When time is short, the order of things decides. Choose your situation and your deadline: the plan shows what to do in the first hour, today and by the deadline – and prepares the message to us.
In short
Six situations, each with a plan in three steps: first hour, today, by the deadline. The planner works out how much time is left and tells you what follows from your deadline – for example, from when the final cleaning may take place so that the handover guarantee applies. Nothing is stored.
Your plan
Situation and deadline are enough. Town, floor and size help us to tell you on the phone at once what is possible.
The moving company has cancelled
In the first hour
- Get the cancellation confirmed in writing – the template is below.
- Phone a replacement and have both addresses, the floors and the number of rooms ready.
Today
- Inform the property manager if the flat handover is at risk, and have new arrangements confirmed in writing.
- Adjust the cleaning date to the new moving date.
By the deadline
- If no move is possible before the handover, put the furniture into storage.
- Keep the quote and payment receipts of the company that cancelled.
More on this: moving company has cancelled – what to do now and emergency move.
The flat handover is in a few days
In the first hour
- Note the handover date and time and ask the property manager for their checklist.
- Decide what is still missing: clearing, cleaning or both.
Today
- Request clearance and cleaning – clearance first, cleaning afterwards.
- Leave power, hot water and light on until the cleaning.
By the deadline
- Schedule the final cleaning no more than three days before the handover – only then does the handover guarantee apply.
- Have the keys for all doors, the letterbox and the cellar ready.
More on this: emergency clearance and emergency cleaning.
The property manager did not accept the flat
In the first hour
- Ask for the report listing the points objected to.
- Have the deadline for re-cleaning confirmed in writing – the template is below.
Today
- Send the report and photos to the cleaning company.
- Clarify whether repairs or painting are required; cleaning does not replace them.
By the deadline
- Only agree the new handover date once the cleaning date is fixed.
More on this: emergency cleaning and flat handover without stress.
A death: the flat has to be handed back
In the first hour
- Do not dispose of anything before it is clear who is entitled to decide about the estate.
- Secure documents, keys and valuables.
Today
- Ask the property manager by which date the flat has to be handed back.
By the deadline
- Decide what stays; have everything else cleared.
- Put into storage whatever has not been decided yet instead of disposing of it.
More on this: clearing a flat after a death and emergency storage.
Water damage or fire
In the first hour
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved or disposed of.
- Inform the insurer and the property manager.
Today
- Clarify with the insurer what they want to see before anything is cleared.
- Set dry, undamaged furniture apart.
By the deadline
- Put the furniture into storage until the flat is habitable again.
- Only dispose of damaged items once the insurer has agreed.
More on this: emergency storage and emergency clearance.
Eviction: the property manager has to have the flat cleared
In the first hour
- Do not clear the flat yourself and do not change the lock – that is a criminal offence.
- Have the enforceable decision ready.
Today
- Clarify the date with the competent office; in the city of Zurich that is the Stadtammannamt.
By the deadline
- Book the clearance company for whatever remains after enforcement.
- Plan cleaning and, if needed, painting afterwards.
More on this: eviction and clearance – procedure for property managers and emergency clearance.
Templates to copy
Three short texts that save time in an emergency. Copy, fill in the gaps, send.
Neighbours’ consent for work until midnight
Dear neighbours On [date] we have to [move / clear the flat] at short notice. The work in flat [floor, name] and in the stairwell may last until midnight. Do you agree? If so, we kindly ask for your signature. Thank you for your understanding. [First name Surname], phone [number] Name Flat Signature __________________ __________ __________________ __________________ __________ __________________ __________________ __________ __________________ __________________ __________ __________________
We work until 10 pm. After that we only work if your neighbours agree – then until midnight. Your house rules and the regulations of your municipality remain decisive.
Getting the moving company’s cancellation confirmed
Dear Sir or Madam On [date, time] you informed me [by phone / by …] that you will not carry out the move on [date] from [address] to [address] (quote dated [date]). Please confirm this to me in writing today. I ask you to refund the amount of CHF [amount] already paid. I reserve the right to claim additional costs. Kind regards [First name Surname]
Template without guarantee; not legal advice. Whether you are entitled to additional costs depends on your contract and the company’s terms and conditions.
Getting the re-cleaning deadline confirmed
Dear Sir or Madam At the flat handover on [date] at [address] you objected to the cleaning on the following points: [points according to the report]. I will have these points re-cleaned by [date]. Please confirm this deadline and suggest a date for the follow-up inspection. Kind regards [First name Surname]
Template without guarantee. Send us the report and photos of the areas objected to – that tells us what needs re-cleaning.
What applies in every emergency
- The same day if a team is free. Otherwise we tell you on the phone when the next free slot is.
- We work until 10 pm, and until midnight with your neighbours’ consent.
- Price and emergency surcharge are stated in the quote before you accept.
All commitments and limits are on the page emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Does the planner store my details?
No. The details stay in your browser. Nothing is sent until you yourself tap “Send via WhatsApp”.
Is the plan binding?
No, it shows the order of the steps. Whether and when we can come is something you find out on the phone.
Why should the final cleaning take place no more than three days before the handover?
Because our handover guarantee applies if the handover takes place within three days of the cleaning, the flat is not used until then and we know the handover date.
My situation is not listed. What now?
Call us and describe it. The plans cover the most common cases, not all of them.
Can I print the plan?
Yes. Choose your situation and tap “Print plan” – the other plans are not printed.
Related services
- Home removals in Switzerland
- Clearance and disposal
- End-of-tenancy cleaning with handover guarantee
- Furniture storage
More emergency help
- Emergency service – All short-notice jobs at a glance: what we commit to, what we need and what it costs.
- Emergency move – Moving at short notice: on the phone you find out at once which slot is free.
- Emergency clearance – Flat, house or cellar emptied quickly – also ahead of an imminent handover date.
- Emergency cleaning – End-of-tenancy cleaning before the handover when time is short – with handover guarantee.
- Emergency storage – Furniture collected and stored at once when the new flat is not free yet.
- Emergency quote – Request in writing if you cannot phone right now – a few details are enough.
What our customers say
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