Storage solutions in Switzerland: everything you need to know
The self-storage market in Switzerland has been growing at 8 to 10% annually for several years. Between high rents pushing people into smaller homes, expatriates in transit and businesses short of space, demand for storage solutions has never been higher. In 2026, Switzerland has over 500 storage facilities spread across the country.
Whether you need to store furniture during a move, warehouse business goods or keep seasonal items, this guide will help you choose the right solution at the best price.
What a storage service includes
A professional storage service in Switzerland typically includes:
- A secure storage space: individual lockable unit in a building protected by CCTV and alarm
- Controlled access: personal badge or code to enter the facility
- Weather protection: covered building, sheltered from rain, frost and UV
- Basic insurance: covering damage related to the building (fire, flood, break-in)
- Contractual flexibility: minimum one month, option to change unit size
- Handling option: loading and unloading by professionals if combined with a move
- Packing option: professional packing of your belongings before storage
Types of storage available in Switzerland
Self-storage (individual units)
The most widespread and flexible concept:
- Free access 24/7 or during extended hours (6am-10pm)
- Individual unit with your own lock, from 1 to 50 m2
- Flexible contract: from one month, no long-term commitment
- Ambient temperature: unheated or heated depending on the facility
- Security: CCTV, alarm, personal badge access
Ideal for: individuals who want regular access to their belongings.
Traditional furniture storage
The conventional service offered by moving companies:
- Container storage or lot storage in a secure warehouse
- Limited access: by appointment only
- Managed inventory by the provider
- Handling included: loading and unloading
- Professional packing often available as an option
Ideal for: storage during a move or an extended absence.
Shipping containers
An economical solution for large volumes:
- 20-foot container (~33 m3) or 40-foot container (~67 m3)
- On-site storage (depot) or at your home (on your property)
- Robust and weatherproof: Corten steel resistant to the elements
- No heating or climate control
Ideal for: storing large volumes, construction site furniture, long transitions.
Climate-controlled storage
For sensitive items requiring controlled conditions:
- Constant temperature between 15 and 22°C
- Controlled humidity between 40 and 60%
- Protection from UV, dust and pests
- Vaults for extremely high-value items
Ideal for: works of art, musical instruments including pianos, sensitive archives, wine.
Storage prices in Switzerland (2026)
Price table by type and size
| Unit size | Approximate volume | Monthly price (self-storage) | Monthly price (furniture storage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 m2 | 3-6 m3 | 50 – 120 CHF | 30 – 80 CHF |
| 3-4 m2 | 9-12 m3 | 120 – 220 CHF | 80 – 150 CHF |
| 5-8 m2 | 15-24 m3 | 200 – 400 CHF | 150 – 300 CHF |
| 10-15 m2 | 30-45 m3 | 350 – 650 CHF | 250 – 500 CHF |
| 20-30 m2 | 60-90 m3 | 550 – 1,000 CHF | 400 – 800 CHF |
| 20-foot container | ~33 m3 | — | 250 – 500 CHF |
Price per m3 per month
- Standard self-storage: 40 – 80 CHF/m3/month
- Traditional furniture storage: 30 – 60 CHF/m3/month
- Shipping container: 8 – 15 CHF/m3/month
- Climate-controlled storage: 60 – 120 CHF/m3/month
Regional variations
Prices vary significantly by region:
- Geneva: +25 to 40% above the national average (the most expensive market)
- Zurich: +15 to 25%
- Lausanne / Vaud: +10 to 20%
- Basel: at the national average
- Bern: slightly below average
- Central / Eastern Switzerland: -10 to 20% (the lowest rates)
Step-by-step process
1. Assess your needs
Before choosing a storage solution, determine:
- The volume to store: use the table below to estimate the unit size needed
- The duration of storage: short-term (1-3 months), medium-term (3-12 months) or long-term (1 year and over)
- Frequency of access: do you need regular access to your belongings?
- Type of goods: standard furniture, fragile items, valuables, professional equipment
- Conditions required: ambient temperature, climate-controlled, ventilated
2. Choose the type of storage
Based on your needs, opt for self-storage (free access, flexibility), traditional furniture storage (competitive price, handling included) or climate-controlled storage (sensitive items).
3. Prepare your belongings
Good packing is essential to preserve your goods:
- Sturdy boxes: double-wall for heavy items
- Bubble wrap: for crockery, ornaments, electronics
- Covers: for mattresses, sofas and clothing
- Stretch film: to keep drawers shut and protect against dust
- Moving blankets: for wooden furniture
See our detailed tips on the packing and unpacking page.
4. Organise the unit
- Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter ones on top
- Create a central aisle to access all areas
- Label every box on two sides
- Draw up an inventory listing the boxes and their contents
- Raise furniture on pallets to avoid ground moisture
- Disassemble large furniture to optimise space — our assembly/disassembly service can help
5. Insure your belongings
Check the insurance coverage included and take out additional cover if needed (see the Insurance section below).
How to choose your storage solution
Estimating the volume needed
| What you are storing | Estimated volume | Recommended unit size |
|---|---|---|
| A few boxes + small furniture | 3-5 m3 | 1-2 m2 |
| Contents of a bedroom | 5-10 m3 | 3-4 m2 |
| Complete studio | 10-15 m3 | 4-6 m2 |
| 2-3 room flat | 20-35 m3 | 8-12 m2 |
| 4-5 room flat | 35-50 m3 | 12-18 m2 |
| House / villa | 50-80 m3 | 18-30 m2 |
Essential selection criteria
- Location: proximity to your home or workplace for frequent access
- Security: CCTV, alarm, sprinklers, controlled access
- Accessibility: access hours, vehicle access, loading dock, goods lift
- Climate conditions: essential for wood, leather, textiles and electronics
- Contractual flexibility: minimum duration, notice period, option to change size
- Insurance: coverage included or optional
- Price: compare the total cost (rental + insurance + handling + transport)
What must never be stored
In Switzerland, it is prohibited to store in a storage unit:
- Flammable materials: petrol, paint, solvents, gas cylinders
- Explosive or pyrotechnic materials
- Illegal or regulated substances
- Perishable food (not hermetically sealed)
- Live animals
- Waste or contaminated materials
When to use this service
Storage is the ideal solution in the following situations:
Short-term storage (1-3 months)
The most common case during a move:
- Between two properties: your old lease ends before you can move into the new one
- Renovation work: protecting furniture during construction
- Phased moving: temporarily storing part of your belongings
- Urgent move: needing to leave a property quickly without having found the next one yet
Tip: many moving companies offer combined packages of moving + storage that are more economical than booking separately. Request a combined quote.
Medium-term storage (3-12 months)
- Temporary expatriation: professional assignment abroad (see international moving)
- Sabbatical or round-the-world trip
- Separation or divorce: while finding new accommodation
- Estate settlement: sorting through a deceased person’s belongings
Long-term storage (1 year and over)
- Inherited furniture you don’t want to sell but have no room for
- Collections: art, wine, classic vehicles
- Business archives: legal retention obligations (10 years for accounting documents in Switzerland under CO Art. 958f)
- Seasonal furniture: terrace sets, winter sports equipment
Note: for storage of more than 6 months, negotiate a degressive rate. Most providers offer discounts of 10 to 20% for long-term commitments.
Tips and tricks
To save money
- Combine moving and storage — request a combined quote for preferential rates (15 to 25% saving)
- Choose the right size: an oversized unit is money wasted every month
- Optimise the space: disassemble large furniture, stack boxes, use the inside of wardrobes to store boxes
- Negotiate the duration: a 6 or 12-month commitment entitles you to a discount
- Compare locations: a unit on the outskirts of Geneva is 30 to 40% cheaper than in the city centre
- Declutter before storing: less volume = smaller unit = lower cost. Use a house clearance service if needed.
To protect your belongings
- Don’t stack too high: risk of falling and crushing
- Allow air to circulate: don’t push furniture against the walls
- Protect textiles: dust and moth-proof covers
- Avoid newspaper: ink can transfer to light-coloured items
- Visit regularly: check the condition of your belongings, especially for long-term storage
- Photograph everything: before storage, take photos of the condition of your belongings for insurance purposes
Storage insurance
Provider insurance
Most self-storage facilities include basic insurance:
- Covers building-related damage (fire, flood, break-in)
- Amounts often limited: 5,000 to 20,000 CHF per unit
- Excess: 200 to 500 CHF
- Generally does not cover valuables (jewellery, art, collections)
Supplementing with your household insurance
Your household insurance may cover goods in external storage:
- Check whether your policy includes off-premises storage
- If so, it is often limited to 10-20% of the insured sum
- Declare the storage to your insurer to be covered
- Keep the inventory and photos as evidence
Specific insurance
For high-value goods:
- All-risks insurance specific to stored items
- Cost: approximately 0.5 to 2% of the insured value per year
- Covers theft, fire, water damage and accidental damage
- Prior appraisal recommended for valuable items
Combined solutions: moving + storage
Combining moving and storage with the same provider offers several advantages:
- A single point of contact for all logistics
- Price reduction: 15 to 25% saving on the package
- Simplified logistics: the mover loads, transports and stores in a single operation
- Unified insurance covering transport and storage
Request a combined moving + storage quote
Frequently asked questions
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 30 to 80 CHF per m3 per month depending on the type of storage and region. City self-storage costs more (50-80 CHF/m3) than traditional furniture storage on the outskirts (30-50 CHF/m3). For a 3-room flat (approximately 25-35 m3), expect between 750 and 2,400 CHF per month in self-storage.
For a standard 3-room flat, you will need approximately 25 to 35 m3 of volume, i.e. a unit of 8 to 12 m2. If you are only storing part of the furniture, 4 to 6 m2 may suffice. Our advice: take a unit slightly larger than the estimate so you can move around and access your belongings easily.
Most facilities include basic insurance covering fire and break-in, but amounts are often limited (5,000-20,000 CHF). Check whether your household insurance covers external storage. For valuable items, take out additional specific insurance. Prepare a photographed inventory before storage.
Yes, but only in a climate-controlled space with a constant temperature (12-16°C) and controlled humidity (60-75%). A standard unheated self-storage unit is not suitable: temperature fluctuations can spoil the wine. Some providers offer dedicated wine cellars with ideal conditions.
In self-storage, the minimum period is generally one month with 15 to 30 days' notice. Traditional furniture storage sometimes requires a minimum commitment of 3 months. Shipping containers often have a minimum of 1 to 3 months. For very short durations (a few days), moving companies offer daily temporary storage.
In self-storage, you have free access, often 24/7 or during extended hours (6am-10pm), with your own key or badge. In traditional furniture storage, access is by appointment during business hours (often 24 to 48 hours' notice). Some providers offer a delivery service to bring your items to your home.
It is possible for a short period (a few months), but for long-term storage, temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause warping, cracking or mould on wood. For valuable solid wood furniture, climate-controlled storage is strongly recommended. In all cases, raise furniture on pallets and do not push it against the walls.
For businesses, storage costs are fully deductible as operating expenses. For individuals, storage is generally not deductible unless linked to a professional move. In the context of an estate, temporary storage costs may be deducted as estate charges. Keep all invoices.