What makes the price of a move vary in Western Switzerland?
The price of a move varies considerably depending on several factors: the property size and volume, the distance, the access at both addresses, the date and the services added. The only reliable way to know the price of your own move is to receive a free, no-obligation quote from professional movers in your area.
Understanding what makes up a quote will help you compare offers more effectively and identify ways to reduce your bill. Our service passes your request on to professional movers in your area, who contact you and prepare your quote.
Property size and volume
The most significant factor is the volume to move, directly linked to the size of your property. A studio, a 3.5-room flat and a detached house do not require the same team, the same vehicle or the same amount of time.
A quote generally covers loading, transport and unloading. Packing and unpacking are often charged as extras, so check what is included.
Impact of distance
The distance between the old and new property directly affects the cost. A move within the same town is not quoted like an intercantonal move or a move to another region. For long distances, travel time and fuel add to the overall bill.
Access and location
Access difficulties often have a bigger effect than people expect. Urban areas bring extra constraints: upper floors without a lift, pedestrian zones, narrow streets and limited parking. A parking permit from the municipality may be needed. These details are worth mentioning in your request so that the quotes are accurate.
Date and season
Seasonality is an often-underestimated factor. In Switzerland, residential leases traditionally end on official moving dates set by the cantons, which creates strong demand peaks.
The most common official moving dates are 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December. In French-speaking Switzerland, 30 September and 31 March account for a large share of moves. If you have the flexibility to move outside these dates, or on a weekday rather than a weekend, you can often reduce your bill.
What a quote is made of
To properly understand your quote, here are the typical items for a professional move:
Labour
- Team size: depends on the property (a flat or a house)
- Duration: depends on volume, distance and access
- Weekends and public holidays: may be charged differently
Transport
- Vehicle: its size depends on the volume to move
- Extra kilometres: may be charged for longer distances
Common supplements
- Furniture lift / external hoist: essential for upper floors without a lift or bulky furniture
- Floors without a lift: access difficulties may be charged
- Full packing and packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape)
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Temporary storage
- Parking permit (major towns)
- End-of-lease cleaning: often offered as a package
Comparison: DIY vs professional move
Hiring professionals is not always as expensive as you might think, especially when you add up all the costs of doing it yourself:
| Item | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Truck hire | At your expense | Included |
| Fuel | At your expense | Included |
| Packing materials | At your expense | Often included or optional |
| Help (friends, family) | “Free” (meals, beer, moral debt) | Included |
| Transport insurance | Not covered | Professional liability of the mover |
| Breakage risk | At your expense | Depends on the mover’s insurance |
| Time invested | 1-3 days | One day or less for a standard flat |
| Stress and fatigue | High | Low |
A DIY move can cost less, but this does not account for the value of your time, the risk of injury or the risk of damage to your belongings.
Tips to reduce the cost of your move
- Request several quotes via our free quote form to compare offers
- Move outside the busiest dates if your lease allows it
- Avoid weekends and month-ends when possible
- Sort and declutter before the move — less volume = lower cost
- Pack non-fragile items yourself to reduce labour costs
- Get free boxes from supermarkets or classified platforms
- Optimise truck space by disassembling furniture in advance
- Ask for a fixed price rather than an hourly rate to control your budget better
- Bundle services (moving + cleaning + assembly) for an overall rate
- Book as early as possible, especially around the official moving dates
What is generally NOT included in the basic quote
Watch out for potential hidden costs. Always check whether the following items are included or charged as extras:
- Packing and unpacking of boxes
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture (wardrobes, beds)
- Floor and wall protection (blankets, protective cardboard)
- Furniture lift for difficult access
- Parking permits from the municipality
- Temporary storage if there is a gap between dates
- Waste disposal (bulky items, used boxes)
- Additional insurance for valuable items
Always request a detailed written quote specifying what is included. Through this site, quotes are free and without obligation.
When is a professional move essential?
Certain situations make hiring professionals particularly advisable:
- Piano, safe, very heavy items: require specialist equipment — see our piano transport service
- Artworks, antiques: expert handling and specific insurance — see art transport
- Upper floors without a lift: a furniture lift may be essential
- Commercial move: minimising downtime is crucial — discover our commercial moving service
- Long distance or international: complex logistics, customs formalities
- Elderly or mobility-impaired persons: comfort and safety come first
Frequently asked questions
Questions fréquentes
The price depends on the volume to move, the distance, the floors and access at both addresses, whether a furniture lift is needed, packing, the date and any added services. Request a free, no-obligation quote to know the price of your own move.
Compare several quotes, move outside the busiest dates if you can, choose a weekday, sort your belongings to reduce the volume, and pack non-fragile items yourself. Booking as early as possible, especially around the official moving dates, also helps.
Yes, the vast majority of moving companies in Switzerland offer free, no-obligation quotes. Through this site, you describe your move once and your request is passed on to professional movers in your area.
Weekdays outside the quarter-end dates (31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December) are usually easier to book and can be more affordable than weekends or peak dates.
Movers generally carry professional liability insurance covering damage caused during transport, but coverage is often capped. For high-value items (artworks, antiques, high-end electronics), ask the mover about additional insurance.
It depends on the volume, the distance and the access. A studio is much quicker than a large house, which may require a full day or more. The mover will give you an estimate in the quote.
Tipping is not mandatory in Switzerland, but it is appreciated for a job well done. Providing a drink or a meal is a common gesture if the move lasts all day.
Moving costs are generally not tax-deductible in Switzerland for individuals, unless the move is directly related to a job change imposed by the employer. In that case, unreimbursed costs may be deducted as professional expenses. Consult the tax authority of your canton for specific rules.