How the International Moving Process Works
Every overseas move with Cassidy’s follows the same clear process, designed to keep you informed at every stage:
Before booking, make sure you have the immigration or residency documents required for your destination, such as a work visa, student visa, residency permit, or permanent residency documents. Your Cassidy’s representative will help you understand the moving and customs paperwork required for your shipment.
Request your free in-home estimate. Your Moving Consultant reviews your belongings, timeline, and destination.
Sea freight for most household moves, or air freight for faster delivery and smaller, time-sensitive shipments.
Your Cassidy’s representative provides destination-specific forms and guides you through every step.
We pack, inventory, and load your belongings according to international shipping standards.
Your shipment is collected and delivered to the port for transit.
You receive updates as your goods make their way to your new home.
Full-Service International Moving Services from Ottawa
As an international moving company, Cassidy’s offers complete relocation services for individuals, families, and businesses leaving the Greater Ottawa area.
Every move begins with a free in-home assessment, where one of our Moving Consultants visits your home, reviews your belongings, and provides a detailed estimate based on volume, weight, destination, and shipping method.
Our international moving services can include:
• Full-service or partial packing options to fit your budget and schedule
• High-quality moving boxes, blankets, mattress bags, and furniture wrap
• Climate-controlled storage at our Ottawa warehouse before your move
• Customs documentation guidance tailored to your destination country
• Sea freight and air freight shipping options
• Door-to-door coordination through our trusted global network of partners
For long-distance moving and international relocations, we partner with United Van Lines, Canada’s largest network of professional movers and the only Canadian van line 100% owned and operated by its members. UVL helps keep your move organized from pickup to delivery.
International Moves Beyond North America
Moves outside North America involve more paperwork, longer transit times, and country-specific rules. Every destination has its own customs clearance requirements and prohibited items, which is why your Cassidy’s representative provides paperwork tailored to where you are going and your personal situation.
A few things to know about overseas moves:
• All international shipments must be prepaid before leaving Canada
• Customs paperwork can be completed after booking, since sea transit allows more lead time
• We can pick up your shipment at any time, but allow up to one month for it to leave the port
• Sea freight typically takes four weeks or more, while air freight runs one to two weeks at roughly three times the cost
• Required immigration or residency documents for your destination must be in order before booking
Cassidy’s has moved Ottawa families to popular destinations including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, the Middle East, and Asia. If you don’t see your destination listed, contact us. Our overseas partner network reaches most of the world.
Overseas Moving FAQs
International moving timelines depend on your destination, shipping method, port schedules, customs clearance, and delivery arrangements. Sea freight usually takes up to one month to leave port after pickup, followed by four weeks or more at sea, depending on the destination and sailing schedule. Air freight typically takes one to two weeks. These timelines are estimates and subject to change.
Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective option for larger household moves. It is typically slower, but better suited to furniture, boxes, and full-home shipments. Air freight is faster, but usually costs significantly more. It may be a better fit for smaller shipments, essential items, or belongings you need sooner after arrival.
For moves to the United States, you do not need to be at the border when your shipment crosses, as the driver accompanies the shipment. However, you must enter the United States and declare residency before your goods can clear customs. For overseas moves, customs clearance follows the destination country’s process. Cassidy’s will guide you through the paperwork required before your shipment arrives.
You’ll typically need current passports, photo ID, and proof of legal status in your destination country, such as a work visa, student visa, residency permit, or permanent residency documents. For US moves, birth certificates and social insurance or social security numbers may also be required. Cassidy’s will provide a list of destination-specific documents during the planning process.
The cost of an international move depends on your destination, shipment size and weight, shipping method, packing and storage needs, and customs requirements. Cassidy’s provides a free in-home moving assessment, so that you can receive a detailed estimate based on your actual belongings and destination.
Every country has its own list of prohibited items, which can include certain foods, plants, alcohol, firearms, hazardous materials, chemicals, and other regulated goods. Your Cassidy’s representative provides a destination-specific list during your planning phase.
Moving Reviews
Why Ottawa Families Trust Cassidy’s for International Moves
Our international movers have been moving Ottawa families and businesses since 1908. For more than a century, our local and international moving company has helped customers manage local, long-distance, cross-border, and international moves.
When you choose Cassidy’s for your international move, you get:
- A personalised plan with a dedicated Cassidy’s representative from quote to delivery
- Access to Cassidy’s fleet, United Van Lines network, and international partners.
- Step-by-step guidance through every customs form and shipping requirement
- Experience with both US cross-border and overseas relocations
- Storage options at our climate-controlled Ottawa warehouse before your move
- BBB A+ rated, Canadian Association of Movers member, family-run company established in 1908
- AIR MILES rewards on eligible moves through our United Van Lines affiliation
If your move involves larger logistics needs beyond a household relocation, ask about our freight services, which support commercial shipping across Canada, the United States, and internationally.
Ready to start planning your international move? Request your free international moving quote today.
Trusted Partners
Cassidy’s is a long standing and respected member of the moving industry. We strive to uphold the very best in service, standards, and care no matter how far you’re moving.
We are members of the following organizations:
- United Van Lines
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Canadian Association of Movers
- Air Miles
