Moving can be overwhelming, but with proper planning, you can make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Whether moving as an individual, a family, or relocating your business, this gide covers everything you need to know. By following this guide, you can manage your move efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to stress and confusion.
Download our moving checklist as a PDF to make your move even easier. Print it out and check off each task as you go, ensuring nothing is forgotten.
1. Initial planning stage (6-8 weeks before the move)
The initial stages of planning are crucial in setting the foundation for a successful move. It’s important to begin early to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure every detail is covered.
Confirm your new home
- Sign the rental contract: Once you’ve found your new home, make sure to sign the rental contract after thoroughly reviewing it. Ensure all terms are clear and agreed upon. If you’re unsure about any clauses, it’s wise to have it reviewed by a professional. This step secures your new place and allows you to focus on other moving tasks.
- Terminate current lease: Submit termination notice to your landlord via registered mail, respecting the three-month notice period. This ensures that there’s no overlap or unnecessary costs between your current and new residences.
- If you are leaving your apartment earlier than the contract allows you, try to find a new tenant.
- Fix the moving date: check the official moving dates in Switzerland in our article.
- Request an extract from the debt collection register: Most landlords require this document along with the rental application form. It’s an important piece of paperwork that verifies your financial responsibility, so obtain it as early as possible.
- Pay the rental deposit or take out rental deposit insurance: Ensure you have the funds ready or arrange for rental deposit insurance. This is a critical step in securing your new home and is often required before you can move in.
Research moving services
- Set up a moving budget: Outline a detailed budget covering all moving-related expenses, including moving services, packing materials. Utility deposits, travel costs, and any new furniture or appliances needed for your new home.
- Compare offers from different moving companies on MOVU: To ensure a cost-effective and smooth move, start comparing offers from various moving companies early on. This allows you to find the best deal that fits your budget and requirements.
- Decide on moving options: Whether you plan on using professional movers or enlisting the help of friends, make this decision early. If opting for friends, ensure you book a suitable moving vehicle in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Administrative tasks
- Plan time off: Moving requires time and attention, so schedule vacation days around your move for packing and settling into your new home. This ensures you have the necessary time to manage everything without the stress of work commitments.
- Notify employers and schools: If you are moving with children. Notify their current school about the relocation and begin the process of transferring school records on their new school. For adults. Inform your employer about the move and discuss the possibility of remote work during transition if necessary.
2. Four weeks before the move
As moving day approaches, it’s important to tackle the necessary notifications and begin organizing your belongings. This phase is about ensuring that all relevant parties are informed and that you’re well-prepared to start packing.
Notify relevant parties
- Address change: Update your address with local authorities, insurance providers, and health insurance companies. It’s also essential to set up a mail forwarding service with the Swiss Post to avoid missing important mail during the transition.
- Registry update: Notify the local residential registry office of your move. This step is required by law and ensures that you are correctly registered at your new address.
- Notify other contract partners: Don’t forget to inform your banks, credit card companies, health providers, schools, and insurance providers about your move. If you’re moving to a new canton, ensure you understand the specific requirements for updating your information
- Plan utilities transition: Schedule disconnection of utilities at your current home and connection at your new home (electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable). Ensure these services overlap by a day or two to avoid any inconvenience during the move.
- Review insurance policies: Check your current home, auto, and health insurance policies. Update or change them as necessary to reflect your new address. If moving to a new state or country, you may need to switch providers.
Decluttering and packing
- Sort and purge: Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This will make packing easier and reduce the amount of stuff you need to move.
- Gather packing supplies: Begin gathering moving boxes, packing materials, labels, and other supplies from reliable suppliers like Topkartons.ch. Having these materials on hand will make the packing process smoother.
- Plan repairs: If your current apartment requires any repairs, now is the time to discuss and schedule them with your landlord. Taking care of these tasks in advance can prevent delays in your move-out process.
Read our packing guide and download the packing checklist for more details here.
Administrative tasks
- Plan logistics: Moving day logistics can be tricky, so make sure to reserve parking spaces and, if necessary, notify your neighbors about the move to ensure driveway access. Proper planning here can prevent headaches on moving day.
- Organize important documents: Gather and securely pack important documents such as passports. Birth certificates, medical records, financial statements, and insurance policies. Keep these in a safe place that is easily accessible during the move.
- Plan for pets: If you have pets, make arrangements for their care during the move and ensure all vaccinations are up to date
3. Three weeks before the move
With three weeks to go, it’s time to finalize logistics and ensure that your move is on track. This is also the time to communicate your plans with those who might be affected by your move.
Logistics
- Inform neighbors: Out of courtesy, let your neighbors know about the move. This ensures they’re aware of any disruptions and can help facilitate access to parking or driveways.
- Reserve parking: Contact local authorities to reserve a parking space at your new residence. This step is often overlooked, but having a reserved spot for your moving truck can save time and stress on moving day.
- Book additional services: If you have special items like a piano or other large, delicate items, consider hiring specialists to ensure they’re moved safely. It’s worth investing in professional help for such tasks to avoid damage.
4. Two weeks before the move
With just two weeks left, the move is now on the horizon. This period is crucial for tying up loose ends and making sure everything is set for a smooth transition to your new home.
Final preparations
- Moving essentials: Start transporting non-essential items to your new place if possible. This helps lighten the load on the actual moving day and allows you to start organizing your new home early.
- Handyman services: If you require any handyman services, such as painting or installing light fixtures, schedule them now. These small tasks can make a big difference in making your new place feel like home.
- Arrange key handover: Coordinate with your landlord to set a date for the handover of your current apartment. This is an important step that ensures everything is in order before you move out.
- Notify service providers: Double-check that you’ve updated your address and service details with banks, utilities, and subscription services. Missing this step could lead to complications or interruptions in service.
5. One week before the move
As moving day nears, it’s time to focus on packing and ensuring that everything is ready to go. This week is about making final preparations and ensuring nothing is left to chance.
Disassembly and packing for your move
- Dismantle furniture: Begin disassembling large furniture pieces and packing them securely. Store screws and small parts in labeled bags to make reassembly easier when you arrive at your new home.
- Pack a moving day kit: Prepare a box with essential tools, first-aid supplies, snacks, and drinks for moving day. This kit will help you stay organized and handle any unexpected issues that arise during the move.
- Stock up on food: Ensure you have enough food and drinks for your moving helpers. Keeping everyone fed and hydrated will maintain morale and energy levels throughout the day.
Final preparations
- Empty and clean your refrigerator and freezer: As you get closer to moving day, plan meals to use up perishable food and clean these appliances ahead of time. This will prevent any mess or spoilage during the move.
- Prepare plants and valuables: Pack plants securely to avoid damage, and ensure valuables and important documents are packed separately for personal transport. Keeping these items with you will reduce the risk of loss or damage.
Cleaning the apartment
For better insights we recommend to read our cleaning guide and download the cleaning checklist for your apartment handover.
6. Moving day
The big day has arrived. Moving day can be hectic, but with proper planning and organization, it can go smoothly. Focus on coordinating your efforts and making sure everything is done efficiently.
Loading and transport
- Organize loading: When loading the moving van, place heavy items at the back and lighter, essential items last for easy access. This will make unloading easier and prevent damage to your belongings.
- Direct traffic: As boxes and furniture are unloaded at your new home, guide helpers to place them in the correct rooms. This will save time and effort later when you start unpacking.
Final checks and apartment handover
- Utility meter readings: Before you leave your old residence, record final readings for water, electricity, and heating. Do the same at your new place to ensure accurate billing.
- Apartment handover: Conduct the final walkthrough of your old apartment, ensuring it meets the cleanliness standards. Hand over the keys and complete the handover report with the landlord. This step is crucial to secure the return of your security deposit.
7. Post-Move essentials
Even after the move is complete, there are still a few tasks to ensure everything is properly settled. These final steps will help you transition smoothly into your new home and community.
Setting in
- Unpack strategically: Start with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms. Unpacking can be overwhelming, so tackling the most important areas first will help you feel more at home quickly.
- Register in your new municipality: Within 14 days of moving, register your new address at the local municipal office. This is a legal requirement and ensures you’re officially recognized in your new community.
- Update important information: Notify your health and home insurance providers, bank, and other financial institutions of your new address. This ensures you continue receiving important communications and services without interruption.
- Set up your new home: Begin organizing your space, hanging pictures, and installing fixtures. Personalizing your new home will make it feel like yours and help you settle in.
- Greet neighbors: Take the time to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Building good relationships from the start can make your new community feel welcoming and supportive.
Final touches
- Reclaim your rental deposit: After the move, follow up on the return of your rental deposit. Ensure that any necessary paperwork is completed to receive your deposit back in full.
- Check for any damage: If any items were damaged during the move, file a claim with your moving insurance provider as soon as possible. Addressing these issues promptly will help you resolve them quickly.
8. Additional considerations
- International moves: If relocating internationally, ensure you have all necessary visas, customs forms, and other documentation in place well in advance. Research the import restrictions of the destination country, especially for pets, vehicles, and household goods.
- Seasonal moves: Consider the season of your move. Moving in winter or summer may require special considerations, such as ensuring pathways are clear of snow or staying hydrated in the heat. Adjust your moving plans accordingly.
- Language barriers: If moving to a region where a different language is spoken, consider starting language lessons or downloading translation apps to ease the transition.
- Sustainability: Explore eco-friendly moving options, such as renting reusable packing crates or donating unwanted items to reduce waste.
