Crossing continents? Not exactly a walk in the park. There is an absolute ocean of information and uncertainties online. It’s like diving into the internet abyss—so much data, yet none seems to be the right fit. I have scoured countless websites, each one promising to be the ultimate guide, but it’s all just a tangled web of ‘do this, do that’ with a side of ‘if you’re A, then this, but if you’re B, well, good luck!’ Trying to piece it all together feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Cue the frustration!

In my quest to relocate, I contacted numerous shipping companies, only to face significant hurdles. It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, with my email overflowing with unanswered messages and my phone silent with unreturned calls. Out of the many companies I contacted, it seemed like a roll of the dice—only one out of seven bothered to respond to my inquiries. Most companies appeared reluctant to engage or provide quotes for moves planned for 18-24 months, leaving me puzzled. Am I the only one who values careful planning? It’s hard to believe everyone operates in a universe where last-minute decisions reign supreme. I can not imagine taking this big step without knowing how much money I will eventually need for the move.

Fortunately, I connected with David, who understood my dilemma and promised assistance. True to his word, he put me in contact with his department that specializes in shipping personal belongings, located on Canada’s west coast.

Here’s the catch: the shipping company will deliver the container to our home, giving us a two-hour window to load half of it. Any additional time required beyond the initial two hours will incur a charge of 150.00 Canadian dollars per hour. Once we have loaded our boxes and furniture, they will be transported to the shipping yard, where my vehicle will be boarded and secured before the container is sealed for the journey.

Upon arrival at the Port of Caen, there will be arrival fees of USD 500.00 per container. We can prepay these fees in Canada or pay the steamship line directly in France. Following this, we will clear French customs and arrange for a container delivery company to transport the items from the port to our location in Normandy.

Estimating the total cost of the move, including shipping my car in a 40ft. container, arranging local transportation, and potential import fees, falls around 8,000.00 Canadian dollars. 

Here are some key insights from my inquiries:

• The estimated transit time for our belongings from the port to our destination in France is 20 to 30 days.
• Including our car in the container with our other belongings is the most cost-effective choice, as any standard SUV can fit in the container.
• All items must be packed with care, especially those containing glass, which should be marked as fragile. Despite precautions, breakage during transit is possible (and should be expected) due to ship movement and container handling.
• Considering shipping methods, choosing RoRo (Roll on, roll off) for the car would incur higher costs and require clearing customs in Antwerp, Belgium, which is approximately twice the expense of shipping the car and belongings in one container to France.
• 2-3 SUVs could fit into a 40-foot container. From researching, so can 22 pallets of goods and approximately 60 boxes.
• The shipping company assures that all necessary documentation will be provided, including information on import duties, taxes, or additional fees to factor into the budget.
• Optional insurance coverage is available for added peace of mind regarding the safety of our items during transit.
• A dedicated contact person will oversee our file, providing updates and allowing us to track our shipment’s progress from the port to its final destination.

I have anticipated a move cost of 10,000 Canadian dollars (approximately 6,815 euros converted amount in February 2024), factoring in potential price increases and unforeseen expenses. 

While the road ahead seems challenging as I navigate the hurdles and the back-and-forth correspondences, I am gradually assembling a dependable team of professionals. The assistance of a trustworthy moving company brings a sense of hope and positivity to the experience. Keep an eye out for future updates!

A bientôt!