Guide to Packing and Moving Boxes in Switzerland

The art of packing: protecting your belongings during a move

Good packing is the best insurance against damage during a move. Most breakages during a move are due to insufficient or unsuitable packing. Investing time in careful packing can save you repairs or replacements.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to choose the right boxes, master packing techniques by item type, and avoid the most common mistakes. If you prefer to leave this task to professionals, discover professional packing and unpacking.

Types of moving boxes

Standard box

• Dimensions: approximately 60 x 40 x 40 cm (96 litres)
• Use: clothes, household linen, toys, lightweight kitchen utensils, decorations
• Maximum weight: 20-25 kg

Book / document box

• Dimensions: approximately 40 x 30 x 30 cm (36 litres)
• Use: books, documents, CDs/DVDs, small heavy items, tinned goods
• Feature: smaller and sturdier, withstands the weight of books
• Maximum weight: 25-30 kg (but the reduced volume limits the weight)

Wardrobe box

• Dimensions: approximately 50 x 60 x 120 cm, with built-in hanging rail
• Use: clothes on hangers (suits, dresses, coats)
• Feature: allows you to transfer clothes directly from the wardrobe to the box without folding
• Maximum weight: 15-20 kg

Crockery / glass box

• Dimensions: approximately 60 x 40 x 40 cm, with internal cardboard dividers
• Use: glasses, cups, plates, fragile items
• Feature: internal dividers keep each item in its own compartment
• Maximum weight: 20 kg

TV / screen box

• Dimensions: variable depending on screen size (32” to 75”)
• Use: TVs, monitors, screens
• Feature: reinforced box with foam corners

Mattress cover

• Dimensions: sized for standard mattress sizes
• Use: protecting the mattress during transport
• Feature: plastic or cardboard cover, protects from dirt and moisture

Protective materials

How many boxes to plan for

Tip: order 10 to 15% more boxes than your estimate. Better to have too many than not enough. Unused boxes can be resold or returned. Need a temporary space to store your belongings? Discover storage solutions.

Packing techniques by item type

Crockery and glasses (fragile)

Plates:

1. Place crumpled packing paper at the bottom of the box
2. Wrap each plate individually in paper
3. Stand them vertically (on edge), like records
4. Fill gaps with crumpled paper
5. Never mix plates of different sizes in the same row

Glasses and cups:

1. Fill the inside of the glass with crumpled paper
2. Wrap the glass in bubble wrap or packing paper
3. Place each glass upside down in the box (base up)
4. Use crockery box dividers to separate each glass
5. Never stack glasses

Golden rule: a well-packed crockery box should produce no noise when gently shaken.

Electronics

TV / screen:

• Ideally, use the original packaging with its polystyrene inserts
• Otherwise, wrap the screen in bubble wrap (at least 2 layers) and place in a reinforced box
• Transport upright (never flat — risk of pressure on the panel)
• Clearly mark “FRAGILE — THIS WAY UP” on the box

Computer:

• Back up your data before the move
• Remove hard drives if possible (carry them on your person)
• Wrap in bubble wrap + box
• Printer: remove ink cartridges and secure the carriage

Small electronics:

• Photograph connections before unplugging
• Label each cable with tape and a marker
• Group cables in labelled resealable bags

Clothes

On hangers: use a wardrobe box for direct transfer Folded: standard boxes are perfect for household linen and folded clothes Shoes: keep in their original boxes or stack in a standard box with paper between each pair Seasonal clothing: use vacuum bags to reduce volume

Kitchen

• Saucepans: stacked with paper between each item, handles protected
• Knives: wrapped individually in corrugated cardboard and secured with tape (safety)
• Spices and oils: in a sealed plastic bag, upright in a small box (leak risk)
• Small appliances (food processor, blender): in original packaging if possible, otherwise bubble wrap + box
• Food: consume as much as possible before the move. Transport tins in small sturdy boxes

Special items

Mirrors and pictures:

• Protect with an X of tape across the glass (limits damage if it breaks)
• Wrap in bubble wrap + corrugated cardboard
• Transport upright, never flat
• Mark “FRAGILE — GLASS”

Plants:

• Place in open-topped boxes, wedged with paper
• Water 2 days before the move (not too dry, not too wet)
• Transport in your car (controlled temperature)
• In winter, protect from frost during transport

Lamps:

• Remove lampshades and wrap them separately in tissue paper
• Wrap bases in bubble wrap
• Never place a heavy item on top of a lampshade

Where to buy moving boxes in Switzerland

New

Free or second-hand

• Supermarkets (Migros, Coop, Aldi, Lidl): ask at the fruit and veg section. Sturdy and free. Go in the morning when stock is fresh
• Tutti.ch / Anibis.ch: many listings for free or cheap second-hand boxes
• Facebook Marketplace: local moving groups
• Recycle after the move: offer your good-condition boxes on these same platforms
• Ricardo.ch: second-hand box bundles

Advantages of new boxes: uniform size (stackable), guaranteed strength, more hygienic Advantages of free boxes: no cost, eco-friendly approach

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Boxes too heavy: a box over 25 kg is difficult to carry and risks giving way. Rule: if you cannot carry it comfortably, it is too heavy
2. Boxes not full enough: a half-empty box risks being crushed when other boxes are stacked on top. Fill the gap with crumpled paper
3. Boxes poorly taped: always reinforce the bottom with tape in an H shape (cross in the middle + strips on the edges)
4. No labelling: label each box on the top and at least one side with the contents and destination room
5. Crockery stacked flat: plates break far more easily when flat than when standing on edge
6. Chemical products mixed in: never put cleaning products in the same box as food or clothing
7. Liquids poorly protected: wrap bottles in plastic bags and transport them upright
8. No “first day” box: you will desperately search for your toothbrush, medication and phone charger

For a stress-free residential move, request a free quote: your request is passed on to professional movers in your area, who can handle packing and transport.

The colour-code labelling system

An efficient labelling system saves you considerable time at unloading:

Stick a coloured square of paper or a sticker on each box and on the door of the corresponding room in the new property. The movers will know immediately where to place each box.

Professional vs DIY packing

If you opt for a professional packing service, discover packing and unpacking services.

Frequently asked questions