Guide › Moving in Switzerland: the checklist

Moving in Switzerland: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

58 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check notice periods: flat, parking, internet
14 weeks before
Give notice on the flat and any extras
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Pay the deposit and first month's rent
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Update contents and liability insurance
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Book a bulky waste collection
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Have the final cleaning done
10 days after
Sign the handover protocol, count the keys
4 weeks after
Track the return of the deposit

New home

9 weeks before
Key handover and flat inspection
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Order the internet connection
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
1 day after
Write up and submit the defects list
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Sort out neighbours, caretaker and laundry schedule

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
9 weeks before
Book the final cleaning company
2 weeks before
Reserve parking outside both buildings
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

3 days after
Register at the new municipality
3 days after
Deregister at the old municipality
7 days after
Deregister and transfer the electricity contract
7 days after
Set up mail forwarding
7 days after
Update the radio and TV licence
10 days after
Register for childcare, playgroup or school
2 weeks after
Tell the bank, employer and health insurer
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.