Moving to Bulle: New Buildings and Snowy Winters

As the main town of the Gruyère, Bulle is a fast-growing town at the foot of the Prealps. Moving to Bulle means taking into account its many recent buildings, its generally easy access and a winter that can be snowy. Whether you are looking for a removal company in Bulle or simply preparing your departure, this guide brings together the points to plan for.

Bulle, a growing town in the heart of the Gruyère

Bulle serves as the regional centre of the Gruyère: its castle and the Musée gruérien make it a well-known landmark far beyond the district. The town is developing quickly, and many new buildings have been added. For a move, this is a rather favourable setting: recent buildings generally have a lift, wide stairwells and level access for vehicles.

Around the centre and in the surrounding area you will also find detached houses, villas and older homes, sometimes in a more rural setting. Each type of home raises its own questions: a flat on an upper floor does not involve the same carrying as a house with an internal staircase, a basement or an attic (galetas). When you make your request, state the type of building, the floor and whether there is a lift, so that the movers can estimate the volume and the time needed.

Access, parking and floors: what to plan for in Bulle

Access is reputed to be easy in Bulle, especially in the recent neighbourhoods. That does not remove the need to check a few points before the day itself:

• The size of the lorry: confirm that a removal vehicle can get close to the entrance, with no impossible manoeuvre or passage that is too narrow.
• The carrying distance: the further the lorry is from the door, the longer the work takes.
• The lift: check its dimensions and, if the building requires it, book it with the letting agency (gérance) or the caretaker.
• The stairs: a bulky piece of furniture or a piano does not always fit through a narrow stairwell.
• The furniture lift: it becomes useful for upper floors without a suitable lift, or for items that cannot go through the inside of the building. It needs a clear space.

If the lorry or the furniture lift has to occupy the public highway, prior authorisation from the commune or the police may be required. Check a few days, or even a few weeks, before the date, depending on the period. The guide on the parking permit for moving day explains the procedure.

In winter, the area around Bulle can be snowy. Allow extra time, check that access has been cleared of snow and tell the movers if your home is on a sloping or high-altitude road.

When to move to Bulle: lease dates, seasons and weather

A tenant who wishes to leave must give three months’ notice for the date set by local custom or, failing that, for the end of a lease quarter (art. 266c of the Swiss Code of Obligations, CO), unless the contract provides for a longer period. Customary dates vary by canton and commune: check them in your lease. Notice must be given in writing (art. 266l CO). For more details, see the guide on moving dates in Switzerland.

Around the usual dates, removal companies are in great demand: book early and stay flexible on the day of the week if possible. If you have to leave before the lease ends, article 264 CO allows you to be released by presenting a solvent replacement tenant who is willing to take over the lease on the same terms.

As for the weather, winter can bring snow and ice to the region, which slows down carrying and traffic. The warmer season is more comfortable, but also in higher demand. In both cases, build some margin into your schedule.

Formalities for moving to Bulle

Every move must be reported to the residents’ registration office (contrôle des habitants): departure in the former commune, arrival in the new one, within the period set by the canton. In many communes, the notification can be made online through eMoving (eUmzugCH). The guide on registering with the commune helps you not to forget anything.

Also remember to change your address with your contacts, insurers, employer and subscriptions. When you hand back the home, the move-out inspection (état des lieux) is carried out with the letting agency (régie) or the landlord: a thorough clean avoids unpleasant surprises. For your new lease, the rental deposit may not exceed three months’ rent for a home (art. 257e CO) and it is paid into a blocked account in your name.

If you are arriving from abroad, customs and the residence permit need to be planned in advance. If you are leaving for France, customs formalities are added: find out about them before the date.

Useful services for moving to Bulle

Residential moving

For a flat in a recent building or a house on the outskirts, residential moving covers loading, transport and setting up. State the floors and access details to get a precise quote.

Furniture lift

When the lift is too small or the staircase is narrow, a furniture lift avoids forcing the way through. Allow for a clear space and, if needed, authorisation from the commune.

Packing and unpacking

To save time or protect crockery and fragile items, packing and unpacking can be entrusted to professionals.

End-of-lease cleaning

Before the move-out inspection, end-of-lease cleaning helps you hand the home back in good condition.

Storage

If your departure and arrival dates do not coincide, storage lets you keep your belongings temporarily.

House clearance

Before leaving, clearing a cellar, an attic or a house lightens the move.

Requesting a quote

1. You describe your move online: addresses, volume, floors, access, preferred date.
2. Professional removal companies in the region contact you, possibly for a visit to the premises.
3. You compare the free quotes and remain free to choose, with no obligation.

The cost depends on the volume, the distance, the floors and access, any furniture lift, packing and the date. Requesting a quote is free.

Around Bulle

If your journey passes through the Gruyère, also see the pages on Riaz, Gruyères and Broc. For an overview, see moving in the canton of Fribourg or all the communes.

Frequently asked questions