Moving from Ontario to the USA takes four to six weeks of preparation, and most of it is paperwork. You need a passport and proof of your U.S. status, a detailed inventory with a value for each item, and CBP Form 3299 to bring your used household goods in duty-free. Once the truck is loaded, delivery usually takes three to seven business days, depending on the state. This checklist covers how the move works, who is responsible for what, and the delays you can avoid.

How does a household move from Ontario to the USA work?

A cross-border move with G Force follows five steps:

  1. Quote: you share your Ontario city, destination state and the size of your move.
  2. Move plan: G Force reviews your inventory, confirms the date and gives you the list of border documents.
  3. Packing and loading: the crew packs if you booked packing, then wraps and loads your belongings in Ontario.
  4. Border crossing: the shipment clears Canadian and U.S. customs using your documents.
  5. Delivery: the crew unloads at your U.S. address and places items in the rooms you choose.

The Ontario to USA moving service covers moves to any U.S. state.

Who is responsible for what on a cross-border move?

On a move from Ontario to the USA, you are the exporter and importer of record. Every customs declaration is made in your name, and you pay any duties, taxes, brokerage and inspection fees. These are separate from your moving charges.

  • You: provide accurate documents and a complete inventory, keep prohibited items out of the shipment, and pay border charges.
  • G Force: reviews your inventory, tells you which documents you need, flags items that need special handling, and packs, transports and delivers your goods.
  • A customs broker: files entries for you if you appoint one. Only you or a licensed customs broker may prepare a formal U.S. entry.

The cross-border moving policy sets out these responsibilities in full, including what happens if documents are late.

What documents do you need to move household goods from Canada to the US?

  • A valid passport for each person moving
  • Proof of your right to enter and live in the U.S., such as a visa, green card, or work or study authorization, and your Form I-94 where required
  • CBP Form 3299, the Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles
  • A detailed inventory in English with a realistic value for each item
  • CBP Form 6059B if you cross the border with any of your goods
  • A power of attorney for a U.S. customs broker, if you use one

Under U.S. customs regulations, household effects enter duty-free if you used them abroad for at least one year and they are not intended for anyone else or for sale (19 CFR 148.52). The year of use does not need to be continuous. Recently bought furniture or appliances may not qualify, so check before you buy for the new home. If you are moving before your immigration is approved, different rules apply. Speak to a customs broker or an immigration lawyer first.

G Force Moving coordinator reviewing a household inventory and moving checklist with a couple beside numbered boxes.

Do you need a Canadian export declaration?

Usually not. The CBSA lists non-restricted goods exported for consumption in the United States among the goods that do not need an export declaration. Restricted goods still need the right permit, licence or certificate, and a CBSA officer can still ask you to report exempt goods. If you are taking a vehicle, keep documents showing its vehicle identification number ready for the CBSA.

What can't you bring into the United States?

Some items are prohibited, and others need a permit or declaration. According to CBP, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds and soil may be prohibited or restricted, and all agricultural items must be declared. Undeclared prohibited items are confiscated and can lead to a civil penalty.

For a G Force move, keep these out of the truck:

  • Fresh food, plants, seeds and soil
  • Cash, jewellery and prescription or controlled medication (carry them with you)
  • Firearms and ammunition without permits
  • Explosives, flammables and compressed gases
  • Live animals

Alcohol, tobacco, plants, animals, firearms and vehicles are not part of a standard move unless agreed in writing. If you or your family carry more than US$10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, you must declare it on CBP Form 6059B and file a FinCEN Form 105.

Ontario to USA moving checklist

6 weeks before

  • Confirm your U.S. immigration status and the documents it requires.
  • Request a quote and book your move. Book earlier for May to September, the busiest season.
  • Decide whether you will use a customs broker.

4 to 5 weeks before

  • Sort your home and sell or donate what you won't take.
  • Start your inventory room by room, with a value for each item.
  • Arrange storage if your U.S. home won't be ready on delivery day.

2 to 3 weeks before

  • Complete CBP Form 3299 and check that names match your passport.
  • Remove restricted items, open food and plants.
  • Start packing, numbering each box against your inventory.

Moving week

  • Send your final documents to G Force by the deadline you were given.
  • Pack a bag with passports, medication, valuables and clothes for about a week.
  • Confirm your pickup time and delivery window.

Delivery day

  • Check boxes against your inventory.
  • Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt before the crew leaves, and send any claim in writing within seven days.

What causes customs delays for household goods?

Most delays come from paperwork and from items that shouldn't be in the shipment:

  • A vague inventory. An inventory that only says “household effects” won't be accepted, and a list without item-level detail can get your shipment held.
  • Late or missing documents. If paperwork isn't ready by the deadline, loading or departure can be delayed, at your cost.
  • Undeclared or prohibited items. Food, plants or restricted goods found in boxes can be confiscated, and you remain responsible for fines and delays.
  • Inspections. CBP may inspect your shipment. Waiting time and storage caused by border holds are billed to you.
  • Unclaimed goods. CBP does not notify you when a shipment arrives, and goods not cleared within 15 days can incur storage fees.

Packing affects inspections too. Numbered, labelled boxes that match your inventory are faster to check. G Force packing services cover your whole home or selected rooms. If you pack yourself, keep each box's contents simple and listed.

How long does moving from Ontario to the USA take?

Plan for three to seven business days from loading to delivery. New York is usually faster than Texas or Florida, and the Ontario to Texas page lists delivery times for Texas cities. You get a confirmed delivery window when you book, but border processing is outside the mover's control, so treat any date as an estimate.

When you have your destination state and a rough inventory, request a free quote for your move to the USA.