Moving from London to Toronto: Customs & Delivery Checklist

Q: 2) What is the BSF186 form and who needs it?

BSF186 is the Personal Effects Accounting Document used to account for personal/household goods when moving or returning to Canada.

Moving across the Atlantic sounds exciting… until you’re knee-deep in boxes, paperwork, and “Where did I save that invoice?” moments. If you’re moving from London to Toronto, the smoothest move usually comes down to two things: (1) getting your Customs Clearance
right, and (2) using a proper delivery checklist so nothing gets missed at the final step.

This guide explains it all in simple English — no fluff, no fuss, just the good stuff. Get details on Best Apartment Movers in Toronto

Quick answer: what most people need to do

If you prefer a brief version, here it is:

Create a complete inventory (values, makes/models, serial numbers for electronics).
Prepare your Personal Effects Accounting Document (BSF186) and your goods to follow list (BSF186A) if your shipment arrives after you do.
Declare anything restricted (food, plants, weapons, etc.) and don’t ship what Canada won’t allow.
Keep your must-have essentials with you (not in the container).
On delivery day, inspect, count, and note damage before signing.

Now let’s go step-by-step.

Table of Contents

Planning your London to Toronto move (without last-minute panic)

A London-to-Toronto relocation is usually a mix of admin + timing. And honestly, timing is where people slip up.

Typical timeline (realistic, not wishful)

Here’s a practical roadmap:

When	What to do	Why it matters
6–8 weeks before	Compare sea freight vs air freight, confirm pickup address access	Schedules fill fast, and access issues create fees
4–6 weeks before	Start your inventory list + gather docs	Customs clearance depends on accurate lists
2–4 weeks before	Sort items: keep / donate / trash / sell	Reduces volume and cost
1–2 weeks before	Pack “open-first” boxes + essentials luggage	You’ll need basics before the shipment lands
Arrival week	Confirm delivery window + building rules (elevator booking, parking)	Toronto condos can be strict

Customs clearance in Canada: what it actually means

Customs Clearance is simply Canada’s way of saying: “Tell us what you’re bringing in, and prove it’s yours.”

If you’re relocating and bringing household goods/personal effects, Canada has a process specifically for that. The big win: many personal/household items can be imported with reduced duties/taxes when properly declared—BUT the paperwork must match your situation.

The key forms (don’t ignore these)

BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document): used to account for your personal effects when moving/returning.
BSF186A (Goods to Follow list): extra pages for itemized lists, especially if goods arrive after you.

Canada’s own guidance for people moving/returning recommends preparing two copies of your goods list (values, details, serial numbers). looking for a Best Goods Container Transportation Service in Toronto ?

Customs paperwork checklist (print this)

Use this as your “no excuses” list.

Document / detail	Needed for	Pro tip
Passport + visa/work permit/PR docs	Entry + status	Keep originals in hand luggage
Address in Toronto (lease, hotel, temporary stay)	Delivery + records	Even a temporary address helps
Inventory list (values + serial numbers)	CBSA processing	Put high-value items on top
BSF186 / BSF186A	Personal effects clearance	Separate “with me” vs “goods to follow”
Proof of ownership (receipts where possible)	High-value items	Screenshots are fine
Insurance certificate (if purchased)	Claims	Save a PDF + email copy

What you should NOT ship to Canada (common troublemakers)

Canada is serious about restricted and prohibited goods. Some items are allowed only with permits, declarations, or special rules.

Pay extra attention to:

Food, plants, animals, and related products (always declare)
Weapons/firearms (declareable, with many restrictions) Cannabis crossing borders without a permit is considered to be a serious

Also: don’t pack aerosols, flammables, paint or fuels or anything that seems like it should stay in the garage workshop. It’s not worth it.

Packing tips that make customs + delivery easier

Packing is not just “put it in a box.” Packing is a strategy.

1) Label like you mean it

Every box should have:

Room name (Kitchen, Bedroom 2)
Priority number (1 = open first)
Short contents (“plates + mugs”, not “stuff”)

2) Make an “open-first” kit

Carry these with you, not in the shipment:

7 days of clothes
Medications + prescriptions
Laptop + chargers + adapters
Basic documents folder
A few sentimental items (because if they go missing you’ll be upset, obviously)

3) Take photos before sealing boxes

This helps with:

Customs questions (what’s in there?)
Insurance claims
“I swear I packed it” arguments later 😅 . Get Details on Best Local Movers in Toronto

Sea freight vs air freight from London to Toronto

Sea Freight is the preferred service for most households as it’s cheap at volume. Air freight is faster, but it is generally done for small shipments, critical supplies or high-value goods.

A simple rule:

If it’s bulky: go by sea.
If it’s urgent: consider air.
If you’re unsure: ship essentials by air and the rest by sea (split shipment).

Delivery checklist: what to do when your shipment arrives

This is the part people rush… and later regret.

Before the truck arrives

Confirm elevator booking (condo) and loading zone permission
Reserve parking space if needed
Protect floors (cardboard sheets / mats)
Keep scissors, marker, tape, and a small tool kit ready

While unloading (don’t get distracted)

Match box counts to your inventory list
Check each item for visible damage as it comes off the truck
Keep “Priority 1” boxes in one corner (don’t let them vanish into the pile)

Before you sign anything

Inspect furniture corners, glass, screens, and appliances
Note damage on the delivery paperwork (not later)
Take quick photos of any issues

After delivery (same day)

Open essentials first: bedsheets, kettle/coffee, toiletries, basic kitchen
Separate “missing or damaged” items list
Keep all paperwork (you’ll need it if a claim happens)

Common customs delays (and how to avoid them)

Most delays are preventable. These are the usual reasons:

Incomplete goods list
Fix: list items clearly with values and details. Canada specifically advises preparing lists and details before arrival.
Not separating “goods accompanying” vs “goods to follow”
Fix: keep two sections (or two lists).
Restricted items in the shipment
Fix: don’t ship it, or declare it properly. When in doubt, declare. Read on International Packers & Movers in Toronto

Final Movers BS tip: keep your move folder simple

Make one folder (Google Drive or email to yourself) named:
London to Toronto Move – 2026
Inside: passport scans, inventory, BSF186/BSF186A, insurance, receipts, delivery confirmations.

It’s boring, yes. But it saves you later—big time.

FAQs: Moving London to Toronto

1) What documents do I need for customs clearance when moving to Toronto?

Usually: passport, immigration/entry status documents, a detailed inventory, and the BSF186 / BSF186A forms for personal effects.

2) What is the BSF186 form and who needs it?

BSF186 is the Personal Effects Accounting Document used to account for personal/household goods when moving or returning to Canada.

3) What is “goods to follow” and why does it matter?

It’s the part of your shipment arriving later (after you land). It should be listed separately, often using BSF186A.

4) Do I need two copies of my goods list?

CBSA guidance for moving/returning recommends preparing two copies of your list with details like values and serial numbers

5) Can I ship used household items to Canada without paying duty?

Often, personal/household effects can qualify under specific newcomer/returning resident rules, but your paperwork and eligibility matter—follow CBSA’s moving guidance and declare properly.

6) What items are restricted or prohibited when moving to Canada?

Common categories: food/plants/animals products, weapons, certain health products, and more. Always declare restricted items

7) Can I bring alcohol or tobacco in my shipment?

There are limits and rules, and provincial regulations may apply. Travel.gc.ca also lists personal exemption guidance for returning travellers.

8) Is cannabis allowed in my moving shipment from the UK to Canada?

Transporting cannabis across the border without a permit is taken seriously.

9) Should I choose air freight or sea freight for London to Toronto?

Sea freight suits full home moves; air freight suits small urgent shipments. Many people do a split shipment.

10) How do I reduce damage during international moving?

Use good packing, mark boxes clearly, photograph valuables and check over every detail before you sign any delivery paperwork.

11) What should I do if something is damaged on delivery?

Photograph it immediately, note it on the delivery document before signing, and notify the mover/insurer the same day.

12) How long does a London to Toronto move take door-to-door?

It is influenced by the timing of the shipping, a time it takes for customs and etc. Sea freight usually takes longer; air freight is quicker but more expensive.