How much does it cost to move to Canada from the UK? 11 quotes compared

To celebrate 30 years of helping people move across the globe, we're opening the lid on life behind the scenes in international removals. Through our Beyond the Boxes series, we're sharing some of the memorable stories, hidden challenges and fascinating moments that have shaped three decades in the business.

Content review

Written by: John Henderson (Co-founder and Managing Director of Seven Seas Worldwide)

Last reviewed: October 2026

How we researched international removal costs

We contacted international removal companies directly rather than relying on advertised prices or online estimates. Each company received the same shipment details so we could compare their quotes and see exactly what was included in the price.

What does a 6m³ international removal shipment look like?

To compare removal costs fairly, we prepared a packing list for approximately 6 cubic metres (m³) of household belongings. This gave each company the same shipment to quote for, helping us identify genuine differences in price and service.

Here’s a breakdown of what our shipment included:

Why does an accurate packing list matter?

International removal companies typically calculate shipping costs based partly on the space your belongings occupy. Large or unusually shaped items can also affect packing, handling and transport requirements.

If your inventory is incomplete, your original quote may increase once the company confirms the actual shipment volume or identifies items needing special handling.

When requesting a quote, include the dimensions of bulky furniture, the number and approximate sizes of your boxes, and details of any fragile, valuable or potentially restricted items.

The more accurate your packing list, the easier it is to compare quotes and avoid unexpected costs.

All 11 UK to Canada removal quotes compared

Despite giving every company the same packing list and London-to-Toronto shipping details, the prices we received ranged from £1,665 to £4,866 — a difference of £3,201.

The average quote was £2,438, while estimated door-to-door transit times ranged from 4 to 14 weeks, with an average of 9.9 weeks across the 10 companies that provided estimates.

The comparison below shows all 11 quotes, ranked from cheapest to most expensive, including the services offered and estimated delivery times. These times were provided by the removal companies and were not independently verified.

*Destination charges clarified: indicates whether the company explained its destination charges during the quotation process, either in its initial quote or after follow-up questions. This does not mean those charges were included in the quoted price.

The hidden charges that can increase your moving costs

Our research highlighted how easily additional charges can be overlooked when comparing international removal quotes. Some costs were clearly itemised, while others only came to light after we asked further questions.

Here are the main fees to look out for before booking.

Port and customs charges

• Destination terminal handling charges (DTHC): fees for handling your shipment at the arrival terminal. Check whether these are included in your quote.
• Customs clearance: charges for processing the paperwork needed to clear your belongings through Canadian customs. Ask whether this service is included and what it covers.
• Inspection and quarantine fees: if Canadian customs authorities select your shipment for examination or require treatment, you may face additional charges.
• Demurrage and storage: fees can build up if your shipment remains at the port or in a warehouse beyond the permitted free period.

Packing and protection

• Specialist packing: fragile or valuable belongings, such as artwork, mirrors and antiques, may require additional protective materials or custom crates.
• Marine transit insurance: full-value protection is generally an additional expense. Check what’s covered, the excess and whether self-packed belongings are subject to exclusions.
• Furniture dismantling and reassembly: some removal companies expect you to take furniture apart before collection and reassemble it after delivery. These services may cost extra.

Collection and delivery

• Difficult property access: narrow staircases, broken lifts/elevators, long driveways and high-rise buildings may result in additional handling charges.
• Parking permits: restricted parking at either address may require permits or special loading arrangements.
• Shuttle vehicles: if a removal truck can’t reach your property, the company may charge for a smaller vehicle to transport your belongings.
• Unpacking and packing material removal: door-to-door delivery doesn’t always include unpacking your boxes or disposing of protective materials.

Government duties and taxes

• Customs duties: certain belongings may be subject to import duties if they don’t qualify for Canada’s personal effects exemptions.
• Canadian sales taxes: goods that aren’t eligible for duty- and tax-free entry may attract GST/HST or other applicable taxes.

Sea freight vs air freight: which offers better value?

We focused our research on sea freight because it’s generally the cheaper option for shipping household belongings from the UK to Canada. Air freight is faster but considerably more expensive, especially for bulky items such as furniture.

Full Container Load (FCL) vs Less than Container Load (LCL)

• Full Container Load (FCL): you hire an entire shipping container, making it more suitable for larger moves. You’ll pay for the whole container, even if you don’t fill it.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): your belongings share container space with other shipments, reducing costs for smaller moves. However, additional handling and consolidation can mean longer delivery times.

Moving pods: a flexible alternative

Moving pods offer dedicated space for your belongings while benefiting from shared sea freight transport.

Seven Seas Worldwide’s MoveCube® is a secure container delivered to your address for you to load before it’s shipped overseas to Canada.

What we learned about the true cost of moving to Canada

After contacting 18 removal companies and comparing 11 quotes, one thing became clear: getting an accurate shipping cost isn’t always straightforward. Some companies provided detailed estimates quickly, while others needed several follow-up emails before explaining their charges.

Beyond the prices, we noticed significant differences in how companies communicated. Clear answers, realistic delivery estimates and a willingness to explain exclusions gave us greater confidence in the service being offered.

For our 6m³ shipment from London to Toronto, quotes ranged from £1,665 to £4,866, with an average of £2,438. Yet our preferred option wasn’t the cheapest. At £2,265, Company H offered a better combination of services, transparent pricing and helpful communication for our particular needs.

Our biggest takeaway? Don’t judge an international removal quote on price alone. Find out exactly what’s included, question anything unclear and make sure you’re comparing the same level of service before booking.