I moved from BC to San Francisco 2 years ago, so I'll tell you my story.

I imported my car. Got to pay GM $100 to prove that it didn't have any recalls. Then a bunch of paperwork at customs for the car, then yet more paperwork with CA-DMV for them to issue registration paperwork. It took them 2 months to send back my registration paperwork.

Because Canada doesn't have driver's licenses (sarcasm), you have to write a written test and do a road test to get a CA license. Also, the CA DMV sucks, multi-hour waits for anything. Make an appointment, first thing in the morning and it's not so bad.

TN is relatively quick. Your company lawyer should tell you what to bring. Bring originals of everything they ask for. I brought my framed degree to prove that I had one.

DOUBLE CHECK THE PAPERWORK THEY FILL OUT.

I took me 3 months to get an SSN because they misspelled my name. You are basically an unperson until you have one. Wait 2 weeks after you arrive then go to the Social security office in the middle of nowhere. Urban SS office locations are painful beyond belief. Seriously, I'd rather have been in purgatory.

Get a bank account from the US branch of your current bank. They'll set you with a credit card and chequing account without you needing to provide a blood sample. You can get a local bank account later once the paperwork comes in.

Bringing my personal property was easy enough. I hired movers, but I still filled out a spreadsheet with what I was bringing in.

If you're only planning on staying 3-6 years, rent. There are massive fees on buying and selling. Also, the TN is a non-immigratory visa, so a customs agent, being fickle, could be less than thrilled that you had purchased a house.

As for cell phone service. Ting.com. They're a virtual phone operator and are so awesome that Rogers, Bell and Telus refuse to deal with them. PM me for a code to save $25.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.