Moving to Sion: Old Town, Plain and Summer Heat

Moving to Sion means dealing with two realities: the narrow lanes of the old town, where the lorry cannot always get close, and the neighbourhoods on the plain, where access is easy and newer buildings have lifts. Before you move to Sion, you therefore need to know what type of home you are leaving or arriving at. Describe your project online: professional removal companies in the region will contact you and prepare a free, no-obligation quote.

Sion, capital of Valais: neighbourhoods and types of home

As the capital of Valais, Sion lies in the Rhône valley, beneath the hills of Valère and Tourbillon. This setting gives the town a dry, sunny climate and a varied housing stock.

The old town has historic buildings, narrow stairwells and flats that often have no lift. Around it, the residential neighbourhoods offer newer homes, frequently served by a lift, while the villa areas have detached houses with a garage, a garden and sometimes several floors.

Each type of home calls for different preparation: what takes an hour in a modern building can take more time and more hands in an old lane.

Access, parking and floors in Sion

On the plain, access is generally easy: a standard-size lorry can often park near the entrance. In that case, it is mainly the number of floors and the presence of a lift that determine the working time. Check that the lift is big enough for your bulkiest furniture, and book its use with the letting agency (régie) or the owners’ association if necessary.

In the old town, narrow lanes change things. The lorry may have to park some distance away, which means more carrying; a smaller vehicle or shuttle runs may be needed. Narrow stairs and tight corners make it harder to get sofas, wardrobes and mattresses through. A furniture lift can then be used to go through a window or balcony, if access allows. Our guide to moving in an old town explains these situations in detail.

A lorry, furniture lift or skip occupying the public road may require prior permission from the commune or the police. Ask the commune a few days, or even a few weeks, before the date. See also our guide on the parking permit for moving day.

When to move in Sion: lease dates, heat and season

A tenant may terminate a lease by giving 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 notice period. Customary dates vary by canton and commune: check your lease and local custom. Notice must be given in writing (art. 266l CO).

Dates close to the customary termination dates are generally the busiest: removal companies are in high demand, so it is best to contact them early.

In Sion, summer heat makes physical work harder: loading a lorry in the middle of a summer afternoon is gruelling for the crew and for sensitive items (plants, products, electronics). Favour the cooler morning hours. In spring and autumn, conditions are often more comfortable. If you are heading to a resort or a side valley in winter, allow for snow and the state of mountain roads.

Formalities in Sion: residents’ registration and housing

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). Check what is possible for your commune.

Also remember to change your address with your employer, bank, insurers and subscriptions.

As for your home, prepare the move-out inspection (état des lieux) and the return of the keys. If you cannot meet the notice period or the date, you can be released from the lease by presenting a solvent replacement tenant who is ready to take over the lease on the same terms (art. 264 CO). For married couples or registered partners, giving notice on the family home requires the consent of the spouse or partner (art. 266m and 266n CO). The rental deposit, capped at three months’ rent (art. 257e CO), is paid into a blocked account in your name. See also our guide on terminating a lease in Switzerland.

If you are arriving from abroad or leaving for France, find out in advance about the customs and residence permit formalities that apply to your situation.

Useful services for your move in Sion

Residential moving

A flat in town, a villa on the outskirts or a student studio: residential moving adapts to your volume, your floors and the access to your building.

Furniture lift

In narrow lanes or tight stairwells, a furniture lift avoids forcing large items through. It needs space and sometimes a parking permit.

Packing and unpacking

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

Storage

Between two homes, or if you are moving to a smaller place, storage lets you keep your belongings for a while.

End-of-lease cleaning

To hand back your home in the expected condition, end-of-lease cleaning saves you a last-minute task.

Commercial moving

A practice, shop or office changing premises has its own scheduling constraints: commercial moving takes them into account.

Requesting a quote

1. You describe your move online: addresses, volume, floors, preferred date.
2. Professional removal companies in the region contact you, possibly to arrange a visit on site.
3. You compare the free quotes and remain free to choose.

The cost depends on volume, distance, floors and access, any furniture lift, packing and the date. Requesting a quote is free and without obligation.

Around Sion

Not sure which commune to choose? See the pages for Savièse, Conthey and Nendaz. You can also find moving in the canton of Valais and all the communes we cover. Whether you are planning a move to Sion or elsewhere in French-speaking Switzerland, the process is the same.

Frequently asked questions