Moving Company Switzerland
Private, Company & Long-Distance Moves – Guide 2026
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The Swiss population moved house 697'000 times in 2024, roughly 1'900 moves per day. Hiring a professional moving company in Switzerland saves you time and a sore back. But how much does a move really cost, how do you spot a reputable company, and where can you save a few hundred francs?
1. Private Moves in Switzerland: Process, Costs & Tips
A private move with a professional moving company involves far more than transport alone. Depending on the package you choose, the following services are included:
- ✓Transport – removal van, driver and helpers
- ✓Packing – boxes, protective film, packing material for furniture and glass
- ✓Dismantling & assembly – kitchen, bedroom, office furniture
- ✓Furniture lift – for higher floors or narrow stairwells
- ✓Disposal – on request, for an additional charge
Private Move Price Table 2026 (Switzerland, incl. VAT)
| Apartment size | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5-room apartment | CHF 500 – 900 |
| 2.5-room apartment | CHF 700 – 1'400 |
| 3.5-room apartment | CHF 900 – 1'990 |
| 4.5-room apartment | CHF 1'500 – 2'500 |
| 5+ rooms | CHF 2'000 – 3'500+ |
Prices apply to regional moves within the same city without a furniture lift. Long-distance moves and additional services raise the cost accordingly.
Hourly rate vs. fixed price – which is better?
Hourly rate (CHF 210–375/h)
You pay for the hours actually worked by a team of 2–3 people, including the vehicle. Ideal for small moves when you help out yourself or have the boxes already packed. The risk: any delays push the final price up.
Fixed price (recommended from 3 rooms)
After a site survey, the moving company issues a binding quote. You pay the agreed amount regardless of how long the job takes. For moves of 3 rooms or more, a fixed price gives you real cost certainty.
Important: Budget a financial buffer of 10–20 % on top of the quote. Unexpected no-parking zone fines, broken lifts or extra work can drive the final price up when they fall outside the agreed scope of services.
3. Long-Distance Moves: Long Routes & International Relocations
A long-distance move is generally defined as a move over a distance of 100 kilometres or more. Within Switzerland that covers classic routes such as Zürich–Geneva (approx. 280 km), Bern–Basel (approx. 95 km) or Zürich–Lugano (approx. 200 km).
Long-distance move costs within Switzerland (3.5-room apartment)
| Route | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Zürich → Bern | CHF 1'400 – 2'200 |
| Zürich → Geneva | CHF 1'800 – 2'800 |
| Bern → Basel | CHF 1'200 – 1'900 |
| Zürich → Lugano | CHF 1'700 – 2'600 |
International move: from Switzerland abroad, or the other way around
Customs & permits
When moving to Switzerland, household goods can be imported duty-free if they have been in your personal possession for at least 6 months and your new main residence is registered in Switzerland. An experienced relocation firm handles the customs declaration and documentation in full.
International move costs
A full international household move starts at CHF 7'500. For overseas moves (USA, Australia), costs of CHF 15'000 to CHF 30'000 and more are realistic.
Insurance cover
For international transport, a separate all-risk policy is recommended, covering damage from improper handling, accidents and force majeure. Check whether your household contents insurance covers the transport.
4. Choosing the Right Moving Company: 5 Criteria
Reviews & references
Read reviews on neutral platforms such as Google or local.ch. Watch for recurring patterns around punctuality, care and communication. Ask for comparable reference projects.
Written cost estimate
A reputable moving company always provides a written, detailed quote that lists team size, hours or fixed price, material costs, the furniture lift fee, any weekend surcharges and disposal services.
Clearly defined insurance cover
Ask explicitly about the scope of insurance: what is covered in the base price? Up to what amount is the company liable for damage? Reputable providers answer transparently and in writing.
On-site survey for larger moves
For moves of 3 rooms or more, a free on-site survey is recommended. Only then can the company realistically assess the actual workload and submit a binding quote.
Warning signs of dubious providers
Be cautious of: an unrealistically low price, cash payment only accepted, no written contract, no proof of insurance, no imprint / no commercial register number, no on-site survey for larger moves.
5. Cutting Moving Costs: 7 Proven Tips
Book early (8–12 weeks in advance)
Booking early secures better availability and more favourable terms. Last-minute bookings, especially in the high season from May to September, can become considerably more expensive.
Choose a weekday over the weekend
Moves on weekdays are generally cheaper. Tuesday to Thursday are typically the cheapest, because demand is lower.
Pack yourself – saves CHF 400–800
Packing boxes is time-consuming. If you pack the boxes yourself, you can save between CHF 400 and CHF 800, depending on apartment size and effort.
Declutter before the move
Every item you do not take with you saves transport weight and volume. A thorough declutter can noticeably reduce the scope of the move.
Book a combo package: move + cleaning
Many providers combine the move and apartment cleaning at a package price. This typically saves 10–20 % compared with two separate bookings.
Compare several quotes
Obtain at least 3 written quotes from different moving companies. The price differences for identical services can amount to several hundred francs.
Plan a financial buffer of 10–20 %
Despite careful planning, unforeseen costs sometimes arise. Building in a buffer from the start means no nasty surprises in the final invoice.
6. Step by Step: How a Move With Professionals Works
12 weeks before
- ✓Request initial quotes and set the moving date firmly
- ✓View the new apartment / new office
- ✓Give notice on the rental contract on time (often a 3-month notice period in Switzerland)
6–8 weeks before
- ✓Register the move with the municipality (deregistration and registration)
- ✓Inform employer, insurers and banks of the new address
- ✓Order packing material or coordinate it with the moving company
4–6 weeks before
- ✓Start packing: rarely used items first (books, seasonal items, decor)
- ✓Label every box with its contents and destination room
- ✓Arrange care for children and pets on moving day
Moving day
- ✓Be on site early and ensure free access to both properties
- ✓Accompany the team and clearly show which furniture goes where
- ✓Prepare no-parking zones and lifts
- ✓After unloading, check all items for completeness and damage
- ✓Sign the protocol only after a careful inspection
After the move
- ✓Re-register with the residents' registration office (mandatory within 14 days)
- ✓Change of address with health insurer, bank, post (mail forwarding order)
- ✓Hand over the old apartment with a handover protocol
- ✓Report any damage to the moving company immediately in writing
7. Moving + Cleaning From a Single Source
In Switzerland, anyone moving out must also have the old apartment professionally cleaned, which is essential for getting the rental deposit back. Many moving companies offer combo packages that bundle transport and end-of-tenancy cleaning in one booking.
💰
Cheaper
Combo packages are 10–20 % cheaper than separate bookings, with a single point of contact.
🛡️
Acceptance guarantee
The cleaning team returns free of charge if the landlord finds any defects.
😌
Stress-free
You move in while the team brings the old apartment to a spotless finish.
Find a moving company by region
Offerio connects you with vetted moving companies across Switzerland. Choose your region for local offers: Moving Zurich, Moving Bern, Moving Lucerne, Moving Basel, Moving Zug, Moving Aargau, Moving St. Gallen.
Conclusion: Save Costs and Stress With the Right Moving Company
Private moves cost between CHF 500 and CHF 3'500+ depending on apartment size. Fixed prices offer more planning certainty than hourly rates. Combo packages with cleaning save 10–20 %. For company moves the rule is: the larger the business, the earlier planning must start. For international moves, an experienced relocation firm with customs know-how is essential.
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Request your free quote now →Prices at a glance
- 1.5-room apartmentCHF 500 – 900
- 2.5-room apartmentCHF 700 – 1'400
- 3.5-room apartmentCHF 900 – 1'990
- 4.5-room apartmentCHF 1'500 – 2'500
- 5+ roomsCHF 2'000 – 3'500+
Regional moves, without furniture lift
FAQ: Common questions about moving companies in Switzerland
All prices without guarantee. Costs may vary by region, season and provider. As of 2026.
The hourly rate of a professional moving company in Switzerland is between CHF 210 and CHF 375 in 2026 for a team of 2–3 people including the vehicle. In high-wage regions such as Zürich, Geneva or Zug, the rate can sit at the upper end or above. Travel fees and material costs for packing and protective blankets apply on top, depending on the provider.
With an hourly rate you pay for the hours actually worked. That suits small moves where you help out yourself or have the boxes packed, though delays push the final price up. With a fixed price you pay the agreed amount regardless of the time spent, which suits larger moves with an on-site survey because you have full cost certainty from the start.
SMEs with up to 50 employees should plan at least 2–3 months in advance. Large companies with 200 or more employees need a planning horizon of 6–8 months to coordinate IT migration, infrastructure adjustments, staff communication and no-parking zones without business downtime.
Customs formalities, entry permits and country-specific regulations must be observed carefully. Household goods can be imported duty-free into Switzerland under certain conditions (in your possession for at least 6 months, change of main residence). A relocation firm with international experience handles the entire customs process. Expect total costs from CHF 7'500 for a full household.
Obtain at least 3 written quotes from different moving companies. This gives you a realistic picture of the current market price and protects you from inflated offers. With Offerio you get that comparison from a single request, without hours of research.
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