Top 10 moving tips for stress-free moving
Is moving house always stressful? Not necessarily: with the right moving tips, you can avoid any worry. Comparis presents ten moving tips — from the packing correctly to cleaning and handing over your apartment.
04.08.2023
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1. Organize your move: pack early
Start packing a few weeks before moving. This gives you enough time to clear out anything you no longer need and to properly dispose of any unwanted furniture.
You need suitable moving boxes and the right packing technique.
Number your moving boxes and keep a list, label them room by room or mark on the box what the purpose of its contents is. This way, you avoid any chaos when moving and everyone knows exactly where each moving box should go.
Never forgot anything with our moving checklist
Is there so much to do that you’re losing track of everything? Our moving checklist helps you organize a bit better.
2. Take care of the rental deposit
You will have to pay a rental deposit before you move into your new home. As a rule, you must pay the rental deposit into a blocked account in your name before receiving the keys.
It’s best to transfer the money early. This way, when the apartment is handed over and the account opened, you can show proof of payment.
In the following article on rental deposits, find out how you can get your deposit for your current apartment back.
Rental deposit insurance as an alternative
Rental deposit insurance is an alternative to a deposit. Here’s how it works: an insurance company or a bank will guarantee your deposit in exchange for an annual premium. Note: rental deposit insurance only makes sense if you have financial problems.
3. Make sure your apartment is thoroughly cleaned
You must thoroughly clean your apartment to properly prepare it for handover. There’s often more to do than you might think. The requirements and expectations for hygiene and cleanliness vary. Check with your management company or landlord exactly what must be done.
Generally speaking, your apartment must be as clean as when the rental began. If special cleaning services are agreed in the rental agreement, you must comply with them. However, the landlord cannot place too high demands. They cannot, for example, demand any cleaning work that requires special expertise.
Do you want to play it safe? A professional cleaning company can clean your apartment with a handover guarantee.
Was your apartment not properly cleaned when you moved in?
If your apartment isn’t sufficiently clean, note down any problems in the handover protocol or in a registered letter. Request that the apartment is cleaned again and set a deadline for this. If your rental company/landlord doesn’t meet this deadline, you may arrange for the cleaning yourself and charge your rental company for the costs.
4. Make sure there are enough parking spaces when moving
Find out in good time about parking places at your new apartment. Are there enough spaces available for moving day? You can then ask the police or another authority to prohibit other road users from stopping.
5. Ask other people to help you move
Make sure you have enough people to help you move on your moving day. When asking family and friends, do it early.
It’s better to ask a few too many people than not have enough. Make sure you have enough food and drink on your moving day and plan time for breaks. This will keep you motivated and spirits high.
Requesting removal quotes: how to do it
Depending on your budget, it may be worth hiring a removal firm. With our moving partner topmovers, you can get up to five quotes from different moving and cleaning companies.
6. Request paid moving days from your employer
According to the law (Art. 264, paragraph 2) your employer must give you the usual time off to move house. There’s no official regulation regarding how many hours/days you’re given. Normally however, people working full-time with a monthly salary can expect one to two days paid leave to move house.
If you need several days to move, plan holiday time for it. Let your employer know about your move in good time. This allows you to request the required holiday and gives your employer time to plan.
7. Budget your moving costs
Moving costs vary depending on the size of the apartment and the moving distance. As a rule, you must budget for the following costs:
packing material
cleaning products, or costs for a cleaning company
if necessary: renting storage space
new furniture and appliances
The cost for a rental van depends on its size and how long you rent it for, but you can expect costs between 50 to 200 francs. When moving through a moving company, the vehicle costs are usually already included in the offer.
Depending on the size of your apartment and the specific features of the job, cleaning with a handover guarantee costs between 500 to 2000 francs. Read more in our article about cleaning companies in Switzerland.
Costs for moving companies vary greatly. Among other things, they depend on the size of the apartment, the household contents to be transported and the distance between the old and new place of apartment. The price can also be influenced by how good or bad access to the apartment is.
No, you cannot deduct moving costs from your taxes in Switzerland. They are part of the general cost of living and are therefore not deductible.
8. Plan sufficient time for the apartment handover
The apartment handover usually occurs when signing the apartment handover protocol. In this document, both contracting parties record in writing the apartment’s condition. It can contain information on any wear and tear, damages or other defects.
When handing your apartment over, give yourself enough time to record all defects. If you have any doubts, don’t sign the protocol straight away or signal any exclusions in writing. Send a complete list of defects and problems within 10 days by registered post.
Read our article about the apartment handover process to find out what else you need to remember when handing over your old apartment.
9. Set up a forwarding order with the post office
Any letters and parcels with your old address will be sent to your new address instead with a forwarding order. This is worth doing if you’re expecting any deliveries at your old address. A forwarding order is also useful if you can’t give your contacts notice about your move in good time.
10. Throw a housewarming party
A welcome drink is the perfect chance to celebrate your new home and make it feel more personal.
If good relations with the neighbours are important to you, invite them to your party. Maybe you can make some new friends in your new neighbourhood, or stop a potential dispute between neighbours before it starts.
This article was first published on 01.02.2017
