Moving costs in Biel: what affects your quote?

01Describe the actual volume, including storage areas

Volume helps determine the vehicle, number of trips and handling needs. A sparsely furnished apartment and a home full of bookcases have different contents. Include the cellar, attic, balcony and belongings stored elsewhere.

List furniture by room, identify pieces that will travel dismantled and estimate the number of boxes. Do not guess a cubic-metre figure if you cannot assess it: an inventory and photos help clarify the requirements. A large lightweight item occupies space; a small very heavy object may need special handling.

02Specify the route and intermediate stops

The distance between addresses affects travel time and vehicle scheduling. Include intermediate stops, such as collecting items from a cellar at another address. Mention if the destination will only become accessible at a certain time.

A move between two streets in Biel may involve more time loading than driving. A move to another Swiss region requires different coordination of departure and arrival. Compare proposals based on the same itinerary.

03Describe floors, lifts and passages

Give the floor at both addresses, including any basement or mezzanine. Stairs, narrow landings and long carrying distances affect handling time. A lift that takes boxes may be too small for a wardrobe.

Measure the lift doorway and cabin and note the displayed load limit. Mention steps between the pavement and lift. If you are unsure whether furniture fits, provide photos and measurements rather than assuming it can go through a window: a special solution needs assessment and confirmation.

04Clarify parking and carrying distance

The vehicle position determines the route travelled with every box and piece of furniture. Mention a courtyard, narrow entrance, underground car park or street where access may be restricted. A car-sized space will not necessarily suit the planned vehicle.

Check the proposed arrangements with the movers and, if needed, the municipality concerned. Ask who handles any necessary applications and whether related charges are included or separate. This guide assumes neither a permit requirement at every address nor a municipal price.

05Define packing, dismantling and reassembly

A quote for ready-packed boxes covers different work from one that includes packing the kitchen. Specify who supplies boxes and protection, who packs fragile items and whether unpacking is requested. Distinguish furniture protection for transport from packing personal belongings.

List furniture to dismantle and reassemble, with useful photos or model details. Removing table legs is different work from dismantling a large multi-door wardrobe. Identify special fixings and available instructions so the possible work can be defined.

BO Déménagement offers packing and protection according to your needs, and agreed furniture dismantling and assembly, as services to discuss. Ask for the chosen scope to be recorded in the proposal so everyone knows what will be ready before arrival.

• Boxes supplied by you or included in the proposal.
• Full packing, partial packing or packing by you.
• Furniture requiring dismantling and reassembly.
• Unusual objects and handling needs to confirm.

06Compare quotes on the same basis

Provide the same inventory and constraints to each company. Check dates, addresses, included services, exclusions and billing arrangements. Ask how extra volume, waiting time or access different from the description would be handled.

For example, you pack clothes and books but request packing for dishes and reassembly of a wardrobe. Write those three choices in the request. You can then compare offers for the same work instead of comparing transport alone with more extensive help.

To prepare a request for BO, gather the details listed at the start of this guide. Begin with what you know and clarify access during the discussion. Report changes to dates, furniture or services promptly: a useful proposal depends on an up-to-date description.