Whether you are moving to Ontario from another province in Canada or from the US makes no difference. The only important thing is to consider how to conduct that relocation. And the best way to do this is to learn what you need for the task of relocating to Ontario. Planning and organization, expenses, hiring a professional Ontario long-distance moving company, securing your new home and start-up budget… To start with, contact our Neeley’s Van and Storage professionals to get more details. These are all elements that you should consider well ahead of time so as to prepare for the long distance relocation ahead.

Moving to Ontario from a different province?
Relocating from another province? Whether you’re moving to Ontario or from it, we’re here to make it easier for you. There are all sorts of reasons you may have to move to another province. Perhaps it’s for a new job or just the need for a change of scenery. Maybe you simply want to enjoy the Ontario landscape. No matter your reasons for changing provinces, it’s always exciting when you decide to take a leap and move somewhere completely new.
Even though long distance or international relocation is more challenging, it does not have to be overwhelming. With the proper amount of planning and organization, it can be as easy as a local Sudbury move. And in case you are feeling intimidated or nervous about the entire endeavor, don’t be. Moving to Ontario is a lovely experience that you should learn to cherish.
And the best way to cherish this chance is with the proper moving organization and knowledge. You need to know the proper questions to ask when you interview professional Ontario movers. Trust us, it takes a little of your time but saves you a whole lot of trouble.
Expenses you might not have considered when moving to Ontario
You should take the time to round up the overall costs of relocating to Ontario. After all, it’s important to determine a long distance moving budget before all else. There are helpful tools such as the instant quote calculator, which will help you calculate all moving costs. However, if you choose to do your own calculation, bear in mind these expenses that are often forgotten.
Ontario housing costs

The real estate costs depend on the province you consider to move to. You might end up paying more for a smaller apartment in the city center. Or you might be inclined to purchase a large home on the outskirts of the city for the same amount of money. But then you need to consider expenses of commuting to work and traveling every day. So the final choice is yours.
A thorough research is in order when facing such an important decision. Look into various housing markets before actually moving to Ontario. Investigate the current real estate deals in the province.
Transportation expenses when moving to Ontario
You shouldn’t drive into a province before you check transportation expenses first. These fees vary from province to province and can easily shock both you and your wallet if not careful. So consider:
- Public transit fees and monthly passes
- Gas prices if you are a car owner
- Insurance rates of the province
Once you learn and compare these expenses, it will be easier for you to choose. Whether you will be living nearby or far away or using a car instead of public transport are just some of the decisions you will be faced with. Moving to a bigger city in Ontario reduces your commute to work, but there is the parking cost to consider. Living a bit further boosts the monthly cost of fuel. So every scenario has it’s good and bad sides – it’s up to you to weigh which one suits your best.
And of course, don’t forget about the insurance costs in different provinces. If you don’t own a car, you have nothing to worry about here. However, if you happen to have a car, the insurance rate can increase in larger cities or during larger commutes.
Cost of living in Ontario
Moving across the country brings about a whole new set of things to do. And you can find yourself saving money due to lower provincial taxes. Or you might spend more money because the food is much more expensive.
Consider what you would like to do outside of work and whether the city you are moving to can accommodate your needs. Check the general cost of living in your prospective hometown. The last thing you want is to waste the entire paycheck on rent. Because if you do, what will there be left for you to do in your new Ontario home?
Moving to Ontario from the USA
Before immigrating to Canada, you’ll need to determine your eligibility and apply for a visa. Keep in mind that application acceptance can take several months. So you should start the process early to ensure everything is ready before the move date. You’ll also want to make sure you have the necessary documents to cross the Canadian border with you.
Do you need a passport when moving to Ontario?
When considering a move to Canada, one of the first things you might wonder is: “Do I need a passport to visit Canada?”. The short answer is – it all depends. Let’s explore some common ways to cross the border and if they require a passport:

- Car. If you’re moving to Ontario by car, you don’t need a passport. However, you will need to prove your U.S. citizenship and a passport is an excellent way to do so.
- Plane. Adults and children flying to Canada are required to carry a passport. Some airlines may require additional documents, so check with them before departing.
- Boat. Traveling by boat does not call for a passport, but you will need to prove U.S. citizenship.
While crossing the border may not always require a passport, the Canadian Border Patrol recommends carrying one during an international travel. So it’s a good idea to have it with you. Also, keep in mind that if the trip across the border occurs when you will be permanently moving there (not just house/job hunting), you will need a passport to transfer your belongings. Keep reading to learn more about moving to Ontario.
Note: If you don’t have a passport and need one quickly, be sure to check processing times. Routine and expedited service times can vary, based on the time of year.
Once you have everything required to relocate to Canada, it’s time for the next step. You have to figure out how to move your personal belongings into the country.
Need help moving to Ontario from the US?
It takes some planning to coordinate a long distance move. And crossing an international border means there’s even more that you need to check off your list. If you’re looking for reliable cross-border moving companies, consider Neeley’s Van and Storage! While this “you pack, we drive” service makes it simple to move from the U.S. to Canada, there are some things you’ll need to do to make the move as easy as possible. Since there’s a lot of information to cover, we’ll get right to it.
What you need to move to Ontario from the US
Because you’ll be shipping furniture from one country to another, the correct documentation will be required to enter Canada and clear your belongings for delivery. The professional movers will need the following:
- a copy of the page in your passport that includes your photo,
- a copy of your visa and a copy of the completed BSF186 and BSF186A (an itemized list of your items in their approximate Canadian dollar value).
Providing the movers with these documents can make your move from the U.S. to Ontario possible.
Helpful tips for relocating to Ontario from the USA
- When completing your BSF186 and BSF186A, keep the itemized inventory list as organized as possible. You need this in order to prevent any unnecessary hold-ups at the border. Remember, the goal is to waste as little time as possible on processes such as border control.
- Read up on “do not ship” lists so you know what not to put in the moving trailer or container. Keep in mind that professional moving companies can’t transport anything with a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) into Canada. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.
- Refer to Neeley’s detailed move plan to better prepare for the moving day and to learn what you need for a smooth relocation.
Crossing the Canadian border with children
If you’re moving your family to Ontario, you’ll need to know what’s required to get there with kids. Whether entering by air, land or sea, specific documentation is needed for minors (children under 18) moving across the border. It’s important that you have the correct papers because Canadian border officials are constantly on alert for missing or runaway children.

Here’s what minors need to enter Canada:
- A passport or birth certificate is required if the minor enters by land or sea. For air travel, a passport is required.
- If the minor is traveling alone, the child should have a copy of their birth certificate, their passport and a letter of authorization signed by both parents or by their legal guardian.
- In case the child is traveling with only one parent, the child should have a copy of their birth certificate/passport and a letter of authorization signed by the parent not traveling with them.
- If the minor is traveling with a legal guardian or adoptive parents, the guardian should have a copy of the guardianship papers or the adoptive parents should have a copy of the adoption papers.
- If the minor is traveling with a person other than their parents or legal guardian, that person should have written permission from the parents/guardians to supervise the child.
Canadian Border officers will not admit a child if they are not convinced that the parents or legal guardian have authorized the child’s stay. For additional information, visit the Government of Canada website.
Moving to Ontario with pets?
Planning to move to Canada from the U.S. with pets? If so, there are certain requirements the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) established for pets entering the country that you should know. The agency reserves the right to refuse entry to any animal presented for importation, but these tips should help make the move easy.

- Moving to Ontario with cats. The import requirements for cats depend on the age of the cat and the rabies status of the country of export. Domestic cats do not have to be quarantined, nor they require a health certificate. Check with your airline for additional documentation needed if flying to Canada.
- Moving to Ontario with dogs. Dogs imported into the country will have a documentary inspection by the Border Services Agency to make sure the rabies vaccination is current and the animal matches the description on the certificate. If the dog is inspected further by the CFIA, an inspection fee will apply.
If you’re importing any other kind of animal or have questions about the requirements for dogs or cats, please visit the Canada Pet Imports website for more specific information.