Moving to Martigny-Combe is nothing like a move on the valley floor: the commune stretches across the heights above Martigny, from the Plan-Cerisier vineyard slope up to the Col de la Forclaz. With villages, chalets and steep roads, every address has its own access constraints. To move to Martigny-Combe smoothly, it is worth describing your home precisely and comparing free quotes from removal companies in the area.
Martigny-Combe: villages, hillsides and chalets
The commune is not a compact urban centre. It brings together very different areas, from the Plan-Cerisier vineyard slope to the surroundings of the Col de la Forclaz, taking in the villages of Martigny-Croix and Ravoire. This spread across different altitudes explains the variety of housing: village homes, detached houses and chalets.
For a move, the difference comes down to the type of home. A village flat raises different questions from a chalet away from the main roads: width of the access road, distance between the road and the front door, outdoor stairs, whether or not there is a lift. Including these details in your request lets movers prepare a realistic quote rather than discovering the difficulties on the day.
Depending on your situation, you may be a tenant in a village property, the owner of a house or the occupant of a chalet. In every case, preparation starts with an honest inventory of what you are moving: large furniture, appliances, boxes, fragile items.
Access, parking and floors in Martigny-Combe
On a hillside, access is often the first issue. A steep or narrow road can limit the size of truck that can get close, in which case the movers arrange a longer carry or transfer the load to a smaller vehicle. The greater the distance between the truck and the front door, the more time and labour the job takes, which is reflected in the quote.
A few points to check before moving day:
- the width and gradient of the road or track leading to the property;
- the number of steps or floors, and whether there is a lift;
- bulky furniture that will not fit up a narrow staircase;
- where the truck can stop without blocking traffic.
When the stairs or the balcony are the only way out for a bulky piece of furniture, a furniture lift can avoid carrying it by hand. If the truck or furniture lift has to occupy the public road, prior permission from the commune or the police may be required: ask the commune a few days, or even a few weeks, before the planned date.
In winter, snow and ice can make mountain roads more demanding, including in the upper parts of the commune. Allow some leeway in your schedule and let the movers know. The guide to moving in winter sets out useful precautions.
Choosing your date for moving to Martigny-Combe
For a rented home, the notice period is in principle three months, to the date set by local custom or, failing that, to the end of a quarter of the lease (art. 266c of the Swiss Code of Obligations, CO), unless your contract provides for longer. Customary dates vary by canton and commune: reread your lease and check local custom. Notice must be given in writing (art. 266l CO). For the family home, the spouse or partner must expressly consent to the termination (art. 266m and 266n CO).
The periods around lease termination dates are generally busy: removal companies receive many requests at the same time. Asking for a quote early gives you more choice of dates.
The season matters too. In summer, the heat of the Rhône valley tires crews and can affect some sensitive items; in winter, snow can complicate access at altitude. The shoulder seasons often offer a compromise, but the right time is the one that fits your lease and your schedule. If you need to leave the property before the termination date, you can be released by proposing a replacement tenant who is solvent and willing to take over the lease on the same terms (art. 264 CO). See the guide to terminating a lease in Switzerland.
Administrative steps in Martigny-Combe
Every move must be reported to the residents’ registration office (contrôle des habitants): your departure from the old commune and your arrival in the new one, within the period set by the canton. In many communes, you can do this online through eMoving (eUmzugCH); check with the commune what it offers.
Also remember to change your address with your employer, insurer, bank and the services you use. For the home you are leaving, prepare the move-out inspection (état des lieux) and the return of the keys. A rental deposit cannot exceed three months’ rent (art. 257e CO) and is paid into a blocked account in your name: to get it back, the landlord must be satisfied with the condition of the property when you hand it over.
If you are arriving from abroad, or leaving for France, additional formalities apply: customs for the goods you transport and a residence permit depending on your situation. Check with the relevant authorities before the moving date.
Useful services for your move to Martigny-Combe
Residential moving
Village flat, house or chalet: residential moving covers the full transport, from loading to delivery. State the access and floors in your request to get a quote that reflects reality.
Packing and unpacking
Mountain roads shake the load more. Careful packing and unpacking protects crockery, picture frames and fragile items on the way down or up.
Furniture assembly and disassembly
A large bed, a wardrobe or a chalet table do not always fit up a narrow staircase. Furniture assembly and disassembly makes carrying easier and prevents damage.
Storage
Between two homes, or when the chalet is not yet ready, storage lets you keep your belongings for as long as needed.
End-of-lease cleaning
Before the move-out inspection, end-of-lease cleaning helps you return the property in the expected condition and makes it easier to recover your deposit.
House clearance
Family chalet, cellar or attic to empty: house clearance saves you from transporting what you no longer need.
Requesting a quote
- You describe your move online: addresses, volume, floors, access, preferred date.
- Professional removal companies in the area contact you, possibly to visit the property.
- You compare the free quotes and remain free to choose, with no obligation.
To get started, you can request a quote.
Around Martigny-Combe
If your move involves neighbouring communes, see the pages for Martigny, Fully and Sembrancher. For an overview, the page on moving in the canton of Valais presents the cantonal context, and you will find all the communes covered in French-speaking Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions: moving to Martigny-Combe
Not necessarily. In the upper parts of the commune, some roads are steep or narrow, and access depends on each address. State the location of the property in your request: the movers will adapt the vehicle or plan a longer carry.
If the truck, a furniture lift or a skip occupies the public road, prior permission from the commune or the police may be required. Ask the commune a few days or weeks before the planned date.
Snow and ice can make mountain roads more demanding, especially at altitude. Allow some leeway on the date and tell the movers about the access. They will be able to organise accordingly.
Report your arrival to the residents' registration office (contrôle des habitants) within the period set by the canton, possibly online via eMoving if the commune offers it. Also remember to change your address with your insurers, your bank and your employer.
It can be when a staircase is narrow or bulky furniture will not fit inside. It goes in through a balcony or a window. Describe the access in your request so that the movers can judge whether it is worthwhile.