Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
A move consists of many small tasks that fall due at different times. This checklist puts them in order – adapted to how things work in Switzerland.
In short
Start about three months before the move: first notice and date, six weeks before quotes and cleaning, in the last week packing and defrosting – and after the move, register with the new municipality within 14 days.
Your personal timeline
Enter your moving date. The checklist then shows for each section by when the tasks should be done. Whatever you tick off stays saved on this device.
Everything in one plan – with your municipalities’ deadlines, notice, packing and handover, and email reminders if you like: My moving plan.
Three months before
Most Swiss leases have a three-month notice period to a locally customary date. Give notice in writing by registered mail.
- Give notice on your lease or find a replacement tenant
- Check your municipality’s customary termination dates
- Set a rough moving date
- With children: arrange the school change with the new municipality
You will find a template for the notice letter in the article Official moving dates by canton.
Six to eight weeks before
Now get quotes and fix your moving date. Compare quotes by scope of service, not just price.
- Get quotes and arrange a survey
- Book the move and the cleaning
- Arrange the handover appointment with the property manager
- Request a day off from your employer
Four weeks before
- Declutter: sell, give away, dispose of
- Apply for a parking permit for the removal vehicle
- Set up mail forwarding with Swiss Post
- Transfer electricity, internet and insurance
- Get moving boxes
One week before
- Pack boxes and label them by room
- Defrost and empty the freezer
- Check wall plug holes and minor damage
- Pack a bag with documents, medication and chargers
On moving day
Be there at the start so the crew can clarify everything with you.
- Photograph electricity and water meter readings
- Carry valuables and documents yourself
- Check every room at the end
After the move
In most cantons you must register with your new municipality within 14 days.
- Register with the residents’ office
- Update your address with health insurer, bank and employer
- Update your vehicle registration with the road traffic office
- Update your dog’s entry in the AMICUS database
The bag for the first day
Pack a bag that travels with you and does not end up in the van.
- Documents, keys, chargers
- Medication and glasses
- Toilet paper, soap, towels
- Tools for the first pieces of furniture
- Snacks, water, kettle
The checklist at a glance
| When | Task | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months before | Give notice, fix the moving date | Send the notice by registered mail and in time |
| 6–8 weeks before | Get quotes, book move and cleaning | Compare quotes by services, not just price |
| 4 weeks before | Declutter, parking permit, mail forwarding | Whatever stays behind saves working time |
| 2 weeks before | Pack boxes, book tradespeople for the new flat | Room by room, with labels |
| 1 week before | Defrost freezer, pack a bag for day one | Carry documents and medication yourself |
| Moving day | Photograph meters, check the rooms | Be there at the start and the end |
| Within 14 days | Register with the municipality, update your address | Often possible online via eUmzugCH |
What people often forget
- Cancel the residents’ parking card in the old municipality and apply in the new one
- Update your address with the road traffic office – changing canton means new number plates
- Register your dog with the new municipality and update AMICUS
- Get the waste calendar and bag stamps of the new municipality
- Put your name on the letterbox and door
- Update your Half Fare or GA address and online accounts
Checklist for the new flat
Inspect the new flat carefully when you move in and report defects in writing, ideally with photos. Otherwise you may later have to prove that damage was already there.
- Draw up a move-in report with the property manager
- Report defects in writing within the agreed deadline
- Photograph electricity and water meters
- Locate smoke detectors and the fuse box
Deadlines for parking permit, registration and bulky waste in your municipalities: Moving day planner. Termination date: notice period calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start planning?
About three months before, as most leases have a three-month notice period. For the end of March, June and September it pays to book the moving company early.
Do I have to deregister with my old municipality?
Yes. Many municipalities let you deregister and register in one step via eUmzugCH. Otherwise report your departure to the old and your arrival to the new residents’ office.
Related services
- Move planning – Timeline, checklists and coordination of everyone involved.
- Packing service – We pack and label boxes, with an inventory list on request.
- Move-out cleaning – Move and final cleaning combined – with handover guarantee.