You’re about to set foot in a new chapter of your life. The process is overwhelming at first whether you’re moving for work, studies, or to experience a new culture. But with the right advice, it is a smooth and manageable experience.
One of the first steps in any international relocation is finding reputable international moving companies in Singapore that specialize in long-distance moves. Besides packing your belongings, these professionals will be able to help with everything from managing the logistics of your belongings’ shipping to Canada.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps involved in moving to Canada from Singapore and provide some helpful tips to ensure a successful transition.
Step 1: Plan Your Move
But before diving into the logistics, you need to plan out your move. Settle your mind on dating you will be moving and come up with a charter. Coordination is key when moving internationally, so it’s best to make sure you have enough time to get everything done. At the same time, a well thought out plan will also help you to estimate your moving budget as well as keep you from falling into stress some time before the move.
Some questions to consider during this stage include:
- How do I want to arrive in Canada?
- How do I prepare the documents?
- When will my things arrive?
- How much can I spend moving?
Step 2: Research Canadian Immigration: Requirements
If you’re a Singapore citizen, some immigration requirements have to be met in order for you to work and live in Canada. If you plan on moving for work, or as a student, you’ll need to apply, which may depend on your reasons. Find out which specific visa category you’ll need, research all of the documents you’ll need, and make sure you prepare relevant documents.
For example:
- Work Visa: If you have a secured job in Canada, you require a work visa. Remember to check up with the Canadian Embassy or consulate in Singapore.
- Student Visa: When you plan to study in Canada, you’ll need a study permit and have to qualify (for example, provide proof you have been accepted by a Canadian institution).
- Permanent Residency: If you want to permanently live in Canada, you may want to show you are eligible through the Express Entry system or a provincial nomination program.
Looking for up to date information and timelines for immigration procedures? Be sure to check official government websites.
Step 3: Select an International Moving Company
When deciding which international moving company in Singapore for you, it is one of the most important steps in your entire moving process. The use of a reliable moving company greatly reduces the stress involved with managing your move. You’ll be able to ship safely and be free from the responsibility of packing, transporting, and dealing with customs procedures.
When selecting a moving company, consider these factors:
- Experience with international moves: Clients should look for companies that specialize in moving to Canada. Once on loading docks, they will know the hows of the customs regulations.
- Insurance coverage: Your moving company should provide insurance coverage for your possessions in case something goes wrong during a move.
- Reputation: Read reviews, testimonials, and on the track record of company. A good moving company should have positive feedback from their customers.
You also want to get quotes from several companies so that you can compare price and service offerings. Moving internationally can get expensive very quickly, so make sure the company you choose is going to provide the best value for your budget.
Step 4: Sort and Pack Your Belongings
Then you need to sort through your stuff and decide what you want to bring to Canada with you. It’s a great time to de clutter our home and get rid of things that we no longer need. Consider donating, selling things that aren’t too damaged, or cutting off supplies of things that are outdated or broken.
When it comes to packing, make it sure to pack everything so that nothing gets damaged in the transport. An international moving company in Singapore will usually provide the packing services, but you can choose to pack some items by yourself. Be sure to mark boxes well with their contents and the room in your new home that it belongs to.
Consider the following when packing:
- Weather considerations: Depending where you’re moving, Canada shores have different seasons, so bring the appropriate clothing.
- Important documents: You should be sure to make sure that you keep some very important documents such as your passport, visa, and medical records in a secure but easily found place.
- Valuables and fragile items: When packing fragile stuff like electronics, art, and jewellery take special care while doing the boxing.
Step 5: Shipping and Customs
After your belongings are loaded and ready to go, your moving company organizes shipping. Air or sea freight depending on how much volume you have posed items. Also, know that shipping your belongings internationally usually takes anywhere from one to several weeks, so don’t wait until the day before you leave or your luggage to make a call.
Moving to Canada also has an important aspect of customs regulations. Find out what items you are and are not able to bring into the country, e.g. some food, plants or alcohol. They (you moving company) will help guide you through the customer paperwork needed in order to get a smooth entry process.
When shipping your goods, remember:
- Clearance and duty: Some items that you purchase on Marketplace may have customs duties or taxes added on when they arrive in Canada.
- Delivery options: Discuss delivery options with your moving company, like whether you’re going to be getting your stuff delivered directly to your home, or to a customs facility.
Step 6: Arriving in Canada
After you’ve finished with the shipping, you will need to be prepared for your arrival in Canada. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Airport and immigration procedures: When the plane lands you’ll be processed through immigration and customs. Then ready all your documents (such as visa and passport).
- Accommodation: If you haven’t already gotten housing arrange, you will have to have a place to live. If you’re unfamiliar with Canadian cities, consider renting an apartment or house in the area you’re moving to, as they’ll be more likely to tell you quite honestly what it’ll be like to live there.
- Healthcare and insurance: While public healthcare is pretty much the norm in Canada, you may still need to apply for provincial health coverage. In the interim, you may also wish to buy private health insurance.
- Banking and finances: Get a Canadian bank account, make sure your finances are there for your new life. There are lots of banking options available in Canada, investigate the best for your requirements.
Conclusion
Moving to Canada from Singapore is a thrilling adventure, but it requires careful planning and coordination. From researching immigration requirements to choosing reliable international moving companies in Singapore, each step of the process plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition. If you follow this guide, you’ll be ready for your move and not afraid of it!
The preparation you do, will bring you your new life in Canada. Congratulations on your move and welcome to your soon to be new home!!
