Just declare everything and even itemize it within reason. It comes in tax/duty-free as personal possessions if you've been out of the country that long. You can ship it and then declare it as possessions to follow when you enter Canada as a returning citizen. The only exception is a car which, IIRC, you have to own for at least a year in which case you get a $10k exemption. I don't think that's an issue for you.