Moving in Switzerland – prices, services, and specific tips for a stress-free move

Moving house is rarely "just a transport job." Depending on the size of your household, the distance involved, and the building situation, there are often several tasks to be completed: packing boxes, dismantling furniture, organizing transport, arranging no-parking zones, final cleaning with a handover guarantee – and all this often under time pressure. This is precisely why many people underestimate the actual costs of moving in Switzerland: it is not the price per kilometer that is decisive, but time, personnel, and additional services. In this guide, you will find realistic guidelines for typical moves, an overview of the most important price factors, common moving services with costs, and clear decision-making help on whether to move yourself or hire a company. In addition, there are tried-and-tested money-saving tips that can often save you several hundred francs – without any chaos on moving day.

1–1.5 rooms (studio/small apartment) With minimal furniture and a manageable amount of boxes, the move can usually be completed quickly and easily. Typically, three movers with a van are required, and the entire process usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, including loading and unloading. Cost: approx. $490–690

- Ideal for singles, students, or temporary apartments - Usually no furniture lift required - Particularly affordable prices with flexible moving dates 2–2.5rooms With apartments of this size, the volume of items to be moved increases noticeably, with the addition of larger pieces of furniture such as beds, sofas, or wardrobes, and the amount of items to be packed also increases. As a rule, three moving helpers are busy for about 3 to 4 hours, including transport between the apartments. Costs: approx. $690–$990 - Common apartment size for couples or small households - Partial disassembly of individual pieces of furniture necessary - Price strongly dependent on distance and floor 3–3.5 rooms (most common type of move) This involves significantly more furniture and a larger number of boxes, which is why a larger team or more time usually needs to be planned for. Four movers are common, with a duration of around 4 to 6 hours, including transport and simple assembly and disassembly work. Cost: approx. CHF 1,100–1,750 - Classic family or couple move - Furniture lift is needed more often - Good planning saves a lot of time and money here 4–5 rooms (family household) A family move involves a large volume of furniture and household goods and often requires more complex dismantling and assembly work. Usually, five movers with a large van or truck are on duty for around 6 to 9 hours. Cost: approx. CHF 1,750–2,750 - Lots of large furniture and household appliances - Usually several pick-up or delivery trips - An early inspection reduces the cost risk Single-familyhome Moving a single-family home is the most complex type of move, involving a very high volume, lots of furniture, and extensive assembly work. Typically, five removal assistants with a large van or truck work for around 8 to 11 hours on the day of the move. Costs: approx. CHF 2,600–3,650 - Often includes basement, attic, and garden furniture - Truck access and parking permits are important - Flat-rate quotes are particularly recommended

With elevator vs. withoutelevator Staircases take time—especially in narrow older buildings. Surcharge: often +15–35% Long carrying distances / no parkingspace If the truck cannot get close to the entrance, the move will take significantly longer. Surcharge: typically $150–250 Weekends, holidays,express Spontaneous appointments and "peak days" (end of the month) are more expensive. Typical surcharges: 10–15%

A move can be completed within a few hours—or it can be significantly prolonged by details. It is precisely these details that determine how many employees a company schedules and how high the quote will be. 1) Quantity and weight of the items to be moved Lots of boxes, bulky furniture, or heavy items (solid wood, stone slabs, aquariums) increase the time required. Fragile items also need more protection and packaging. 2) Floor, stairwell, andelevator The ground floor or first floor with an elevator is straightforward. Several floors without an elevator mean more walking and often more staff. 3) Access and parkingoptions Can the van stop directly in front of the entrance? Or do items have to be carried through courtyards, narrow driveways, or longer distances? No-parking zones are often a decisive factor. 4) Distance and traveltimes A move "around the corner" is different from a move to another state. Long travel times reduce the effective working time and increase the overall duration. 5) Packing and packagingmaterials If you only have pre-packed boxes and furniture transported, this saves time. A packing service for crockery, glasses, and decorations is safer—but more expensive. 6) Team size and duration ofthe move More people can speed up the move, but they also increase the hourly rate. Good companies calculate their prices so that a move is carried out efficiently (and not just "with lots of people").

7) Additional work related to the move Assembly/disassembly, disposal, clearance, dismantling lamps, final cleaning—these are common additional items and must be clearly stated in the quote. 8) Region and pricelevel In metropolitan areas (e.g., Zurich, Geneva), wages and operating costs are higher than in rural regions. This is reflected in the hourly and flat rates.

Transport durch Profis Das Kernpaket: Tragen, Laden, sichern, transportieren, entladen. Besonders wichtig bei engen Treppenhäusern, schweren Möbeln oder wenn du Schäden vermeiden willst. Einpackservice und Schutzmaterial Profis verpacken empfindliche Inhalte wie Geschirr, Gläser, Technik oder Deko fachgerecht. Das spart Zeit und senkt die Bruchquote deutlich – gerade bei grossen Haushalten oder wenn du beruflich stark ausgelastet bist. Kosten: ca. 60–90 CHF/Stunde plus Material (Kartons, Luftpolster, Seidenpapier, Klebeband). Möbel ab- und wieder aufbauen Schränke, Betten, grosse Regale oder komplexe Systeme müssen oft zerlegt werden. Ein eingespieltes Team macht das schnell und montiert am Zielort sauber und stabil. Kosten: ca. 55–75 CHF/Stunde Umzugsreinigung mit Abgabegarantie In der Schweiz ist die Endreinigung vor der Wohnungsabgabe ein Klassiker – und ohne Garantie kann es bei der Abnahme teuer werden. Seriöse Firmen reinigen inklusive Küche, Bad, Fenster, Geräte und kommen bei Beanstandungen nach. Kosten: - 1,5 Zimmerwohnung: 300 – 470 CHF - 2,5 Zimmerwohnung: 400 – 630 CHF - 3,5 Zimmerwohnung: 700 – 950 CHF - 4,5 Zimmerwohnung: 980 – 1600 CHF - EFH: 1‘700 – 2‘600 CHF Entsorgung und Räumung Vor dem Umzug fällt oft „Altlast“ an: Möbel, Matratzen, Elektronik, Sperrgut. Umzugsfirmen übernehmen Sortierung, Abtransport und die Entsorgung – oft kombiniert mit dem Umzug selbst. Kosten: 150 – 300 CHF pro m3 Lagerung / Self-Storage Wenn Übergabe- und Einzugstermin nicht perfekt zusammenpassen oder du im neuen Zuhause weniger Platz hast, lohnt sich eine Zwischenlagerung. Kosten: ca. 300–700 CHF pro Monat (abhängig von Standort und Raumgrösse). Spezialtransporte (Piano, Tresor, Kunst, Aquarium) Für besonders schwere oder empfindliche Gegenstände braucht es Spezialausrüstung und Erfahrung. Hier sind Gurtsysteme, Rollen, Hebebühnen oder zusätzliche Sicherungsmassnahmen üblich. Kosten-Richtwerte: • Klaviertransport: 300–400 CHF • Tresor: 300–000 CHF • grosses Aquarium: 250–400 CHF