Moving to US, UPACK moving trucks, crossing border

[baby74 6]

Hi

I'm in the process for a CR-1 visa. I begin to look at some moving companies. My departure is from Montreal, going to Florida.

I'll use a moving truck to bring must of my belongings. I will drive across the border and import my car to US. I have already the compliance letter from Nissan. I'll also bring my dog that have a microship and all her vaccines up to date.

After looking at some companies, seems like UPack (upack.com) fits better my needs because you paid for the space you used. They don't offer the UPack containers in my area, only the moving truck, that works for me.

Do someone had experienced that company ? Do you recommend to do bussiness with that company or suggest another one ?

Is there some paperwork that I need to fill up to declare my belongings in the moving truck ? In my car ?

Do you have suggestions about how to cross the border with my belongings (with my car and moving truck) to make sure that I'll not have any problems at the border.

Thanks for your advice

[John and Irina 1]

Have never used upack before but I was looking into it. Let me know if you do actually use that company and how it went. I will be using Uhaul and driving the truck down to New Jersey. I just feel safer knowing that my items are in my own hands.

There is paperwork to fill out. From what I've researched, you need to fill out form 3299 (https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%203299.pdf). Also you need to write down a list of items you're bringing, how long you've had it and the approx. value of the item. Most people suggest to write a detailed list, just in case they do ask for it. If you're lucky, they don't even bother to look at the items you're bringing.

That's all I've found so far. If you find anymore information, share please!! =) I'll be making the trip myself in November.

[baby74 6]

Thanks for the information. I'l fill out the form. It might be very long if the CBP need a detailed list.

Do you know if we need to keep the limit amount of the valued stuff at 10 000$ as any other trip? or they do an exemption because we'll immigrate to US and this is our moving?

I would also prefer to bring all my stuff with me with a UHaul truck. But going to Florida will be a too long ride, not really comfortable in a truck and my concern is if we need to stop to sleep one night on our way there, someone could steal stuff inside the truck.

I will keep you inform if I have any other information.

[tdotca 41]

Hi,sorry if I am late to the party...

I used Upack for my move from Toronto to California . There are different sizes of cubes that you can choose from. The only paperwork would be the 3299 and of course, you don't have to itemize every single thing ( just group.. 2 box of this ; 1 box of that) and give an approximation of $ amount.

It is not cheap so put in as much as you can as the size can be abit deceiving. I did not have any furniture (except for a computer chair) , only boxes. I could have packed so much more but I was afraid I might be asked why does one have so many purses!? :-)

I had no issues getting the cube ..it took about 1 wk and all was intact. I had to go to 1 of their depots as where I was initially, it would have been difficult for the truck. I would recommend them.

Good luck

[baby74 6]

Thanks a lot Tdotca for the information.

I took the information for the Cubes but they don't offer it in Montreal. They only offer the moving truck but you pay for the space that you use. So, it's great option.

When you say that I don't have to itemize every single thing, do I need to detail what I have in each box or just a general description? Example, if I have 5 pairs of heels and 6 pairs of sneakers in a suitcase, do I just write on the suitcase "Shoes" or I detail specifically ? Same thing if I have kitchen items, do I need to detail each item or just "kitchen stuff"?

Thanks again for your help

[tdotca 41]

Sorry I don't remember to sign on as often as I should.

On the form, put 1 box shoes - 100$ or whatever is the estimate. If box is filled with shoes/purses/clothes , you can put that detail on the form along with the $ amount or just put clothing apparel or whatever words come to mind. Same goes for kitchen stuff. You don't have to put 5 pairs of shoes/ 3 boots./ 3 spatulas / etc or that form will be long . :_0

[baby74 6]

Perfect. Thanks a lot. Have a great day

[NikLR 13,227]

because you're not accompanying your goods, you will need a more detailed list and values for each box.

Whatever is in your car or a moving truck with you, however, can have the generalized list.

[baby74 6]

Thanks for the reply NikLR

.

When I write the value, is it the actual value of my used stuff ? Let say if I have 5 pairs of sneakers, I'll write on the box, total value of 150$ for 30$ each (used) and total value of 400$ for 80$ each (new)

Is it what I need to do ?

[NikLR 13,227]

Thanks for the reply NikLR

.

When I write the value, is it the actual value of my used stuff ? Let say if I have 5 pairs of sneakers, I'll write on the box, total value of 150$ for 30$ each (used) and total value of 400$ for 80$ each (new)

Is it what I need to do ?

That sounds good to me. It's decently accurate. Did you get the form from the CBP website? Use a really long second page! I wouldn't write down each pair of shoes just the quantity of each item.

Like:

kitchen spices x 20 - $100

used shoes x 3 - $150

new shoes x 2 - $80

OR (better yet)

Shoes x 5 - $230

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/354/~/moving-to-the-u.s.---duty-free-entry-of-unaccompanied-goods,-firearms,-gift

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%203299.pdf

Edited October 9, 2016 by NikLR

[NikLR 13,227]

Unless a specific item is really expensive or needs it's own spot like "couch" or "dining room table and chairs" I'm going to assume you can group items together in that manner.

[baby74 6]

Perfect. Thanks a lot for the info

Have a great weekend

[oncefuturealien 45]

My movers labelled 16 boxes of kitchen and related items as "China" with no value attached. But it's different when you have movers do it. It also left me in the crazy position when I got here, of having 16 boxes to open/unpack before I knew where this or that or the other thing was So I don't recommend being that general about it!!

I guess my point is you don't have to be too specific. They understand that you are moving your whole house, basically.

[baby74 6]

Thanks a lot