×

Are you moving? Whether you are leaving a two-room apartment in Lausanne for a penthouse in Geneva or a villa in Valais, the price of your move can vary significantly.

  • Indeed, the final budget will depend on a crucial choice: managing everything yourself or delegating the move to professional movers.
  • Between calculating the volume of your belongings in cubic meters, transport costs, and the specific requirements of each canton, how can you find your way?
  • Compare the "pro" and "solo" options to move into your new home without breaking the bank.


What is the average cost of a move in Switzerland?

For a professional service including two movers and a truck, the hourly rate in Switzerland ranges between CHF 180 and CHF 250. If you choose a global package, the average price observed for a standard apartment ranges from CHF 800 (small volume, local) to CHF 4,500 (large volume, long distance).


Cost depending on the type of home

As a general rule, a standard Swiss home contains around 0.5 m³ of furniture per square meter of living space. Below are the average price ranges observed in 2026 for a professional moving company with standard service (loading, transport, unloading).

Type of home Volume in m³ Average price (Professionals) Estimated time
1.5 rooms/Studio 10 – 15 m³ 800 – 1,200 CHF
3 to 5 hours
2.5 rooms 20 – 25 m³ 1,200 – 1,900 CHF 5 to 7 hours
3.5 rooms 30 – 35 m³ 1,600 – 2,600 CHF One day (7–9 hours)
4.5 rooms 40 – 50 m³ 2,500 – 4,200 CHF One day +
House (5.5 rooms +) 60+ m³ From 4,500 CHF Custom


Cost depending on the distance

You should also know that the distance between your old and new address impacts the billed working time and vehicle costs:

  • Local move (same municipality or canton): If the distance is less than 30 km, the impact is minimal and the cost mainly includes labor. Expect a transport fee between CHF 150 and CHF 300.
  • Inter-cantonal move (long distance): A transfer between Lausanne and Zurich or Geneva and Lugano involves fuel costs, heavy vehicle taxes (LSVA) and above all the driving time of the movers.
    The price may increase by 20% to 40% compared with a local move due to the “passive” working hours spent on the highway.


What factors influence the price of a move?

The volume to be moved

The volume of your furniture and personal belongings determines the size of the truck (from a 15 m³ van to a 50 m³ truck) and the number of movers required.


A miscalculation can overload the truck and require an unexpected second trip. Therefore, always request a technical visit (in person or by video) to confirm the estimated volume.


Accessibility and handling

Handling time represents the largest cost item and depends on the accessibility of your home:

  • Floors: Without an elevator, a surcharge is generally applied starting from the second floor.
  • Elevator: If the elevator can only hold two people without furniture, everything will have to be carried through the stairwell.
  • Carrying distance: If the truck cannot park within 20 meters of the building entrance (common in historic centers or pedestrian areas), additional long carry fees are added.
  • Special items: Transporting a piano or a safe requires special equipment (expect an additional CHF 250 to CHF 500).


The moving date

As you might expect, the timing of your move can have a significant impact on the cost:

  • End of the month: Common lease termination dates (March 31, June 30, September 30) cause prices to rise due to high demand.
  • High season: The summer period (June to September) is the most expensive.
  • Weekdays vs weekends: Saturday is usually subject to a surcharge with most providers (+15% to 25%). On Sunday, heavy transport is prohibited in Switzerland, making professional moves almost nonexistent on that day.


Services included

The more you delegate, the greater the security – but also the higher the cost:

  • Packing: Provision of moving boxes and packing of fragile items (dishes, decorative objects).
  • Disassembly/reassembly: Essential for complex wardrobes or motorized beds.
  • End-of-lease cleaning: A key service for handing the apartment back to the property management company, often including a handover guarantee.


What additional costs should be expected?

Beyond transporting your furniture, moving also involves administrative and logistical costs that are often forgotten when planning the budget.

Type of cost Description Average price (CHF)
Parking permit Parking space reservation through your municipality’s police 60 – 150 per address
Furniture lift Rental for moving items through the window 250 – 450/half day
Transport insurance Goods coverage (replacement value) 50 – 150 (depending on value)
End-of-lease cleaning With handover guarantee (highly recommended in Switzerland) 500 – 1,200 (depending on size)
Waste disposal Disposal of bulky items at recycling center 50 – 80/hour + taxes
Packing materials Boxes, bubble wrap, tape 2.50 – 5.00/box


How much does a DIY move cost?

If your budget is tight, renting a van and asking friends for help can be tempting.
Here are the real costs to expect with this option:

  • Van rental (20 m³): Between CHF 150 and CHF 280 per day (depending on the mileage package).
  • Fuel and insurance: Allow CHF 40 to CHF 80 for variable expenses.
  • Protective equipment: The rental of straps and blankets is not always included (+ CHF 30).
  • Food and drinks: To thank your "moving friends," plan about CHF 20 to CHF 30 per person.
  • Estimated total for a 2.5-room apartment: Around CHF 350 to CHF 500, compared with about CHF 1,200 with professionals.


Be careful with unexpected issues: your private liability insurance generally does not cover damage caused by friends during a voluntary move. This is a strong argument for many Swiss residents who are particularly attentive to insurance coverage.


Are you looking for your future home? At dreamo.ch, we offer exceptional properties in every canton. Find your new home today in Lausanne, Neuchâtel or Yverdon.


FAQ: Learn more about moving costs in Switzerland

What is the average hourly rate for movers in Switzerland?

On average, the hourly rate for a professional mover ranges between CHF 50 and CHF 80.
However, most companies offer packages including two or three movers and a truck (between CHF 150 and CHF 250 per hour for the full team).


Is it cheaper to move during the week or on the weekend?

Moving during the week is often more economical. Saturday is very popular, and some companies apply additional fees. Note that professional transport is prohibited in Switzerland on Sundays (except with special authorization), which makes moving on that day complex and expensive.


What insurance is included in the price?

Every moving company must have liability insurance and transport insurance. The first covers damage to buildings (walls, elevators), while the second covers your belongings inside the truck. Always check the coverage limits before signing.


How can you reduce the cost of your move?

The best way to move at the lowest price is to sort through your belongings beforehand. With less volume to transport, you will certainly obtain a lower price. You can also pack your boxes yourself and disassemble simple furniture in advance to reduce labor time.