/43 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
146cm/57 inches (D)
Small MoveCube®*
Internal dimensions:
96cm/35 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
111cm/43 inches (D)
*Please note, the MoveCube® is loaded from the side panel.
We guide you through the Canadian customs process
The Canadian customs process can seem a little complicated at first. But thanks to 25 years of experience, we make shipping belongings to Canada from South Africa straightforward.
We provide all the documentation you need to clear Canadian Customs Authority. Start by logging into your online account. From there, you can complete all the required online documentation. Including:
- An inventory accurately listing each item you're shipping.
- Insurance to protect your goods in the rare chance of loss or damage.
- Scans of the shipment owner's passport and, if applicable, visa.
New immigrants and citizens re-entering Canada must complete a "Personal Effects Accounting Document," also known as a BSF186 form. To avoid taxes or duties on your belongings, the BSF186 form must be stamped at a RED customs channel upon arrival.
Please note that a strict Canadian customs rule means you must physically be present in Canada when your shipment arrives. Your local Seven Seas Worldwide office will let you know when your goods have arrived in Canada and are awaiting customs clearance.
You must present your customs documents to a Customs Office in the city where your shipment is located. If the office is far from your destination, you may need to travel.
Once your goods have been cleared by customs, your Cargo Control Document (supplied by us) will be stamped as "PARS PERMITTED". Finally, email us your proof of clearance, and we'll arrange the delivery of your shipment to your new address in Canada.
With more than 25 years of experience successfully sending your belongings to Canada from South Africa, we know how to make it easy.
Canadian customs process - video explainer
For more customs advice, including rules on duty-free goods and wedding and inheritance gifts, head to our Importing into Canada page.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs offices
We'll be in touch before your shipment arrives in Canada to let you know which CBSA Customs Office you need to visit to clear your goods. The Customs Office will be local to the bonded warehouse storing your belongings while you arrange customs clearance, but it may not be local to your Canadian address.
Below are the CBSA office and bonded warehouse addresses we currently use:
Alberta
Calgary Customs Office
175 Aero Way Northeast, Unit 162,
Calgary, AB T2E 6K2
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Edmonton Customs Office
1727 35th Ave East Unit 100
Edmonton, AB T9E 0V6
1 800 461 9999
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
British Colombia
Vancouver Customs Offices
1611 Main Street Unit 412
Vancouver, BC V6A2W5
204 983 3500
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Manitoba
Winnipeg Customs Office
1821 Wellington Avenue Unit 130
Winnipeg MB R3H 0G4
204-983-3030
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Nova Scotia
Halifax Customs Office
163 Susie Lake Crescent
Halifax, NS B3L 4V6
902 426 2072
Monday- Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Ontario
Mississauga Customs Office
2720 Britannia Road East
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 0G3
OPEN 24/7
905 676-3626
Quebec
Montreal Customs Office
400 Place d'Youville
Montreal, QC
514 283 8700
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Customs Office
2625 Airport Dr
Saskatoon, SK S7L 7L1
306 975 4755
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Regina Customs Office
2510 Sandra Schmirler Way
Regina, SK S4W 1B7
1 800 461 9999
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Bonded warehouse addresses in Canada:
Calgary
Fastfrate
11440 – 54th Street SE
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2C 4Y6
Tel: 403.264.1687
Edmonton
Fastfrate
10020-56th Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6E 5L7
Tel: 780.439.0061
Saskatoon
Direct Distribution
3030 Cleveland Ave
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: 306-956-1760 x 38804
Montreal
Lafrance Warehouse
7055 Notre-Dame St. East
Montreal, Quebec H1N 3R8
Tel: 514 523 1127
Simard Warehouse
1212, 32nd Avenue
Lachine, QC H8T 3K7
Tel: 514 636 9411
Halifax
I. H. Mathers
165 Burbridge Ave.
Dartmouth, NS, Canada B3B 0G6
FAQs about our Canadian removals
As a transparent international removals company, we offer cost-effective services based on your needs. Start your overseas journey today with a free online quote in just a few minutes.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience moving your personal belongings to Canada from the United Kingdom, we know how to make the experience less complicated.
New immigrants and returning Canadian citizens must fill in a "Personal Effects Accounting Document", also known as a "BSF186 form". To avoid paying taxes or duties on your personal possessions, a BSF186 must be stamped by officials at a RED customs channel.
Please note: you must attend a customs clearance office in person to clear your goods. Our Importing into Canada page has a detailed rundown of everything you need to know about the Canadian customs process.
Once you've made a booking with our international removals services, log into your account and fill in the following online documents:
- An inventory to accurately list every item in the MoveCube®.
- Scans of the photo and signed pages of your passport and your visa, if applicable.
- The shipment owner's destination address, email, and contact phone number.
- Optional insurance forms for total protection and peace of mind.
Please note that both new immigrants and Canadian citizens re-entering the country must complete a "Personal Effects Accounting Document", also known as a BSF186 form. To avoid taxes or duties on your goods, a BSF186 must be stamped at a RED customs channel upon arrival in the country.
Our experienced support team are available to answer questions and offer advice.
As a trusted moving service with over 25 years of experience, we know the best way to support our customers. That's why we give you 2 weeks of completely free storage at our depots in your origin country.
Plans sometimes change, and you might need longer storage for your household possessions. If you let us know, we can store your possessions longer for an affordable fee.
As with all countries, Canada has a list of items that can not be imported. Please reference our regularly updated Prohibited Goods list at the same time as you pack to avoid unnecessary and costly fines.
How long does shipping to Canada from South Africa take?*
By sea
142 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
Packing tips for removals to Canada from South Africa
To ensure your possessions arrive at their destination unscathed, it's essential to pack as carefully as possible. Consider a professional packing service to ease some stress. Otherwise, give yourself lots of time and space to pack carefully and follow our 4 top tips below (check out our in-depth packing guides for more expert tips):
Say goodbye to clutter:
A new country, a new culture, and a new you: say goodbye to excess items you no longer need in your new life abroad. Besides, the less you ship, the cheaper it will be! Consider this an excellent opportunity to sell, donate, or recycle possessions that will only take up space in your new home.
Online auction sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are fantastic resources for making money from everyday household goods. Wave goodbye to old shoes, furniture and DVDs, and earn extra cash to fund your removal - win, win! Charity shops welcome anything spare and broken, and unusable goods can be disposed of at your local tip.
Carefully pack fragile goods:
Begin by tightly securing the base of your box with three layers of overlapping parcel tape. Repeat the process when sealing the top of your box. Next, cover every item in bubble wrap and three or more layers for fragile goods, such as crockery and mirrors. Then, spread heavy items along the bottom with lighter items above and away from the sides of the inside of your container.
If you see any gaps, fill them with soft materials such as packing paper, towels, or crumpled-up newspaper to avoid items bumping into each other during transit. Finally, give your box a gentle shake. If you hear a sound, something is moving. Add more soft materials until you hear nothing.
Arrange a suitable parking space for our vehicle:
For a smooth MoveCube® loading day experience within your allotted time, ensure parking tickets or permits are paid for before we arrive. Our driver will ideally be able to park at least twenty metres from the entrance to your home.
If requested, we can loan you a trolly to help move your containers. Our driver is available to offer tips and advice, but the vehicle must remain within eyesight.
Spread weight evenly in the MoveCube®:
Before loading the MoveCube®, lay out the corresponding floor sheets we provide to check your belongings fit inside. Stack all goods and containers together as neatly as possible. Place heavy and bulky items at the bottom layer, then lighter goods on top.
If a gap appears, fill it with a container to limit movement. Avoid filling spaces with loose, unboxed items, as this risks damage to your containers.
The customer service team was quick to reply to all my queries, and their booking system had a very streamlined process. Tracking was great, and their removal rates were very competitive. I would definitely use Seven Seas Worldwide again.
Anna
Moving to Canada: a complete relocation guide
If you're looking for a kind-yet-thriving country on the up, with awe-inspiring views and burgeoning cities, this large North American wonder could be the new home for you. But before grabbing your hockey sticks and rushing for an aeroplane, be sure to follow our top relocation tips and facts:
Types of visas: there are various options to achieve resident status, including express entry for skilled workers and being nominated by a Canadian province. You must apply for a Permanent Resident (PR) visa to settle in Canada for five years. Having a PR allows you to then apply for full Canadian citizenship.
Job opportunities: the job market in Canada is competitive, but skills and education are highly valued. Being able to speak French and English would give you a considerable advantage. The most prominent industries include agriculture, IT, education, retail and health.
Healthcare: citizens and settlers with a Permanent Resident (PR) card receive free public healthcare, known as Medicare. Tourists and short-term visitors are required to pay. Alternatively, there are many world-renown private healthcare options.
Education: schooling up to the age of sixteen is compulsory nationwide and up to eighteen in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nunavut and Ontario. Funding is mainly free for all citizens, depending on local government laws. Highly regarded universities include the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia and Université de Montréal.
Lifestyle: Canadian culture values politeness, fairness, forward-thinking ideals, and inclusion. The climate might be cold for many months of the year, but the people are always warm! From trekking the rocky mountains to visiting natural wonders of the world, such as Niagra Falls, there's plenty for new settlers to see and do.
International removals checklist
With more than 25 years of experience, our overseas removals company know how to take the stress out of planning your move. Simply follow our handy checklist below as you prepare for the move of a lifetime:
- Gather your documents: collect all your important documents, such as proof of address, your passport, and bank statements and keep them all in one place to be quickly accessed if needed.
- Apply for a visa: thoroughly research which type of visa you and your family require, then apply and await confirmation from the Canadian government.
- Find accommodation: decide if the best option is to sell or rent your current property. We suggest renting when you arrive in Canada as this gives you time to adjust to a new climate before making a significant decision like buying a home.
- Book an overseas moving company: visit our website and grab a quick free quote, then arrange suitable dates so we can deliver a MoveCube® shipping container to your home to be loaded by you.
- Arrange travel: book flights that give you plenty of time to acclimatise to your new surroundings and ensure you arrive well before we deliver your possessions.
- Sort your finances: inform whoever you bank with that you are relocating, and take out some spare cash to cover any last-minute purchases or unforeseen expenses.
- Speak to a doctor: if you have any ongoing prescriptions, request a three-month supply. Doing so gives you time to arrange a new healthcare provider in Canada.
- Pet relocation: if your four-legged best buddies are coming along, ensure they are vaccinated and have an up-to-date health certificate from your veterinarian centre. Also, purchase a suitable and comfortable pet carrier for the long journey ahead.
- Have a declutter: think hard about what you don't need to bring to your new home. After all, the less you ship, the more spare cash there is to fund the trip! Consider selling, donating, or recycling items you won't be taking.
- Pack your belongings: before our driver arrives, ensure all your belongings are securely wrapped, packed, and ready for you to load into the MoveCube®.
- Enjoy life in your new home: after your shipment has passed through customs, get in touch via your online account to arrange a delivery date. Once you've unloaded your possessions, all that's left to do is unpack, relax and have a toast to your new life overseas!