Planning a long-distance move within Switzerland

01Plan departure and arrival as one schedule

Begin with fixed times. When can you enter the new home, when are old keys due and who will be available at each address? Allow for loading, breaks, traffic and unloading as well as the drive. An appointment booked too tightly at the destination turns every delay into a key-handover problem.

Decide which address must remain usable on the night before and the night after the move. If the access times do not align, arrange a specific solution. Do not assume that temporary storage, a second trip or another delivery date is included unless it has been discussed.

Report changes in volume, date or access as early as possible. On a longer route, an extra collection or stop affects the complete schedule more than it would on a move within one neighbourhood.

02Build an inventory for volume and unloading order

Count boxes by size and list furniture, appliances, plants, bicycles and cellar contents separately. Dimensions of large items and photos of difficult routes make the request more precise. A complete inventory also helps decide what needs to leave the vehicle first.

Sort before packing. Every item that does not travel reduces packing, loading volume and work at the destination. Treat goods awaiting a buyer, donation or collection as part of the move until they have actually left your possession.

Mark particularly heavy, fragile or dismantled objects. Keep each furniture item’s screws and parts together. For unusual goods, describe material, dimensions and known handling instructions without guessing their weight.

03Pack for a longer period in transit

Use rigid boxes, seal the base and lid and fill empty space. Heavy belongings go in small containers. Wrap fragile items individually and keep them away from hard objects. Box tops should stay flat so that stacks remain stable throughout the journey.

Empty furniture unless something else has been agreed, and secure doors, shelves and loose parts appropriately. Do not place adhesive tape directly on a delicate finish. Photograph assemblies before dismantling and apply matching labels to every related component.

Plants and temperature-sensitive belongings need planning for the actual conditions. Mention them early and confirm what you will transport yourself. One packing approach cannot suit every item and every season.

04Keep essential items with you

Pack identity documents, contracts, keys, medication, chargers and first-night needs in a personal bag. Small valuable items and anything needed during the journey should not disappear into an unmarked moving box that cannot be reached.

Plan food, water and suitable clothing for the trip and arrival. If children or pets are travelling, give their same-day supplies a fixed place. Mark personal bags so that everyone understands they are excluded from the moving load.

Store contact details for the people at both addresses somewhere independent of paperwork in the vehicle. Decide who can open the destination if the travellers and removal team do not arrive at exactly the same time.

05Check both addresses to the same standard

At each property, confirm the floor, lift dimensions, stairs, door widths and carrying distance. Describe a realistic vehicle position and make any necessary arrangements with the responsible parties. Easy access at departure does not compensate for an unknown route at the destination.

Send photos of tight turns, courtyards and long paths. Mention access codes or valid time windows. Shortly before the move, check who holds each key and make sure everyone has the latest schedule.

Prepare clear routes and visible room names at the destination. If other work is still taking place there, separate work areas from unloading paths so that nobody has to assume a safe route will be available.

06Close departure and arrival methodically

Before leaving, check every room, built-in cupboard, cellar compartment and outdoor area. Confirm that keys and personal bags are with the right people. A simple numbered box list makes it easier to check completeness later.

At the destination, one person should direct items to rooms. Put heavy furniture in its intended location whenever possible and open the marked priority boxes first. Check all dismantled parts before assembly begins.

Record unresolved points promptly according to the agreed process. Unpack in an orderly way and keep entrances clear. A final check of the vehicle and access areas at both properties completes the transport.

• Times and key holders confirmed at both addresses.
• Inventory and bulky items recorded in full.
• Personal travel essentials packed separately.
• Destination rooms and first priorities prepared.