Deciding to emigrate to Canada was an exciting and challenging journey for us. One of the biggest tasks has been, and still is, packing and shipping our container. Here, we’d like to share the decisions we made during the packing process.
Finding a Shipping Partner
An unexpected hurdle was finding a suitable partner to ship our container. Initially, we planned to purchase a container and ship it ourselves, but this turned out to be more difficult than anticipated. None of the freight companies we contacted were willing to ship a privately-owned container. They all insisted that the containers must meet specific certifications and inspections. This contradicted the stories we had heard from others, who told us they had no issues shipping their own containers. In reality, however, it proved nearly impossible. Ultimately, we had to rent a container from the shipping company that met the required standards.
To clarify, the containers belong to the shipping companies, and even the freight forwarders must rent them as they don’t own their own containers. Finding a partner with experience handling the necessary paperwork for Canada was also a challenge.
Decisions, Decisions…
From the start, we had to carefully decide what would come with us and what would stay behind. This decision wasn’t easy but necessary. After much consideration and discussion, we decided not to bring our furniture. The main reason was the limited space in the container, as furniture takes up a lot of room. Additionally, many of our furniture pieces are over ten years old, making the cost-to-benefit ratio for transport unfavorable. We also carefully sorted through our clothes, deciding what would make the journey with us and what wouldn’t.
The Packing Process
Packing the container was a real challenge. Everything needed to be packed securely and efficiently. We used special packing materials to protect our tools and equipment, provided by the shipping company we selected.
Theoretically, we wouldn’t have had to pack anything ourselves, as the shipping company offered full packing services. However, being the frugal people we are, we packed everything we could ourselves.
A special thank you to the great team at Spedition Englmayr!
What We Packed
We focused on the items essential for our work and daily needs:
- Tools and work equipment: As we’re very hands-on, it was important for us to bring our high-quality tools. Not only are they expensive to replace, but they’re also essential for our planned projects in Canada. To continue using our battery-powered and electric tools in Canada, Gernot organized the necessary converters and packed them as well.
- A generator: To ensure we are independent and have power in our new home, we packed a generator. It was repeatedly suggested that all Canadians should have backup power since power outages can last from hours to days. (So far, we’ve only experienced a few hours of outage.)
- Wood stoves: Canada is known for its cold winters, so we packed our wood stoves to provide reliable and cozy heating during the colder months. These stoves offer not only warmth but also a sense of homeyness that we didn’t want to miss. From a small cook stove to a bath stove, we’ve equipped ourselves with off-grid heating options.
- Books: As avid readers, it was important for us to bring a selection of our favorite books. Although many may think, „That’s what e-books and readers are for,“ we should mention that our small library consists almost entirely of non-fiction books on various subjects. Many of these books were passed down from our grandparents and are not available in e-book form.
- Audio equipment: For Gernot’s work, as well as his musical and technical projects, we carefully packed his audio equipment. Microphones, speakers, and other gear—whose names I can’t pronounce—were packed securely to ensure a safe journey across potentially rough seas.
- Kitchen utensils and small appliances: We packed some essential kitchen items and small household appliances to ensure we are well-equipped during the initial phase. Larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines will be purchased locally in Canada.
- Bedding and towels: Fresh bedding and towels are essential for starting out in our new home, so we packed these as well.
The size of the truck we used roughly matched the space in the container, and thanks to this estimate from our freight forwarder, we had a good idea of what would fit and what had to be left behind.
Current Status: Delays Due to Import Regulations
Unfortunately, our packed items are still with the freight forwarder, as we haven’t been able to ship the container due to various import regulations.
Many of the details we received from acquaintances who had previously shipped containers turned out to be outdated or applicable only under different circumstances.
As of 2023/24, to import a container to Canada, you need either:
- A valid work permit or higher residence permit
- A seasonal resident permit (vacation home)
- A rental agreement valid for more than three years
- Or you must post a security deposit equal to the container’s value at customs and take all imported items with you when leaving the country.
These regulations presented us with unexpected bureaucratic hurdles, taking more time than we initially thought.
Although we own property in Canada and thought we qualified for the seasonal home requirement, we quickly learned that this only applies if there is a house on the property.
Despite careful planning and the support of the freight company, which assisted us with the necessary paperwork, we are still facing delays. We hope to overcome these challenges soon and send our container on its way to Canada.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Canada is a significant step for us, and packing the container was just the beginning. We’re looking forward to our new life and the adventures ahead. If you have similar plans or are curious about how such a move works, stay tuned and follow our journey. It’s bound to be an exciting ride!
Your Thoughts?
Now we’d love to hear from you: Have you had similar experiences with packing and shipping a container? What would you have done differently in our situation? What tips and advice can you offer for the next steps in the process?
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below and become part of our community on this exciting journey toward self-sufficiency and permaculture. Together, we can learn, grow, and make our dreams a reality!