Discover our expert tips to help you pack your household items and belongings for domestic and international shipping, removals and storage.
Why choose us over other Canada movers?
Purpose-built international moving boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your long distance moving for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE moving storage before and after shipping
Spread the cost of moving by paying in three instalments
A trusted international mover for over 25 years
Whether it's a new career, an opportunity to study, or simply the desire to experience a different way of life, moving abroad is an adventure like no other. However, the thought of getting all your worldly belongings from A to B, especially when moving long distances, can be daunting. Don't worry, our team of experts movers have been helping people relocated abroad for over a quarter of a century.
As one of the country's leading overseas movers, we specialise in door-to-door relocation shipping and own a vast network of depots covering countless destinations across the globe. With our extensive experience, we make the international moving process efficient, affordable and stress-free, allowing you to spend more time on the things that matter, like finding your dream home and planning the perfect bon voyage party.
For some areas we only offer to a door-to-depot international moving service, and the depot might not be close to your address — please check before booking.
International moving and clearing customs regulations with the MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® is an overseas moving solution unique to our company. Designed to provide your household items with ultimate protection and security during international removals, the MoveCube® is essentially your own mini shipping container delivered to your door, ready for you to pack. You can fill it with anything from bedding and clothes to larger items like your sofa and washing machine. Then, once you've completed the online documentation, our movers will handle the rest, from moving the MoveCube® safely overseas to seeing it through customs.
Here are just a few of the benefits of using our container for overseas removals:
- No hidden costs: no one enjoys getting hit with extra charges at the end of a moving order — that's why our free online quote tool clearly itemises your purchase. Plus, instead of asking you to pay one lump sum in advance of delivery, we charge in affordable two or three-part instalments.
- We own removals depots all over the globe: our vast network of international removals services span from the UK to New Zealand, covering countless countries in between. As we handle the entire international moving process, we can promise that from the moment you place your order through to delivery, you'll be speaking with us and only us and we pride ourselves on delivering unrivalled customer service.
- Two weeks of free moving storage: also included with your MoveCube® is two weeks of complimentary storage on either side of your relocation at one of our secure storage facilities.
Designed to provide your household items with ultimate protection and security during international removals, the MoveCube® is essentially your own mini shipping container delivered to your door, ready for you to pack.
See our international MoveCube® in action:
Our affordable international moving services in 5 steps
Free quick moving quote
Our instant quote tool provides itemised, free estimates for all removals cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your moving order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty moving 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 removals through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
Popular countries our international movers cover:
Whether you're moving to the Australian coast for sun and sea, looking for a little peace and quiet in the mountains of Canada or have found your dream job in the business hub of Singapore, our international moving services cover all four corners of the globe. Here are the most popular global destinations our removals service reaches (remember to check out our Customs Advice page):
The MoveCube®: international moving made easy
Moving abroad doesn't mean you have to leave behind all your hard-earned and much-loved personal effects. Instead, take them with you using our International MoveCube® for removals. It's essentially your own mini shipping container delivered to your door, and it truly is the easiest and most secure way to ship household items overseas.
Each moving pod can carry up to 1.25 tonnes, and there are three sizes available for you to choose from, Large, Medium and Small. We can also provide multiple containers for larger removals. Here's a handy guide to help you estimate out how many MoveCubes® you need depending on the size of your property:
1 bedroom apartment: 1 Large MoveCube® and 1 Medium MoveCube®
2 bedroom apartment: 2 Large
2 bedroom house: 3 Large
3 bedroom house: 5 Large and 1 Medium
4 bedroom house: 7 Large and 1 Medium
5 bedroom house: 9 Large
What MoveCube® sizes are there for overseas Canada movers?
Do you need an international moving pod for a 1-bed flat or a 3-bed family home? Whatever you need, the MoveCube® can accommodate. Below are the dimensions for each MoveCube® size and the contents of your free Starter Pack kit. However, if you decide you don't need as many containers or would prefer a smaller size, let us know a few working days before their arrival and we'll change your order for no additional charge.
On the other hand, if there are a few extra boxes or bags you're unable to squeeze in, we'll send them using our overseas shipping service.
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.
More on your free Starter Pack for overseas moving
Before we deliver the MoveCube® moving pod, you must book a suitable date for one of our drivers to conduct a site inspection and drop off your complimentary Starter Pack.
This kit contains some essential packing materials to help you wrap your personal effects securely before moving overseas.
See below for all the items you'll receive:
1 x brown tape
Use to seal the lid and secure the bottom of your moving boxes.
1 x knife
For opening boxes and cutting parcel tape to size.
1 x marker pen
To number your moving boxes, bags and suitcases to match your inventory.
1 x measuring tape
Measure goods to check they fit the container.
1 x tape gun
Ideal for speedy wrapping and moving box assembly.
3 x floor sheets
One for each MoveCube® size, lay flat and use as a guide to see what they can fit.
What shipping boxes for long distance moving do we offer?
Our super sturdy boxes are another benefit of our international movers. These moving containers are manufactured to our exact specifications from double-walled, chemically-hardened cardboard to give your personal belongings maximum protection during overseas moves.
Although we have bespoke moving boxes for particularly fragile or unusually shaped items such as bikes and musical instruments, the Large MoveCube® comes with our Large and Standard boxes — see below for their dimensions.
Large moving box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Kid's toys
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard moving box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Kitchen utensils
FAQs about our international moving services
Wherever you're moving, our trusted team of international movers can deliver your belongings to your new home with minimal fuss and little effort on your part. Here's how long distance moves work in three simple steps:
Generate an instant quote: enter the to and from addresses and as much information as possible about the items you're moving into our free quote tool. Once you've got your clear, itemised price, place your order and choose a convenient date for our movers to deliver your starter pack and conduct a site check, and then a date for the delivery of your empty MoveCube(s)®.
Pack your moving boxes: next, carefully wrap your possessions and, if you've ordered a Large MoveCube®, pack them in the double-walled, chemically-hardened moving boxes that come with your starter pack. On the day we deliver your empty MoveCube(s)®, you'll be allocated a time to load your boxes and any other items, such as mattresses, furniture or white goods, into the container depending on its size (the same process applies for unloading at the shipment's destination).
Complete the online documentation: lastly, fill out the documentation we'll send to your online account, including a detailed inventory to record the contents of your shipment and optional insurance forms for additional peace of mind, then book a collection date. From there, our movers will handle the rest: moving your goods overseas, clearing them through customers and delivering them to your new address. Easy!
Due to their size and weight, our Canada movers ship your MoveCubes® by sea — the least expensive mode of international moving! However, you'll need to use our no-obligation quote engine or contact our multilingual customer support team for transit times, as these vary depending on the destination country and whether you would like our long distance movers to deliver your shipment to your new address or the port for you to collect.
The best way to get an accurate price for our international moving service is to fill out our free instant shipping quote form. Don't worry — it's quick and easy to submit and will give you a comprehensive breakdown of all the costs involved, including customs regulations clearance, warehouse handling, and other related charges.
Unfortunately, many long distance movers either don't know or exclude certain destination fees from their quotes, leading to surprise costs down the line. However, we are committed to 100% transparency, and as our quality service is end-to-end, we can tell you exactly what all the moving costs are before you book.
Each country has its own list of prohibited goods that, unfortunately, you won't be able to take with you when moving overseas. There are some obvious items that all destinations forbid, such as illegal drugs, firearms, explosives and counterfeit or pirated goods. But also some more uncommon restrictions, for example, both Australia and New Zealand won't allow the importation of pain relief head bags and China and Hong Kong have a ban on milk powder.
For smooth and stress-free international moving, we strongly recommend referencing at our Prohibitive Goods page before starting to pack.
Loading your MoveCube® moving pod can feel a little like playing a giant game of Tetris. Don't worry, though, as below, we've listed our top five tips to help you get everything into your moving containers safely and securely. Plus, our expert long distance movers will offer plenty of advice:
- Place the heaviest items, like your sofa, washing machine or fridge, on the floor in the centre of the MoveCube®, as this is where the box is most robust.
- Keep the load level and pad any gaps, for example, by using a mattress turned on its side, to prevent your goods from sliding about while at sea.
- When shipping to Australia or New Zealand, please place any shoes or boots in the white box provided with the soles facing upwards and load last. Ensuring these items are ready for inspection will make the customs process much smoother as these countries have strict regulations regarding importing items that might contain dirt and other organic materials.
- To avoid any confusion during the moving process and make it easier for you to identify what goes where when unpacking, label at least one side of each box with your name, job number and a description of its contents.
- Although you can, of course, fill your MoveCube® with your own boxes, we highly recommend using the brand new, chemically-hardened cardboard containers we provide as they're specially designed to withstand long international trips.
4 popular countries for expats moving abroad
We are one of the country's leading international movers, helping over 40,000 people ship their belongings across the globe every year. Although no moving destination is too far, after compiling our 2021 Global Movement Report, our research found the top relocation destinations are America, the UK, Spain and Australia.
So, if you're toying with the idea of international moving but aren't sure where to head, here are some essential facts about these four expat favourites to help inform your decision. You can also find more international moving and shipping information on our Customs Advice page.
The USA
The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants moving to the Land of Opportunity with open arms, and has a strong sense of community that still runs strong in the hearts of its citizens, whether they live in a small town or a big city.
Types of visas: unlike some other countries, acquiring a visa when moving to the USA can take up to a year. However, if you possess a skill an American company needs, they'll typically apply for it on your behalf.
Job opportunities: the idea you can achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it still plays a significant role in how American employers treat their staff. So, work hard, and you're likely to see your career flourish.
Healthcare: ranked amongst the best in the world, healthcare in the US is pricey, but most companies offer generous medical and dental insurance policies.
Education: American schools and colleges are world-renowned, excelling in extracurricular activities like summer camps which prepare children for life beyond formal education.
Lifestyle: from their burgers and highways to their friendly personalities and wide-open spaces, everything in the States is super-sized, and you'll certainly never get bored of living life like you're in a movie.
Spain
It's easy to see why this land of vibrant fiestas, mouth-watering delicacies, and laid-back living is popular with expats moving overseas. Plus, no matter if you prefer bustling city life or relaxing in a sunny beach town, Spain has a dream location for everyone.
Types of visas: applying for a Spanish visa is relatively straightforward as long as you meet specific requirements such as proof of sufficient financial funds and a good health certificate.
Job opportunities: Spanish companies emphasise work-life balance, and most people take long lunch breaks and siestas. However, becoming proficient in the language will make finding employment much easier.
Healthcare: hospitals are well-equipped and staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses, and all primary care services are free.
Education: Spain boasts many excellent international schools, popular with expats as English is the primary teaching language and they use an internationally recognised curriculum.
Lifestyle: whether you're sipping vino on a balcony, topping up your tan on the beach or enjoying the vistas high up in the mountains, moving to Spain is all about taking things slow and loving the outdoors.
Australia
The dream destination for many expats moving overseas, especially young families, the idyllic beaches, abundant wildlife and easy-going vibe make living in Australia feel like one long holiday.
Types of visas: unless you're from New Zealand, you'll need to obtain a work visa to live in Australia, but once you've scored that job offer, the resettling process is pretty straightforward.
Job opportunities: businesses in Oz really care about their workers' rights. Not only were they one of the first countries to implement the 40-hour week, but they also pay the highest minimum wage.
Healthcare: their healthcare system is called Medicare, and it offers permanent residents a mix of free and subsidised treatments.
Education: children in Australia benefit from an outstanding school system that focuses on spending time in the Great Outdoors and offers lots of sports clubs and activities.
Lifestyle: thanks to the wonderful weather, being out in nature is an absolute priority for Aussies, and with such a vast country to explore, you'll never run out of adventures.
The United Kingdom
Not only do you get four countries for the price of one, but moving to the UK also means you have centuries of fascinating history, miles of stunning countryside and more pubs than you could ever try a tipple at right on your doorstep.
Types of visas: if you're planning to stay in the UK for longer than six months, you'll need to get a visa, but there are several different types to choose from depending on your situation.
Job opportunities: thanks to a relatively stable economy and countless booming cities, it's easy to find a job after moving to Blighty, although competition is fierce in London.
Healthcare: the UK is a global leader in medicine and home to some of the best hospitals you can find. Plus, once you become a legal resident, you'll have free access to the NHS (National Health Service).
Education: chock-a-block with renowned educational institutions, the concept of higher education practically originated from the UK, with Oxford and Cambridge consistently ranking in the top ten best universities in the world.
Lifestyle: although the Brits are known for their politeness, they do have a dry sense of humour, so prepare for regular banter sessions. Also, bring a brolly.