Moving from somewhere as warm as Dubai to a country as cold as Canada is a profound change.
This life change is not as simple as just packing snow boots instead of flip flops. Relocating involves a bunch of complicated logistics. The journey is over 11,000 kilometers, which is not a simple drive. Whether you’re moving to Toronto for work, settling in Vancouver for the lifestyle, or moving all the way to Montreal for school, you’ll need to plan and make sure you cover all logistics.
As professionals in this field, we have assisted hundreds of families in making this exact journey. We understand that the difference between a smooth transition and a nightmare move is simply: organization.
Here is a checklist for your move to Canada, created by Chevron Sea Shipping.
3 Months Before: The “Big Picture” Phase
1. Organize Visa & Documentation. Before you book a container, make sure your entry status is clear. Canada has new customs policies that are very specific to each person moving. Generally, you would need your COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) or a valid Work Permit to import household items without paying duties.
2. Assess What To Keep and What To Discard. Shipping volumes (CBM). Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really need that heavy oak furniture that screams “Dubai” and weighs a few tons – in a modern Toronto condo?
- Will my electronics work? (Canada uses 120V, while the UAE uses 220V – and most appliances don’t work without an expensive converter)
3. Settle Your Survey With Chevron Sea Shipping Do not trust estimates over the phone. Before moving, contact us for a survey. We will come to your home in Dubai to evaluate the volume you need to ship. This will ensure you get the most precise quote without surprises later.
2 Months Before: Start of the Logistics Stage
4. What is your preferred shipment type?
- Sea Freight (FCL or LCL): Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for moving an entire household. On the other hand, if you have only a few boxes, Less than Container Load (LCL) lets you share space with others. It takes about 4.5 weeks, so plan your shipment accordingly.
- Air Freight: This is important for essentials you need right away (like baby supplies or work clothes). It is more expensive.
5. Inform Your Landlord and Utilities. In Dubai, you have to cancel your DEWA and get your clearance certificate. Don’t leave this for the last week!
1 Month Before: Packing Stage
6. Commence the “Deep Clean”. Canadian customs takes the presence of any soil or organic matter on any of your belongings very seriously. If you plan to ship outdoor furniture, camping gear, or shoes, you must thoroughly scrub them. Even small amounts of Dubai sand or soil can flag your shipment for inspections or treatments that could cost you a lot of money.
7. Let the Experts Handle the Delicate Items. You can pack your clothes, but leave the artwork, and large furniture to us. At Chevron Sea Shipping, we handle delicate items with industrial-grade bubble wrap and wooden crates, and use corrugated sheets. Many insurance companies require professional packing for full coverage.
8. Prepare Your “Goods to Follow” List. This is important. When you arrive in Canada, you have to show the airport customs officers a list of items from your sea shipment (Form B4). If a particular item is not on this list, you could be subject to a tax for that item in the future. We can assist you with this list.
1 Week Before: The Final Countdown
9. The Essentials Box: Prepare a suitcase with everything you’ll need for the first two weeks:
- Passports and Visas
- Medical documents
- Your prescription medications
- Chargers and any required power adapters
- A couple of warm clothes (Don’t forget a jacket in your carry-on, it’s always cold in Canadian airports!)
Moving Day: Breathe, We’ve Got This
On the big day, our Chevron Sea Shipping team will be at your Dubai home to wrap and pack your belongings. All you need to do is take a step back, enjoy a coffee, and do a final check of your home to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
Why Choose Chevron Sea Shipping?
Moving across the world is hard. The last thing you want to worry about is whether boxes will be lost or if your vases will be broken. The Dubai to Canada route is what we focus on. We know how the documents and ports work. We also know how to pack the emotional weight of your cargo.
Whether you are moving a single studio apartment or a large villa from Arabian Ranches, we handle your belongings as if they are our own.
Ready to start your Canadian adventure? Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s get you moving!
Schedule your appointment now by visiting our website https://chevron-shipping.com/ and take the first step towards your move.
📞 Call us: +971 4 2888700 📧 Email: [email protected]