Moving your things before POE

[Lights 56]

Can your fiance help you move your things a few weeks prior to POE?

I hired movers and recall they weren't able to move my items until I was in the US but I can't remember if that's because I hired movers or if that was a law.

I'm trying to help my friends who are also making this move. Unlike me, they actually don't have a lot of stuff. Just clothes and some small heirlooms. They will be making a drive because they have a dog. However, her US fiance will be in Canada one more time before her official move date.

He recently asked whether he could help with the load by packing some of her clothes in his suitcase and also checking in a bag, just so they can fit all their things in the trunk (instead of getting a trailer attachment). I didn't know how to answer...Is that allowed? Is there a form (import/export) that he can fill out to ensure that they know it's old/not new clothes of his fiance - soon to be wife?

[chiggins82 87]

You are not allowed to import your things until you have entered the country. It's possible they wouldn't notice if he brought some things back, but if they did find out, he might have to leave it at the border. I don't know if that happened what they would do with your stuff (ie hold it or destroy it).

I guess it depends if it is worth the risk vs cost of the trailer. They probably wouldn't even ask about it if it was just some clothes, but if they did and he lied and was caught, that could be a problem for him. If he told the truth, there is a possibility they would not let the items across the border. If they don't ask then they'd probably get through.

Doesn't make the choice easy! If it was me, I would just get the trailer then you don't have to worry about it.

You also don't have to import your stuff all at the time you move, so if that was an option they could leave some items behind and get them later.

[NikLR 13,220]

People do it, but legally no. He's supposed to declare anything that leaves Canada that didn't arrive with him, that includes her items. She can import them duty free for the next 10 years.