Moving from Canada to USA - Customs and Border procedure

[usabound12456 0]

Hi there,

My wife and I are moving down south this coming weekend. We have a u-haul reserved and will fill it with all of our personal belongings and effects (clothes, furniture, kitchen items, etc.)

When I did my POE a few weeks ago, I was told all I really need is an itemized list of all contents that we are brining with us. Is there anything else I might need / should expect? Do I need to fill out any specific customs declaration form, for example? Also, has anyone had any recent experience with this, who can tell me how it went?

I am crossing at Buffalo, NY.

Thanks!

[NikLR 13,227]

You won't need any customs declarations, just your endorsed visa, and a list of the belongings you are moving.

[La Souris 19]

Inspect your UHaul trailer or vehicle very carefully before signing for it. Ours was kaput and we only realized when it was fully packed :/

Move and border crossing were otherwise uneventful.

Edited November 11, 2015 by La Souris

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

Moved a daughter to Canada and then back when her husband died/so this is what they wanted at border Niagara Crossing POE

pets must have rabies, and shot records or they are quarantined (don't remember the amount of time but i think 30 days)

no plants

some foods are not allowed

your list can be simple like saying bedroom furniture (not listing each piece weparately)

just say clothes and personal items

money must be declared

if vehicle is Canadian, list it

hope this helps

[usabound12456 0]

Inspect your UHaul trailer or vehicle very carefully before signing for it. Ours was kaput and we only realized when it was fully packed :/

Move and border crossing were otherwise uneventful.

Thanks! Yes, we are renting from u haul, doing a one way trip, so I hope this car is worthy of making it to our destination (900km away). I will drive it around a few kms before we start loading it - anything in particular I should watch out for?

[NikLR 13,227]

Check the oil, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, coolant etc... Also check the tire pressure, see if there are any leaks anywhere, make sure the dials are working, as well as the seat belts. Check the brakes too while you drive it around and make sure to give yourself lots of room to stop when you're driving after filling it up. I don't know how much hauling experience you have but most people don't have much so they don't understand with a full big vehicle you can need up to twice as much space to stop.

I suggest that you have a lock for the back so when you stop to eat you don't need to worry about your stuff going missing.

Make sure everything you pack isn't going to move around. Remember heavy stuff over the wheels/through the middle and to equal out both sides with weight.

Edited November 12, 2015 by NLR

[usabound12456 0]

Check the oil, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, coolant etc... Also check the tire pressure, see if there are any leaks anywhere, make sure the dials are working, as well as the seat belts. Check the brakes too while you drive it around and make sure to give yourself lots of room to stop when you're driving after filling it up. I don't know how much hauling experience you have but most people don't have much so they don't understand with a full big vehicle you can need up to twice as much space to stop.

I suggest that you have a lock for the back so when you stop to eat you don't need to worry about your stuff going missing.

Make sure everything you pack isn't going to move around. Remember heavy stuff over the wheels/through the middle and to equal out both sides with weight.

Thanks for the solid advice. I have hauled once before, and know about the required distance. Luckily I tend to drive around the limit anyways!

[La Souris 19]

One of the tires was completely worn out...

[Póg mo 1,749]

Allow plenty of time. The last time I drove from Manitoba to Minnesota, I saw a uhaul truck being directed around the side of the boarder patrol station to be searched.

[NikLR 13,227]

You always have to park if you are immigrating, but sometimes they'll look inside which is why you need a manifest.