Moving and cleaning: get quotes for moving home

Additional costs:

• Tenant damage: during the apartment handover, ask whether you’ll need to pay for the repair of any tenant damage.

• Disposal costs: depending on the amount, disposing of old furniture can cost between 50 and several hundred francs.

• Rental deposit: the more expensive the rent, the more deposit you usually have to pay.

• Parking: depending on the parking situation, there may also be costs for a mobile no-parking sign.

• Moving boxes: if you calculate 20 boxes per room, the total price for a 3-room apartment will be about 200 francs (a bulk discount is often available). Alternatively, you can borrow boxes from friends or ask for banana boxes at the supermarket.

• Materials: (moving boxes, plastic sheeting, tools, cleaning materials, joint cleaner and filler for wall plug holes)

The moving costs depend on the size of the old apartment and the distance to the new one. These costs may vary depending on the company and your individual situation. Estimated cost of hiring a moving company:

• 1-room apartment: up to CHF 671

• 2-room apartment: up to CHF 892

• 3-room apartment: up to CHF 1,116

• 4-room apartment: up to CHF 2,225

• 5-room apartment: up to CHF 2,515

Our tip to save on moving costs:

Request free, no-obligation quotes and then compare the prices for moving and cleaning. By the way: moving during the week is usually cheaper because demand is not as high.

Moving without spending any money is a difficult challenge. However, you can greatly reduce moving costs by organizing the move yourself:

• Ask friends and family for help with transporting, assembling and dismantling furniture.

• Borrow a suitable vehicle from friends or rent a cheap moving van.

• Ask your neighbours if they have any spare moving boxes or check whether your local supermarkets can offer you any free banana boxes.

As a rule, moving firms quickly get booked up around the official moving dates that apply in Switzerland. It is therefore important to book a moving firm in goo time – if possible two months before the planned date. Ask friends and acquaintances if they know of any reputable companies. Arrange for a few providers to come and visit your home. They can then get a better idea of the work involved and estimate what size van to use. Request quotes in writing based on an hourly rate with a guaranteed cost ceiling. Compare the estimated costs – it might be worth negotiating. Clarify in advance which tasks the moving company should take care of.

Remember: it is generally more expensive to move home at the weekend. For more information, consult our comprehensive guide to finding the right moving company.

Two months before moving:

• Download our moving checklist (this contains more detailed information)

• Set the date for the move

• Ask helpers/friends for help in good time and get approval for the planned moving day

• Arrange the handover of your previous home

• Arrange the handover date for your new home

One month before moving:

• Clear out the apartment, garage and basement and dispose of or sell unused clothes, items and furniture

• Hire a moving van

• Organize moving boxes

Two to three weeks before moving:

• Notify authorities and service providers

• Pack your boxes

• Don’t forget tools/materials for filling wall plug holes

• Obtain other materials for transport: trolleys, blankets, tie-down straps, protective sheeting, etc.

Seven days before moving:

• Reserve a parking space / arrange no-parking signs

Shortly before the moving day or on the day itself:

• Organize meals and refreshments for your helpers

• Assign tasks to helpers

• Prepare a first aid kit for the moving day

• Keep calm

After moving:

• End-of-tenancy cleaning

• Request your deposit back

• Register with the local authority at your new place of residence

• Set up your new home

• Check that all address changes have been made

Our moving checklist will ensure you are properly prepared for your move and covers everything from searching for a new home to settling in.

If you move within Switzerland, you must first deregister from your old local authority and register with your new one. You register at the residents’ registration office. Note that dogs also need to be registered because you have to pay tax on them.

You must notify the following of your change of address:

• Insurance companies: health insurance, home contents insurance (note: if you move into a larger apartment, adjust the sum insured), personal liability, vehicle insurance, legal protection, travel insurance, pet insurance

• Telecommunications providers: telephone (landline and mobile) and internet

• Banks, Postfinance and other financial service providers

• Post office (arrange forwarding of mail)

• Road traffic office

• Utilities: electricity, water and gas suppliers

• Others: employer, schools, doctors, lawyers, newspaper subscriptions, clubs, friends

• End your current tenancy agreement

• Cancel your parking/garage space

• Cancel your telephone, internet and/or TV plan (tip: you can find cheap deals using the Comparis telecom comparison tool)

When you move out, you have a lot to think about and organize. This can be very stressful. A moving company knows the tasks involved and has not only experienced employees, but also professional equipment. A moving company is prepared for all eventualities and can help with packing boxes and assembling furniture as well as moving all your furniture and belongings. In addition to their moving service, many moving companies also offer an optional cleaning service.

Tip: if you hire the same company for moving and cleaning, you’ll usually pay less.