How to make your move stress-free
Moving is rarely just a matter of "loading boxes into the car and off you go." Depending on your living situation, moving day can quickly turn into a small project: organizing boxes, dismantling furniture, planning transport, applying for no-parking zones, cleaning the old place—and often doing all of this while trying to keep up with everyday life. This is precisely why moving in Switzerland often ends up costing more than expected. It's not just the transport that's expensive, but also the time, personnel, access, and additional services that quickly add up.
This guide provides you with a clear overview of the costs involved in a typical move, explains the main factors that drive up prices, lists the most common services with recommended prices, and offers practical advice to help you decide whether to move yourself or hire a moving company. At the end, you will also find money-saving tips that really work in practice—without stress and without unpleasant surprises.
How much does it cost to move house in Switzerland?
The final bill depends mainly on five factors: apartment size, quantity/weight of household goods, floor/elevator, carrying distances/parking situation, and distance. Many providers charge flat rates based on apartment size or hourly rates. As a guideline, a reputable team often charges CHF 120–160 per person per hour, including vehicle (depending on the region, date, and service package).
To give you a realistic idea of the price range, here are some typical price ranges.
Guidelines depending on apartment size
1–1.5 rooms (studio/small household)
Few pieces of furniture, manageable number of boxes, short move.
Usual: 3 movers, small van, approx. 2–3 hours.
Cost: approx. $550–730
2–2.5rooms
More volume, larger furniture (sofa, bed), usually more boxes.
Usual: 3 people, approx. 3–4 hours, transport.
Cost: approx. $730–$1,100
3–3.5rooms
Classic move for couples or small families – often with a noticeable amount of furniture.
Usual: 4 people, approx. 4–6 hours, transport, simple assembly work.
Cost: approx. $1,050–$1,650
4–5rooms
Large household with lots of inventory and often complex dismantling and reassembly.
Usual: 5 people, large vehicle/truck, approx. 6–9 hours.
Cost: approx. $1,650–$2,650
Single-familyhome
Usual: 5 helpers, large truck, 8-11 hours
Cost: approx. $2,650–$3,700
Typical surcharges based on expenditure
Is there an elevator or not?
Without an elevator (or with a very narrow stairwell), everything takes longer: carrying, turning, securing, walking.
Surcharge: often +20–30%
Distance to the vehicle
If you cannot park directly in front of the entrance (e.g., courtyard, long driveway, construction site), the time required quickly increases.
Surcharge: usually $200–300.
Weekends, holidays, shortnotice
End of the month, Saturdays, and express orders are in high demand—and more expensive.
Surcharges: 10-15%
What factors make a move more expensive or cheaper?
On paper, moving looks easy. In practice, however, the price depends on how efficiently a team can work. These points are the most decisive:
Apartment size andvolume
More rooms mean more boxes, more furniture, and more walking. Bulky or heavy items (solid wood, large cabinets, fitness equipment, piano) increase the effort required.
Floors andstairwells
An apartment on the ground floor is not comparable to one on the fourth floor without an elevator. Many steps cost time and energy—and often require more staff.
Access andparking
Parking directly in front of the building saves minutes—and minutes add up to money when you're charged by the hour. If there is no no-parking zone or the street is narrow, you quickly end up with long carrying distances.
Transportdistance
The longer the distance, the more "unproductive" time is incurred because the team is driving instead of carrying. Traffic jams or difficult access roads can also be relevant.
Packaging andpreparation
Are the boxes packed neatly, labeled, and sturdy? Do fragile items need additional packaging? The better the preparation, the faster the move will go.
Team size and duration ofassignment
A larger team may be faster, but costs more per hour. Good companies plan so that the team size matches the volume—not too big, not too small.
Additionalservices
Disassembly/assembly, disposal, temporary storage, cleaning with delivery guarantee: practical, but to be considered separately in the offer.
Price level in the region
In regions with high demand, wages and operating costs are higher. Therefore, identical moves can have significantly different prices depending on the state/location.
Moving services in detail: prices and benefits
Many moving companies offer modular services. This is practical: you can decide what you want to do yourself and what you want to hire professionals for.
Carrying and transport by a moving team
The basic service includes safe carrying, loading, securing, transporting, and unloading. Useful for heavy furniture, tight time frames, or if you want to avoid damage.
Packing service (including protective material)
Professionals pack dishes, glasses, pictures, technical equipment, and other fragile items properly. This saves time and reduces the risk of breakage or scratches.
Cost: approx. $50–70/hour plus materials (boxes, padding, plastic wrap).
Disassemble furniture and reassemble it at the destination
Cabinets, beds, shelves, or complex systems often need to be dismantled. Professionals can quickly take them apart and reassemble them securely—without any wobbly construction.
Cost: approx. $50–70/hour
Final cleaning with handover guarantee
Especially with rental apartments, thorough cleaning with a guarantee is often the safest way to ensure a stress-free handover. Reputable providers will make improvements if the management has any complaints.
Costs:
- 1.5-room apartment: $350–$480
- 2.5-room apartment: $420–$650
- 3.5-room apartment: $690–$990
- 4.5-room apartment: $990–$1,600
- Single-family home: $1,800–$2,800
Disposal and clearance
Before moving, there is often material that cannot be taken with you: old furniture, mattresses, electrical appliances. A clearance service saves time and ensures proper disposal.
Cost: approx. $150–300 per m3
Storage / Temporary storage
If moving in and moving out don't fit together seamlessly, a storage room can be the solution. Ideal for furniture, boxes, or seasonal items.
Cost: approx. $250–500 per month, depending on size and location.
Special transports (piano, safe, large aquarium)
Special equipment and experience are required for very heavy or delicate items (straps, rollers, lifting aids).
Recommended retail prices:
- Piano: $250–$350
- Safe: $250–$350
- Large aquarium: $300–450
Do it yourself or hire professionals—what's right for you?
Whether you move yourself or hire a company is primarily a question of volume, time pressure, and risk. A DIY move can be inexpensive, but it is physically and organizationally demanding.
What you can do well yourself
DIY is particularly suitable for small households and short distances—or if you have enough helpers. "Hybrid" is also popular: pack the boxes yourself and have them transported by professionals.
Typical own contributions:
- Packing, labeling, and sorting boxes
- Declutter in advance (sell/donate/dispose of)
- smaller transports (car/trailer)
- Furniture that can be easily dismantled should be dismantled yourself.
- Rent transporters and coordinate helpers
Advantage: often saves several hundred dollars.
Disadvantage: time-consuming, greater risk of damage, physical strain.
Money-saving tips: how to significantly reduce your moving costs
Those who organize early can significantly reduce overall costs—often in the range of 20–40%. The best savings come from choosing the right date, preparation, and logistics.
1) Moving date not on peakday
The end of the month and Saturdays are expensive. During the week or in the middle of the month, companies are often much more flexible.
Savings: often up to 20–25%.
2) Declutter before packing
Less volume = fewer hours. Anything you're not taking with you should be sold, donated, or thrown away in advance.
Savings: often $250–350.
3) Compare several offers
Obtain at least three offers—and check whether the services are really the same (team size, vehicle, insurance, materials, cleaning).
4) Make targeted use of your own efforts
Having boxes ready and dismantling furniture (where appropriate) reduces the time required for the move.
5) Procure cardboard boxes and packaging materials wisely.
Good sources include thrift stores, online platforms, or special offers at hardware stores.
Savings: often $70–130.
6) Organize no-parking zones in good time
A parking space directly in front of the house saves walking distances. Many municipalities offer no-parking zones for reasonable fees.
Conclusion: Moving is most successful with realistic planning and clear services.
Moving in Switzerland can vary greatly – from transporting a small studio apartment to a family household with assembly, cleaning, and special transport. If you know the most important cost drivers, prepare early, and compare quotes carefully, you can save money and significantly reduce stress on moving day. Whether you move yourself or hire a moving company, the best solution is the one that fits your time frame, your budget, and your belongings—and makes your move as easy as possible.
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