How much does a move in Switzerland cost?

Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance

Moving costs depend less on the number of rooms than many people think. What matters are volume, access, distance and extra services. Here’s how to understand and compare quotes.

In short

Moving a 3–3.5-room flat about 15 km in the Zurich region costs a guide value of CHF 1,660 to 2,230 incl. VAT. Volume, floors, distance and extra services are decisive; the fixed price after the survey is binding.

The key price factors

A quote is made up of staff, vehicle, time and materials. These factors determine how much of each is needed:

Volume: how much furniture and how many boxes
Access: floor, lift, carrying distance to the vehicle
Distance between old and new address
Date: month-ends and official moving dates are in demand
Extras: packing, assembly, furniture lift, cleaning, disposal

Fixed price or hourly rate?

With an hourly rate you pay the actual working time. That can be cheap but risks surprises. A fixed price after a survey gives you certainty: the agreed amount applies.

How to compare quotes

Put quotes side by side and check whether they really include the same things.

Are travel, materials and assembly included?
Are there surcharges for floors, waiting time or parking permits?
Are your belongings insured – and to what extent?
Is there a handover guarantee for cleaning?

How to save without risk

Declutter before the survey
Choose a mid-month date
Pack boxes yourself
Consider a part load for long distances

What is usual in the market?

In the Zurich region, hourly rates for a vehicle with two movers are usually between about CHF 150 and 200; each additional person costs roughly CHF 45 to 65 per hour. Many companies offer a fixed price after a survey.

How the price is made up – a worked example

Most quotes are based on time. An example: a 3.5-room flat with about 30 m³ of goods, 2nd floor with lift at both ends, 15 km drive. Four movers need about 3.5 to 5 hours. Multiplied by the hourly rate for vehicle and crew, this gives the guide price.

Volume determines crew size and vehicle
Floors without a lift lengthen every carrying round
Distance adds driving and waiting time
Extra services are added separately

Extra services and special transport

Not every move needs these services, but they change the price noticeably:

Service	Guide price
Upright piano (local)	CHF 380–650
Grand piano (local)	CHF 650–1,300
Furniture lift incl. operator	CHF 325–600
Furniture storage	CHF 22–32 per m³ and month

Guide values incl. VAT. Binding is the written quote after the free survey.

Spotting hidden costs

Travel there and back: is it included?
Waiting times, e.g. if the new flat is not yet free
Parking permit and municipal fees
Material such as boxes, tissue paper and wardrobe boxes
Disposal of furniture that stays behind

Typical prices by home size

The following typical prices apply to a move of about 15 km, 2nd floor with lift at both ends, incl. VAT. They are based on the hourly rates in our price overview. Stairs without a lift, long carrying routes and special items increase the effort; the binding fixed price follows the survey.

Home	Volume	Crew	Working time	Guide price
1–1.5 rooms	approx. 12 m³	2	3–4 h	CHF 760–950
2–2.5 rooms	approx. 20 m³	2	4.5–6.5 h	CHF 1,050–1,430
3–3.5 rooms	approx. 30 m³	3	4–6 h	CHF 1,520–2,090
4–4.5 rooms	approx. 40 m³	3	6–8 h	CHF 2,090–2,660
5–5.5 rooms	approx. 52 m³	5	7–9.5 h	CHF 3,530–4,660
6+ rooms / house	approx. 65 m³	5	9–12.5 h	CHF 4,430–6,010

Guide values incl. VAT. Binding is the written quote after the free survey.

Frequently asked questions

Is the moving quote binding?

A quote – fixed price or by the hour is binding for the scope described. If the scope changes significantly, e.g. extra furniture, the additional effort is discussed with you beforehand.

Can I deduct moving costs from my taxes?

Private moving costs are generally not deductible. For job-related moves the employer sometimes covers the costs. Clarify tax questions with your cantonal tax office.

How much do I save by packing myself?

Packing often accounts for a large share of working time. If you pack yourself and have all boxes ready, the crew’s hours drop noticeably.

Related services

Budget move – For small budgets: you help carry, we provide the van and the pros.
Home removals – Flat or house: packed, carried, driven and reassembled in your new home.
Move-out cleaning – Move and final cleaning combined – with handover guarantee.