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Moving between Montreal and the United Kingdom needs specialist knowledge of direct Atlantic shipping routes, St Lawrence Seaway logistics, and international customs procedures. A typical 3-bedroom Montreal house to London takes 4-6 weeks by sea and costs between £3,500-£6,500 depending on volume (measured in cubic metres), packing services, and whether you share a container or have your own.
We're an official online platform representing three BAR-accredited, FIDI-certified international moving companies (AGM Group). We match you with the right partner mover based on your Montreal to UK or UK to Montreal route, timeline, and needs. Your matched moving company handles everything: physical survey, professional packing, shipping logistics, customs documentation support, and final delivery.
Montreal sits perfectly positioned for UK moves. Port of Montreal provides direct Atlantic access without Panama Canal delays (unlike Vancouver) and handles more European container traffic than most Canadian ports. Your belongings travel approximately 4,800km (2,600 nautical miles) from Montreal to UK ports like Southampton or Felixstowe.
Ships depart Port of Montreal regularly for UK with direct routes taking 14-21 days ocean transit. This makes Montreal to UK one of the fastest Canadian routes, comparable to Halifax but with better road connections to major population centres.
Port of Montreal is Canada's second-largest container port, handling over 1.7 million TEU annually. The port has excellent rail and road connections from all Montreal neighbourhoods (Downtown, Plateau, West Island, South Shore, Laval) and sits right on the St Lawrence Seaway, North America's gateway to Europe.
Stage 1: Montreal collection (1-2 days). Professional movers and packers arrive at your Montreal home (whether you're in Downtown high-rise, Plateau duplex, West Island house, South Shore suburb, or Laval property). They pack, wrap, inventory everything for customs, disassemble furniture if needed, and load into the moving lorry.
Stage 2: Transport to Port of Montreal (same day to 1 day). Your belongings travel to port container facilities. Port of Montreal's central location means quick access from all city areas. Downtown moves can reach port in 20-30 minutes. West Island, South Shore, and Laval typically under 1 hour.
Stage 3: Container consolidation (2-5 days). For shared containers, your goods consolidate with other UK-bound shipments. For dedicated containers, your items fill the container and it's sealed. Montreal's high volume of UK traffic means faster consolidation than smaller Canadian ports.
Stage 4: Ocean shipping direct Atlantic route (14-21 days). Container ships depart Montreal travelling down the St Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic Ocean. Direct crossing to UK ports (Felixstowe, Southampton, Liverpool, or Tilbury). No Panama Canal, no extra stops, straightforward Atlantic crossing.
Winter consideration: St Lawrence Seaway typically closes mid-December to early April due to ice. Winter shipments (January-March) either use ice-capable vessels or route via Halifax, potentially adding 3-5 days. April-December offers optimal direct shipping.
Stage 5: UK customs clearance (1-5 days). HM Revenue and Customs processes your shipment at UK arrival ports. Used household goods qualify for duty-free import under Transfer of Residence relief if you meet requirements.
Stage 6: UK inland transport (1-3 days). After customs release, your container travels from port to the moving company's regional depot near your England, Scotland, or Wales destination.
Stage 7: Final delivery (1 day). Professional movers deliver to your new UK home, unload, place furniture, reassemble items, and remove packing materials.
Total timeline Montreal to UK: 4-6 weeks door-to-door. Peak season (May-September) can add 1 week. Winter routing via Halifax adds 3-5 days but Montreal remains one of Canada's fastest routes to UK.
International removals from Montreal to UK benefit from direct Atlantic shipping (no Panama Canal surcharges like Vancouver) and competitive port rates. Your price depends on volume in cubic metres (m³). A standard 20ft container holds 30-35m³, suitable for a typical 3-bedroom Montreal house.
1-bedroom apartment (14-20m³)
Typical Montreal apartment in Downtown, Plateau, Ville-Marie, or Griffintown. Part load (shared container) recommended.
Cost range: £1,700-£3,200
Timeline: 5-6 weeks (consolidation adds time but Montreal's frequent UK shipping minimizes delays)
Montreal advantage: Part load from Montreal saves 30-45% versus dedicated container. High UK shipping volume means regular departures and faster consolidation.
3-bedroom house (30-35m³)
Typical Montreal house in NDG, Verdun, West Island, South Shore (Brossard, Longueuil), or Laval.
Cost range: £3,500-£6,500
Timeline: 4-5 weeks with dedicated container
Montreal house consideration: Many Montreal homes have basement apartments or storage. Include basement contents in your volume estimate. Exterior staircases (common in Plateau duplexes) may affect access costs.
Don't forget these common Montreal items:
Underestimating volume causes Montreal move re-quotes. A professional video survey via Zoom or WhatsApp gives accurate estimates. Most Montreal moving companies offer this free service and can conduct it in English or French.
Montreal's extreme temperature range (from -30°C winters to +30°C summers) means your belongings need expert protection. Professional movers and packers understand how to pack items that will transition from freezing Montreal to heated shipping containers to UK's milder climate.
Expert packing services use:
What's included: Professional movers and packers handle everything. They pack all household items, provide all materials, create detailed inventory for customs, wrap and protect furniture, disassemble items, and label all boxes.
Cost for 3-bed Montreal house: £1,100-£1,600
Benefits: Insurance validity guaranteed, saves 2-3 weeks of your time, items properly protected for Atlantic journey, accurate customs inventory, climate-appropriate packing for temperature transitions.
Best for: Full house moves, people with limited time, those with valuable or fragile items, winter departures (professionals handle cold weather packing), anyone wanting complete peace of mind.
What's included: Professionals pack fragile and valuable items (china, glassware, electronics, artwork, antiques). You pack straightforward items (clothes, books, linens, kitchen basics).
Cost for 3-bed Montreal house: £450-£850
Benefits: Significant cost savings (50-60% less than full pack), insurance covers professionally packed items, you control personal belongings, good balance of protection and economy.
Best for: Budget-conscious movers, those happy to pack some items, people with moderate fragile item quantities, spring/summer/autumn departures when weather isn't extreme.
Learn more about professional packing services and techniques.
What you do: Pack everything yourself using materials you purchase. Moving company provides empty boxes and advice. You create the inventory list.
Savings: £900-£1,400 versus full service
Risks: Insurance may not cover self-packed items if damaged, requires proper materials and techniques for 4-6 week journey, time-consuming (2-4 weeks for typical house), customs inventory must be accurate, winter packing challenging without experience.
Best for: Very budget-conscious moves, people with minimal fragile items, experienced movers, those with flexible timelines, spring/summer departures (avoid winter complications).
Quality moving boxes and materials are essential for ocean shipping protection.
If your Montreal collection happens in winter (November-March), professional packing is strongly recommended. Moving items from a -20°C house into a heated lorry creates condensation. Then items go into cold storage before loading into temperature-controlled containers. Amateur packing doesn't account for these temperature shocks. Moisture can damage electronics, warp wood, and cause mould. Professional packers use climate barriers and silica gel packets specifically for Montreal's harsh winters. They also know to let cold items adjust to room temperature before packing delicate electronics.
Montreal to UK moves often require storage, particularly if you're selling before your UK home is ready. Montreal's extreme climate means climate-controlled storage is essential (not optional) to protect your belongings from -30°C winters or humid summers.
Common scenarios:
Montreal storage costs: £20-£45 per cubic metre per month. Climate control essential (not optional in Montreal). Facilities in Montreal, Laval, and South Shore available.
What's included: Climate control (protects from -30°C to +30°C extremes), insurance coverage during storage, 24-hour security and CCTV, easy access for adding/removing items before shipping.
Free storage periods: Most full-service moves include 2-4 weeks free Montreal storage. Ask when requesting quotes.
Winter storage strategy: If moving in winter (January-March when St Lawrence may be closed), store items in climate control until April when shipping resumes optimal schedule. Storage for 2-3 months (£600-£1,350 for 15m³) may be worth avoiding winter routing via Halifax.
Common scenarios:
UK storage costs: £18-£42 per cubic metre per month depending on location in England, Scotland, or Wales. London area higher (£32-£48/m³), other UK regions lower.
What's included: Secure warehouse storage, insurance continuation, flexible retrieval, delivery from storage to your home when ready.
Free storage periods: Some companies include 2-4 weeks free UK storage with international moves. Confirm in written quote.
Retrieval charges: Delivery from UK storage to your final home costs £180-£550 depending on distance and volume. Factor this into storage decisions.
Extended storage strategy: If storing 5+ months, compare versus selling items in Montreal and buying new in UK. Storing 30m³ for 6 months costs £3,240-£7,560 (£540-£1,260/month). This can exceed furniture value.
Unlike Toronto or Vancouver where basic storage works, Montreal's extreme temperatures demand climate control. Winter temperatures below -25°C can crack wooden furniture, damage electronics, and freeze liquids left in items. Summer humidity (often 80%+) causes mould and warping. Professional storage facilities maintain 15-25°C year-round with humidity control. This costs £5-£10/m³ more than basic storage but prevents thousands in damage. Always insist on climate control for Montreal storage, especially if storing during winter months (November-April).
Montreal's direct Atlantic shipping offers competitive costs, but the "ship versus buy new" calculation still matters, especially given Quebec's lower cost of living meaning your furniture may have been cheaper to buy originally. Here's the honest comparison.
Total Cost: £5,590
Timeline: 4-6 weeks door-to-door via direct Atlantic route
Benefits: Keep everything familiar, bring sentimental items, no immediate UK furniture shopping needed, keep quality Montreal furniture, bring French-language books and media.
Best for: People with antiques or heirlooms, extensive book collections (especially French books expensive in UK), specialty items (musical instruments, art), strong attachment to Montreal furniture, high-end furniture worth shipping costs.
Total Cost: £4,730
YOU SAVE: £860
Timeline: Immediate UK furniture, essentials arrive 5-6 weeks
Benefits: Brand new furniture suited to UK homes, no shipping damage risk, immediate furnishing with UK purchases, lighter carbon footprint, furniture suited to UK room sizes, avoid voltage issues with appliances.
Best for: People with IKEA-style Montreal furniture, modern replaceable items, those downsizing from Montreal house to smaller UK property, anyone prioritizing new UK-sized furniture.
The hybrid approach often makes financial sense for Montreal moves. Quebec's lower cost of living means your furniture may have cost less to buy than UK equivalents. We tell you this even though it means less business for overseas moving companies.
Definitely ship from Montreal: Family heirlooms and antiques, extensive book collections (especially French-language books which are expensive in UK), artwork and musical instruments, specialty items unique to Canada (Quebecois crafts, local art), high-end furniture and items you can't easily replace, items with strong sentimental value, winter sports equipment (if you'll use it in Scotland or northern England).
Consider buying new in UK: Standard bedroom furniture (beds, wardrobes), sofas and soft furnishings (different UK sizing), dining tables and chairs (unless heirloom quality), white goods and appliances (voltage difference 230V vs 120V makes this essential), garden furniture (different UK climate and garden styles), large bulky items that cost more to ship than replace.
Montreal to UK voltage consideration: All Montreal electrical appliances run on 120V. UK uses 230V. You'll need new appliances anyway, so don't pay to ship your Montreal fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, or kitchen appliances. Sell them in Montreal and buy UK-voltage equivalents upon arrival. This alone can save £400-£800 in shipping costs.
Whether you're moving from Montreal to UK or UK to Montreal, your residential status dramatically affects customs duties, taxes, and required documentation. Getting this right saves thousands of pounds or dollars.
Who qualifies: Anyone (British citizens, Canadians, or other nationalities) who lived outside the EU for 12+ consecutive months and is now moving permanently to England, Scotland, or Wales.
What you save: Import duty and 20% VAT on all used household goods and personal belongings. On a typical £14,000 shipment, that's £2,800 saved.
Requirements:
Documents needed: Passport, proof of Montreal residence (12+ months of Quebec hydro bills, tenancy agreement, or property documents), proof of UK residence (tenancy or purchase contract), detailed inventory with approximate values, evidence of ownership for high-value items.
Quebec residents: Your Quebec address proof works perfectly. Hydro-Quebec bills, lease agreements in French or English, and Quebec driver's licence all accepted as residence proof.
Who qualifies: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who lived outside Canada (including UK) for 12+ months and are returning to settle in Canada.
What you save: Import duties and GST (5% federal tax) on used household goods. Quebec residents also exempt from QST (9.975% provincial tax) on personal effects under BSF186. On a £11,000 shipment (approximately CAD$19,800), that's roughly CAD$2,970 saved (15% combined tax).
Requirements:
Documents needed: Canadian passport or PR card, proof of UK residence (12+ months of bills or tenancy), detailed inventory with values in CAD, completed Form BSF186, evidence of ownership.
Port of Montreal clearance: Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes your shipment. Officers may conduct inspections. French or English documentation accepted. Clearance typically 2-7 days with complete paperwork.
British citizens moving to Montreal: Different rules apply. You'll likely pay duties and taxes unless covered by specific agreements. Consult a Canadian customs broker. Quebec residency adds QST considerations.
False customs declarations are serious crimes in both UK and Canada. Penalties include confiscation of your entire shipment, full payment of evaded duties plus penalties (often 3 times the duty amount), criminal prosecution (up to 7 years imprisonment in UK, similar in Canada), and permanent records affecting future immigration applications.
Common illegal schemes: Claiming 12 months abroad when you've only been in Montreal/UK for 9 months, backdating purchase receipts, claiming new items are "used personal effects", having friends claim your shipment under their eligibility. Customs officers verify these claims through tax records, border crossing data, and utility bill checks. They catch fraudulent claims regularly.
International moving scams target Montreal residents due to the city's transient population and bilingual confusion opportunities. These warnings come from actual cases reported to Better Business Bureau, Office de la protection du consommateur (Quebec consumer protection), and Trading Standards.
The scam unique to Montreal: Company provides quote in English but contract in French (or vice versa) with different terms. They exploit Quebec's bilingual environment to hide unfavorable terms in the language you're less comfortable with.
How it works: English quote says "£4,200 all-inclusive". French contract has clause "Frais supplémentaires peuvent s'appliquer" (additional fees may apply) giving them carte blanche to add charges later. Or they provide technical customs documents only in French knowing you're anglophone (or only English knowing you're francophone).
Real Montreal victim: "I'm anglophone. They gave me an English quote but the contract was in French. I signed because I trusted the quote. Later they pointed to French clauses I didn't understand that allowed them to charge £900 extra for 'Quebec departure fees' that were never in the English quote."
How to protect yourself: Demand all documents (quote, contract, terms) in your preferred language. If they provide bilingual documents, ensure terms match exactly. Use Google Translate to verify if unsure. Reputable companies provide clear documentation in either language. Never sign documents you don't fully understand. If they pressure you to sign French documents when you requested English (or vice versa), walk away.
The scam: After booking, they announce "St Lawrence Seaway is closed, we must route via Halifax, extra £800 charge" even though you booked in summer when seaway is open, or they never disclosed this possibility upfront.
The truth: St Lawrence closure (mid-December to early April) is predictable. Legitimate companies discuss this during quoting if your dates overlap. Ice-capable vessels still use Montreal in winter. Halifax routing does cost slightly more but honest companies include this in quotes or clearly explain seasonal pricing.
Real Montreal victim: "Booked in September for November departure. Week before collection, they said 'St Lawrence closing early this year, Halifax routing required, £750 extra'. We paid because our Montreal flat lease ended. Later learned St Lawrence was fully open in November - they just wanted more money."
How to protect yourself: If moving November-April, ask specifically about St Lawrence routing in your quote. Get written confirmation of which port (Montreal or Halifax) and what happens if routing changes. Written quote should state either "Price includes winter routing adjustments" or "Montreal direct routing, any changes will be discussed and approved in writing before collection".
The scam: Company claims to be "Montreal international movers" but has no Quebec business registration (NEQ number), no Montreal office, no local presence. They're actually a UK broker who's never done a Montreal move.
Warning signs:
Real Montreal victim: "Website said 'Montreal Removals Experts'. When I asked their Montreal office address, they gave a Toronto address. Asked about NEQ number, they didn't know what that was. Turned out they'd never done a Montreal job and were going to subcontract to cheapest available crew."
How to verify: Ask for Quebec NEQ (enterprise number) and verify on Registraire des entreprises du Québec website. Request Montreal depot address. Check if they know Port of Montreal specifics (Racine Terminal, Cast Terminal). Look for reviews specifically mentioning Montreal moves. Legitimate companies have established Montreal operations or trusted local partners.
The scam unique to Montreal: Quote doesn't mention exterior staircases or parking challenges common in Plateau, Mile End, and other Montreal neighborhoods. On collection day, they demand £300-£600 extra for "difficult access" that they could have identified during quote.
Why Montreal is vulnerable: Montreal's unique architecture (exterior spiral staircases, narrow streets, winter parking bans, multi-story walk-ups without lifts) creates legitimate access challenges. Scammers exploit this by "discovering" these issues on moving day when you're committed.
Real Montreal victim: "We live in a Plateau duplex with exterior staircase. Sent photos during quote stage. They said no problem. Collection day, crew says 'we need £450 for difficult stair access'. We showed them the photos we'd sent. They said 'manager approved this fee'. Felt like hostage situation."
How to protect yourself: For Plateau, Mile End, Rosemont, Villeray homes: explicitly mention exterior staircases in quote request. Send photos of your building's entrance and stairs. Ask specifically "Do exterior staircases incur extra charges?". Get written response. Confirm parking arrangements (Montreal's complex parking rules). For high-rises, confirm lift booking and availability. Written quote should address access or state "no additional access fees for described property".
Check accreditations independently:
Montreal-specific verification: Check Quebec Better Business Bureau rating, verify Quebec business registration (NEQ) on Registraire des entreprises website, ask for references from recent Montreal to UK moves, check reviews specifically mentioning Montreal, verify they understand Montreal-specific challenges (exterior staircases, winter collection, bilingual service).
Warning about fake logos: Scammers copy accreditation logos. Always verify certificate numbers directly on official websites.
Accreditations aren't just marketing. They represent independently audited standards that protect you. Here's what each certification actually means for your Montreal to UK move.
Full name: FIDI Accredited International Mover - the only worldwide quality standard for international removals.
Who audits: EY (Ernst & Young) conducts independent audits every 3 years plus annual surveillance checks.
What's audited: Quality systems, staff training, operational procedures, customer satisfaction, claims handling, financial stability, insurance adequacy.
Why it matters: FAIM companies meet measurable standards verified by professionals. They have proper insurance, trained staff, documented procedures.
Verify at: www.fidi.org
Full name: British Association of Removers - UK's professional trade association.
Consumer protection: Members must use Furniture Ombudsman Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme. This is a legal requirement.
Ombudsman powers: Can award up to £25,000 compensation if things go wrong. Decisions are binding on the company.
Requirements: Minimum £10 million professional indemnity insurance, goods in transit insurance, compliance with UK consumer law, regular audits.
Why it matters: Legal recourse if problems occur. Financial protection. Verified insurance coverage.
Verify at: www.bar.co.uk
Full name: International Association of Movers - worldwide network of professional international moving companies.
Vetting process: Financial background checks, insurance verification, business reference checks from existing members, compliance with international shipping regulations.
Why it matters for Montreal: IAM members have proven international experience, established relationships with overseas partners (critical for Montreal's Atlantic route), financial stability for large shipments.
Montreal benefit: IAM companies understand St Lawrence Seaway logistics, Port of Montreal procedures, Quebec regulations, and have reliable UK delivery networks.
Verify at: www.iamovers.org
International moves between Montreal and UK involve payments in both CAD and GBP. Understanding when you pay in which currency helps you manage exchange rates and save money.
Typical Montreal-side costs: 30-40% of total move for collection, packing, and Montreal area services.
Typical UK-side costs: 60-70% of total move for shipping, customs, and UK delivery.
Don't use banks for currency exchange. Canadian banks typically charge 3-4% in hidden markups plus fees. British banks similar. Specialist services offer much better rates.
Recommended services:
Timing strategy for Montreal moves: CAD/GBP exchange rates fluctuate. In early 2026, the rate is approximately CAD$1.78-1.82 per GBP. If the Canadian Dollar strengthens against the Pound, pay more upfront in CAD. If the Pound strengthens, negotiate more UK-side payments.
Example savings: On a £5,200 removal (approximately CAD$9,360 at 1.80 rate):
Cash for tips: Have £200-£300 in British Pounds when your shipment delivers to UK. This covers tipping the delivery crew (£30-£50 is customary) and immediate expenses. Similarly, have CAD$50-$100 available for Montreal collection crew.
Yes, professional international moving companies serving Montreal provide bilingual service. Quebec's language requirements mean legitimate movers operating in Montreal must offer French service (though many clients prefer English for international moves dealing with UK companies).
What to expect: Initial quotes and surveys available in English or French based on your preference. Contracts and terms in your chosen language (demand this). Packing crew typically bilingual or French-speaking (Montreal crews). Inventory documents bilingual (required for customs). UK-side communication in English (destination country).
Documentation languages: Canadian export docs can be English or French. UK customs requires English documents. Your moving company translates as needed. Form BSF186 (if returning to Montreal from UK) available in both languages from CBSA.
Important: Never sign contracts in a language you don't fully understand. If company pressures you to accept French documents when you requested English (or vice versa), this is a red flag. Reputable companies accommodate your language preference for all paperwork.
Best times for Montreal to UK moves: April-June (after winter, before summer peak), September-November (after summer rush, before winter complications). These shoulder seasons offer good weather, competitive pricing, and optimal shipping schedules.
Avoid if possible: July-August (peak season, prices 15-25% higher, high demand), January-March (extreme cold complicates packing, potential St Lawrence ice closures, worst weather).
Winter moving challenges: Montreal winters (-20°C to -30°C) create issues: condensation when moving items from cold house to heated lorry, ice and snow clearance needed for access, potential for blizzard delays, St Lawrence Seaway closes mid-December to early April (some shipments route via Halifax adding time), professional packing essential (not DIY in extreme cold).
If you must move in winter: Use climate-controlled storage until spring shipping resumes optimal schedule, hire professionals (don't self-pack in freezing temperatures), budget extra time for weather delays, confirm St Lawrence routing or Halifax alternative in your written quote.
School calendar: Families should aim for UK arrival July-August for September school start. This means Montreal departure May-June (shoulder season, good timing).
Montreal's iconic exterior spiral staircases (common in Plateau, Mile End, Rosemont, Villeray) create unique moving challenges that affect both timeline and cost.
Additional costs for exterior staircases: Long carry fees if items can't go straight from stairs to lorry (£80-£200), extra labour for navigating tight spiral turns (£100-£250), potential crane hire for very large items that won't fit stairs (£300-£600), winter ice removal and safety measures (£50-£150).
Items that won't fit exterior staircases: King or queen mattresses (often too wide for spiral turns), large sofas (L-shaped impossible, most 3-seaters very difficult), wide dressers or wardrobes, pianos (upright possible with specialists, grands need cranes), large appliances if still shipping them.
Best practice: Measure your staircase width and turning radius. Photograph the stairs and send to moving company during quote stage. Measure your largest furniture pieces. Ask specifically: "Will my sofa/bed/wardrobe fit these stairs?" Get written confirmation or discuss alternatives (crane, disassembly, leaving items).
Winter consideration: Exterior staircases become treacherous in winter. Ice, snow, and -20°C temperatures make moving dangerous. Professional movers have safety equipment and insurance. This is absolutely not a DIY situation in winter months.
Yes, vehicle shipping from Montreal to UK is possible but involves significant complexity and cost. Cars must pass UK Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) testing, be converted to right-hand drive (expensive) or registered as left-hand drive (limited use), meet UK emissions standards, and be insured for UK roads.
Costs for shipping Montreal car to UK: Ocean shipping from Montreal (£1,100-£1,900), IVA testing (£300-£500), potential right-hand drive conversion (£3,000-£10,000+), import duty (10% if over 6 months old), VAT (20% of value), UK registration and first MOT (£200-£400).
Montreal consideration: Quebec's road salt use means many Montreal cars have rust issues that fail UK MOT inspections. If your car is over 5 years old and driven through Montreal winters, inspect carefully for underbody rust before considering export. UK MOT is very strict on rust and structural integrity.
Realistic advice: Most people find it more economical to sell their car in Montreal (decent used car market) and buy a UK vehicle upon arrival. Exception: classic cars, specialty vehicles, or very new vehicles (under 2 years old) without rust issues.
Montreal's harsh winters occasionally bring blizzards that make moving unsafe or impossible. Professional moving companies have weather contingency procedures.
Typical policies: If snowstorm makes access unsafe (uncleared stairs, blocked streets, visibility issues), companies reschedule at no penalty. Most contracts include force majeure clauses for severe weather. They'll try to reschedule within 2-3 days after storm passes and streets are cleared.
Your responsibilities: Clear your walkways and stairs if physically possible (but don't risk injury). Ensure street parking is legal (Montreal's complex snow removal rules). Keep your driveway accessible if you have one. Have contingency accommodation if your lease ends (don't time move to last possible day in winter).
Company responsibilities: Monitor weather forecasts and warn you in advance if storms predicted. Reschedule promptly if collection becomes impossible. Not charge cancellation fees for genuine weather delays. Have snow clearing equipment for minor snow.
Best practice: Build 3-5 day buffer into winter moving plans. Don't schedule Montreal lease end and collection on same day in winter. Consider short-term storage if weather threatens your timeline. Some people intentionally move October-November before worst winter or wait until April-May after snow season.
Yes, absolutely ship French books from Montreal. French-language books are expensive and hard to find in UK outside London. Montreal has excellent French bookstores and libraries, meaning many residents have substantial French book collections worth shipping.
Why ship French books: French books in UK cost 30-50% more than in Montreal (import markups, smaller market). Limited selection outside London's specialist bookshops. Sentimental value if you're bilingual Quebecer. Easier to maintain French language skills with home library. Children's French books particularly expensive in UK.
How to pack books economically: Books are heavy (increase shipping costs) but small (pack efficiently). Use small sturdy boxes (large boxes of books too heavy to lift safely). Pack tightly to prevent shifting during ocean transit. Separate expensive or rare books for special handling. Consider donating damaged or replaceable books before moving (saves weight and cost).
Cost consideration: Books add weight. Typical Montreal home library (200-300 books) weighs 100-150kg and occupies 2-3m³. This costs approximately £150-£300 to ship. Replacing those French books in UK would cost £800-£2,000+. Clear financial case for shipping.
Digital alternative: Consider Kindle/digital for books you haven't read yet (save shipping weight). Ship physical books you love, own, and reread. This hybrid approach balances sentiment with practicality.
Get 2-3 written quotes: Request detailed quotes from BAR-accredited companies. Each quote must specify door-to-door scope, volume allocation (in m³), packing services included, insurance coverage level, all customs and documentation fees, storage terms if applicable, any access or additional charges, total timeline, language of service (English/French/bilingual).
Verify accreditations: Check BAR membership at www.bar.co.uk, verify FIDI/FAIM at www.fidi.org, confirm IAM membership at www.iamovers.org, check Quebec Better Business Bureau rating, verify Quebec business registration (NEQ number).
Read reviews carefully: Look specifically for Montreal to UK reviews (not just general reviews), check Trustpilot and Google Reviews, see how companies respond to negative feedback, ask for references from recent Montreal moves you can call, verify they understand Montreal-specific challenges (exterior staircases, winter collection, bilingual service, St Lawrence routing).
Ask Montreal-specific questions: Which Port of Montreal facilities do you use? What's your average Montreal to UK timeline? Do you offer French-language service? How do you handle exterior staircases? What happens if St Lawrence closes? Do you have Montreal depot or storage? What's your winter weather policy? What's your claims process?
Warning signs: Quotes 30%+ cheaper than others (lowball scam), unwilling to provide written quote in your preferred language, pressure to book immediately, can't provide Quebec business registration, won't explain St Lawrence routing, evasive about accreditations, no specific Montreal experience, language barrier exploitation attempts.
We match you with certified international moving companies from our partner network (AGM Group - BAR, FIDI, and IAM accredited). Your matched overseas moving company handles everything from Montreal collection to UK delivery, or UK collection to Montreal delivery.
Complete our form with your Montreal or UK area, destination in UK or Montreal, estimated volume or property size, preferred moving dates, special requirements (exterior staircases, fragile items, storage needs, language preference).
We match you with the most suitable partner mover based on your route and timeline. This takes 2-4 hours during business hours.
Your matched moving company contacts you for a detailed discussion (English or French, your choice). They arrange a video survey via Zoom or WhatsApp (accurate for most Montreal homes and UK properties). You receive detailed written quote specifying all services, costs, and timelines in your preferred language.
Take time to review. Ask questions. Compare with other quotes if you wish.
Accept the written quote and the moving company schedules your collection. You receive booking confirmation with dates, services included, payment terms, and contact details. You pay the moving company directly (not us). Provide required documents for customs declarations.
Professional movers and packers arrive in Montreal or UK to pack and collect. Your goods travel via direct Atlantic route to UK (or UK to Montreal). Customs clearance happens at destination. Final delivery to your new home with unpacking if requested.
Total timeline: 4-6 weeks Montreal to UK, 4-6 weeks UK to Montreal. You receive updates throughout.
We represent three certified overseas moving companies (AGM Group). We match you to the right partner based on your Montreal-UK or UK-Montreal route. The partner moving company does the physical work: survey, packing, shipping, customs support, and delivery. You pay them directly after receiving their written quote.
We don't search all movers or compare the whole market. We work exclusively with our three vetted, accredited partners who specialise in Montreal-UK international removals.