Moving to Thônex: villas, flats and the border

A move to Thônex often combines villas, small apartment blocks and journeys on both sides of the French border. Located on the left bank, east of Geneva, the commune adjoins the Moillesulaz customs post, so cross-border moves are common. To move to Thônex smoothly, it is best to sort out access, paperwork and your choice of removal company in Thônex well before the planned date.

Thônex and its housing: what to know before you move

Thônex is a residential commune on Geneva’s left bank. It has villa neighbourhoods, with gardens and private drives, and modestly sized apartment blocks, rather than the dense city centre of Geneva. This mix changes how you move: a villa is often loaded at ground level or with a few steps, whereas a flat in a block means allowing for the staircase or the lift.

The commune lies on the French border at Moillesulaz, and Chêne-Bourg station, on the Léman Express, is nearby. Many residents come from abroad, or are heading to neighbouring France, so your move may cross the border. When requesting a quote, state the type of housing, the floor, whether there is a lift and the distance between the lorry and the door: these details determine the equipment and the number of people needed.

Access, parking and floors in Thônex

In the canton of Geneva, traffic and parking are often difficult, and Thônex is no exception at busy times. For a villa, check that the lorry can get close to the entrance: a narrow lane, a gate, a slope or a hedge may mean a longer carrying distance. For a small apartment block, look at the width of the stairs, the size of the lift and whether the lorry can stop in front of the entrance.

When the lorry cannot get close, or when furniture will not fit up the stairs, a furniture lift can help. It is set up against the façade and goes through a window or balcony: allow for the space needed on the ground.

Occupying the public road with a lorry, a furniture lift or a skip may require prior authorisation from the commune or the police. Ask the commune a few days, or even a few weeks, before the date. Our guide on the parking permit for moving day explains the procedure.

Choosing the right time to move to Thônex

If you rent your home, start with your lease. The notice period is in principle three months for the term set by local custom or, failing that, for the end of a three-month lease period (art. 266c of the Swiss Code of Obligations, CO), unless the contract provides for longer. Customary terms vary by canton and commune: check them in your lease. Notice must be given in writing (art. 266l CO), and for the family home, the spouse or partner must expressly consent (art. 266m and 266n CO). Our page on how to terminate a lease in Switzerland covers these points.

Around lease terms, removal companies are in high demand: book early, especially if you are aiming for a specific date or a weekend. If you need to leave before the lease ends, art. 264 CO allows you to be released by presenting a solvent replacement tenant willing to take over the lease on the same terms. As for the season, summer brings heat for carrying boxes, while winter can complicate access: leave some margin in your schedule.

Formalities for a move to Thônex

Every move must be reported to the residents’ registration office (contrôle des habitants): departure in your old 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). Then remember to give your new address to your employer, insurers, bank and subscription services.

For the home you are leaving, plan the move-out inspection (état des lieux) and the return of the keys. For the new one, the rental deposit may not exceed three months’ rent for a dwelling (art. 257e CO) and is paid into a blocked account in your name.

If you are arriving from abroad or leaving for France, further formalities apply: customs clearance of the goods being moved and a residence permit. Check with the relevant authorities before the date, and see our guide on moving from France to Geneva.

Useful services for your move to Thônex

Residential moving

For a family in a villa or a couple in a flat, residential moving covers loading, transport and unloading. State the floors, the lift and the carrying distance in your request.

International moving

With the border so close, many moves cross at Moillesulaz. An international move requires an inventory of goods and customs formalities: mention it from the moment you request a quote.

Packing and unpacking

Entrusting packing and unpacking to professionals saves time, especially for crockery, picture frames and the fragile items of a villa.

Furniture assembly and disassembly

Wardrobes, beds and modular kitchens get down the stairs more easily when taken apart. Furniture assembly and disassembly avoids damage in narrow stairwells.

End-of-lease cleaning

To return the home in the condition expected at the move-out inspection, end-of-lease cleaning is a common complement to a departure.

Storage

If your move-out and move-in dates do not coincide, storage lets you keep your belongings between two homes.

Request a quote

1. You describe your move online: departure and arrival addresses, approximate volume, floors, access and preferred date.
2. Professional removal companies in the region contact you, possibly arranging a visit to the premises to refine their quote.
3. You compare the free quotes and remain free to choose, or not to proceed.

The cost depends on volume, distance, floors and access, any furniture lift, packing and the date. To request a quote, simply fill in the form.

Around Thônex

Moving to a nearby area? See our pages for Chêne-Bourg, Chêne-Bougeries and Puplinge. You will also find the page on moving in the canton of Geneva and the list of all communes.

Frequently asked questions