Moving Checklist for Switzerland

A good moving checklist is crucial for a move. Whether you're a checklist pro or not a big fan of checklists, this checklist will simplify your move and save you from trouble. Moving is unique in that few people have a lot of experience with it. This moving checklist has been tested and improved by the author himself during his move.

Checklist: As Early as Possible

1. Carefully review the new lease agreement, possibly have it reviewed by a professional (www.mieterverband.ch).
2. Terminate the old lease agreement within the notice period (only after signing the new lease agreement), the letter must arrive at the landlord no later than the last day before the contractually agreed-upon notice period begins. In the case of termination outside of the regular notice period, propose three equivalent replacement tenants to the landlord.
3. Arrange a handover date for the old apartment with the management.
4. Arrange a handover date for the new apartment with the new management.
5. Set the moving date.
6. Set the cleaning date.
7. Check if the internet/TV provider also offers its services at the new place of residence and check the possible speed (can be checked on the provider's website). If there is no reception possible at the new location, the contract can be terminated outside of the regular termination period.
8. Compare moving companies, obtain at least 2-3 quotes from top-offerten.ch, and have the date and price confirmed in writing. (See article Hiring a Moving Company).
9. Without a moving company: Reserve a moving truck (pick it up the night before the move). Attention: Often, moving blankets for protecting furniture and tension straps for securing the furniture have to be rented separately.
10. Without a moving company: Organize helpers for the move (attention: liability insurance for the helpers is recommended).
11. Compare quotes from cleaning companies, obtain at least 3 quotes from top-offerten.ch and have the date and price confirmed in writing. See article "Hiring a Cleaning Company".
12. Without a cleaning company: Organize helpers for the cleaning (attention: liability insurance for the helpers).
13. Children: Deregister from the school/kindergarten at the old location and register at the new location.

1-2 Months Before the Move

1. Clarify the exact handover time of the old apartment with the landlord.
2. Clarify the exact acceptance time of the new apartment with the landlord.
3. Report any damages to the old rental property to the management and liability insurance.
4. Request the floor plan of the new apartment from the landlord or measure it yourself, taking into account room height and sloping ceilings.
5. Declutter the cellar, attic, garage, and outdoor area (consider ordering a bulky waste pickup). Give away, sell, or dispose of furniture that is no longer needed.
6. Furniture revisions: Schedule appointments with a furniture carpenter for repairs and maintenance of furniture. Bring the furniture before the move and arrange a pickup date for after the move.
7. Inform your employer about the available day off. In Switzerland, you are entitled to at least one day off (maximum 1 per year) for your move by law.
8. Obtain packing materials. For the new apartment, get floor protection materials for during the move.
   1. Depending on the moving company, the packing materials can be obtained directly from the moving company with delivery. In some cases, renting with delivery and pickup is also possible.
   2. From moving shops
   3. Rental offers
   4. Department stores: IKEA, TopTip, etc.
   5. From friends/acquaintances.
9. Use up frozen and emergency supplies.
10. If necessary, select and order new furniture directly to the new address. Note that there may be longer delivery times for new furniture.

2-4 Weeks Before the Move

1. Carry out address changes and set up a mail forwarding service.
   1. Bank/PostFinance/Credit card institute
   2. Registration office (also necessary for dogs if you own one).
   3. Tax office
   4. Daycare, kindergarten, school
   5. Military/civilian service/civil protection, fire department
   6. Employer
   7. Motor vehicle registration office
   8. Health insurance and other insurances (check and adjust insurance policies if necessary)
   9. Magazines and newspapers
   10. Self-employed and retirees: Old-age and survivors' insurance compensation fund (AHV)
   11. Electricity, gas, and water company (provide the exact moving date for meter reading)
   12. Telephone, internet, and TV (according to the moving date!)
   13. SERAFE (radio and television license)
   14. Associations and institutions
   15. Doctor and dentist
   16. Home delivery services
2. Start packing: begin with storage rooms such as the cellar, attic, garage, outdoor area, then office and living spaces. Choose a logical system for packing so that the boxes can be placed in the correct rooms at the destination (labeling, numbering, colored stickers). Avoid using garbage bags for packing due to the risk of confusion. Paper bags are also not ideal as they cannot be stacked well in the vehicle.
3. Packing information:
   1. Do not overload boxes, maximum weight should be 25kg.
   2. Stand books, records, and pictures upright if possible.
   3. Stand porcelain, glassware, and plates upright and cushion them well.
   4. Also label boxes on the side so that the contents can be read even when stacked.
4. If necessary, reserve parking space with the police (or sometimes with the municipality) (old and new location).
5. Create a furniture layout plan for the new apartment, consider electrical, telephone, and TV connections. Make multiple copies for the move. Tip: Draw the plan and the large furniture to scale so that the planning works out. Large furniture can be cut out of separate paper and moved around on the plan to find the best arrangement.
6. Check if all keys for the previous rental property are available.
7. Inform the building caretaker and neighbors.

One Day Before the Move

1. Reserve parking space if possible (at the old and new locations).
2. Prepare cleaning supplies and garbage bags separately.
3. Organize/provide refreshments for the move.
4. Label items that should not be moved, collect them in one place if possible.
5. Prepare a cooler box for frozen products, consider defrosting the freezer.
6. Without a moving company: Pick up rental vehicle (bring driver's license).
7. Pack essential items for the new apartment in an easily accessible manner: toilet paper, soap, kitchen towels, kitchen cloth, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, tools, tape, pencil, extension cord, light bulbs/lamps.
8. If possible, ensure lighting in the new place in advance so that assembly and setup can be done even after sunset.
9. Complete packing the entire household before the move. Typically, the boxes are loaded first, and there is a significant extra effort if not everything has been packed yet.
10. Depending on the agreement with the moving company/cleaning company, prepare cash.

Takeover of the New Apartment

1. Take a photo of the water, gas, and electricity meters upon moving in.
2. Check the number of keys received, including postbox keys and garage remote controls, if applicable. Make sure they all work.
3. Check the condition of the apartment and document any defects or damage on the handover protocol. Take photos as evidence if necessary. Provide a copy of the handover protocol to the landlord.
4. Check if the apartment is cleaned as agreed. If not, inform the landlord or cleaning company immediately.
5. Check if all light switches, sockets, and electrical appliances work.
6. Start with necessary cleaning work (e.g., windows, bathrooms, kitchen) if required.
7. Unpack essential items and assemble necessary furniture first.
8. Install appliances and connect electronics.
9. If necessary, request help from friends or neighbors for heavier items.

After the Move

1. Register at the new location with the registration office. This must be done within 14 days.
2. Register with the new municipality for radio and television fees.
3. Check if the old landlord has refunded the rental deposit. If not, request it.
4. Inform the old and new tenant's liability insurance company.
5. Notify the insurance company of any changes in the household or living situation (e.g., change of address, additional insurance coverage).
6. Check the mail forwarding service and adjust if necessary.
7. Check if all mail has been forwarded correctly.
8. Notify the post office if mail is still incorrectly delivered.
9. Dispose of the moving boxes (if not rented) and packing materials.
10. Update your address with important institutions and subscriptions.
11. Get to know the new neighborhood, locate essential facilities, and make new acquaintances.

Please note that this checklist is a general guide and may not cover all specific requirements or circumstances. It's always recommended to adapt the checklist according to your individual needs and consult relevant authorities or professionals for specific advice.