
Moving To NYC From Canada – Common FAQs During Your Move
New York City is a bustling metropolis that has attracted many Canadians who want to work in media, tech, and other American industries, or who want to attend top colleges like NYU. But moving to NYC from Canada is not always simple. Let’s discuss a few common questions related to moving to NYC from Canada now.
Do I Get To Bring My Household Goods When I Move To NYC From Canada?
Yes. The US allows you to bring in all of your household goods and personal items duty-free, as long as they are owned by you and have been used for at least one year. Make sure to declare newer items or antiques that are under 100 years old, as these are not exempt from duties.
If you are thinking about moving to NYC from Canada in the near future, it’s a good idea to avoid any large purchases, since you may have to pay additional taxes on them when you enter the US. Make sure you declare any items that are less than a year old, or they may be confiscated and you may face taxes and monetary penalties.
How Can I Ship My Household Goods To NYC From Canada?
Since the US and Canada are connected by land, it’s the most common to ship your household goods to NYC from Canada by truck. You can simply hire a moving company that specializes in international shipping, and send your items and all required paperwork with them.
Ocean freight is occasionally used for moving to NYC from Canada, but is much less common, since it requires more complicated logistics and is typically quite a bit slower. Air freight is an option, but is extremely expensive, particularly for heavy items.
Can I Take My Car To NYC From Canada?
Yes. As long as your vehicle is less than 25 years old, and meets U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) safety standards and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, it can be brought into the US. You will need a compliance letter from the vehicle manufacturer stating that the vehicle meets EPA and DOT standards.
However, you should think about whether or not you will really need a car in NYC. With subways, trains, buses, and robust public transit, it’s easy to live without a car – and the cost of maintaining, parking, and registering a car in NYC can be very high. It may be better to sell your car before you leave Canada, and try a car-free lifestyle in NYC.
For more information about shipping a car to NYC from Canada, you can visit this page from the U.S. NHTSA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
Make Your Move With An Experienced International Moving Company!
At A-1 Auto Transport, our network of moving companies can help you move to NYC from Canada quickly and easily, and work out all of the logistics related to importing your household goods. To get started, contact us online or give us a call for a consultation and a quote.



Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
Email me - info@a1autotransport.com