A move to Zurich is not just about packing boxes: narrow streets, parking bans and a parking space at the door determine the process. This guide presents local planning particularities.
Why a professional moving company in Zurich is essential
Zurich is one of the most expensive and popular cities in Switzerland. The housing market is very competitive, the streets are narrow and parking bans often make self-managed moves a nightmare. A professional moving company in Zurich knows the city inside out:
Quick route planning thanks to knowledge of neighborhoods like Wiedikon, Oerlikon or Höngg
Knowledge of the authorities – parking permits and stopping bans are organized professionally
Experienced carriers for narrow stairwells and furniture heavy
Insurance coverage for all of your belongings moving
A move to Zurich without professionals often costs more in the end – in time, energy and costs unforeseen events.
Access, stopping location and effort: what determines the planning in Zurich
What determines the running in Zurich depends on access, stopping location, volume and access to accommodation :
Request a parking space in Zurich
So that the moving truck can park legally near the entrance to the building, reserve parking spaces in Zurich via the municipal police parking space reservation. The public works department is not the point of contact for this process.
For places in the blue zone, the city requires a delay of at least seven working days; for the white zone, at least three working days. Last minute requests are handled by the Kreischefin or the competent Kreischef. The city does not publish an official rule of 48 to 72 hours on this page.
Costs are calculated individually according to duration, location and number of places; we do not indicate any examples in CHF here. Many moving companies take over the request as an additional service.
Stairwells, furniture lifts and narrow alleys
In addition to the stop location, access determines the procedure: narrow alleys, one-way streets, height restrictions and the distance between the stop and the building entrance. Measure the width of stairs, landings and door openings in the old and new homes before moving large pieces of furniture.
A furniture lift may be necessary if the stairwell is too narrow or heavy pieces cannot be transported safely. Whether by external lift, portage or both, clarify this before moving day – without a price table or company comparison at this stage.
Non-binding guideline values can be found on the page Moving costs Switzerland. Only the quote from the company concerned is binding.
Note: the volume, access, distance and scope of services must appear in the quote. Non-binding guideline values can be found on the moving costs page.
For guideline values, see Removal costs. To find companies in Zurich, visit Zurich moving company.
Moving to Zurich: the 5 most important preparation steps important
A successful move starts weeks before the big day. Here's how to prepare yourself optimally:
1. Plan early and book an appointment
Popular moving companies in Zurich are often booked up weeks in advance – especially at the end of the month and at the start of semesters. Book your appointment at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
The city of Zurich does not publish any laws on “moving days”. In practice, moves are concentrated around the usual termination dates, especially at the end of March and the end of September. ERZ is reporting wait times at recycling centers around the April 1 and October 1 moving dates. The end of June may, depending on the lease contract, be a local custom – and not the city's main legal moving day. For these periods, an earlier booking is worth it only in quieter weeks.
2. Establish an inventory and sort it
Sort it before moving. What you no longer need doesn't need to be transported. This reduces costs and frees up space in your new home.
3. Complete registration and change of address in good time
In Zurich, you must register with the residents' office within 14 days after moving in. The procedure for registration in the municipality of residence – in town, in the event of arrival or departure – is described in the registration guide. Don't forget:
Postal forwarding
Insurance illness
Employer
Bank & insurance
4. Obtain professional packing materials
Strong moving boxes, bubble wrap and furniture covers protect your belongings. Many moving companies in Zurich quote this equipment for purchase or rental.
5. Check the new accommodation in advance
Measure the door widths and stairwells in the new accommodation. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when large pieces of furniture don't fit through the door.
What services do moving companies in Zurich quote?
Modern moving companies in Zurich quote much more than just transport :
Complete move – from dismantling to installation in the new accommodation
End of lease cleaning – professional cleaning of the old accommodation with guarantee of restitution
Furniture storage – temporary storage between departure and moving in
Piano transport & special transport – for heavy objects or fragile
Office relocation to Zurich – professional business relocation with minimal disruption to activity
Moving to Zurich vs. moving in the canton of Zurich
Whether you are moving within the city or to one of the surrounding districts like Winterthur, Dietikon, Uster or Horgen – a local company knows the area and ensures reliable service.
Moving within Zurich
Short transport distances = execution more efficient
Parking permits required in the city
Take peak hours into account in traffic urban
Moving to the canton of Zurich
Longer travel distance is charged separately
Well-planned logistics are particularly important
Combination with end of lease cleaning is recommended
What to pay attention to when choice of moving company
Not all moving companies keep their promises. These criteria help you make the right choice:
Transparent quote – all services clearly listed, without costs hidden
Ratings & references – check Google reviews and recommendations
Insurance certificate – civil liability and transport insurance place
Experience in Zurich – knowledge of the local market is decisive
Fixed price guarantee – protection against surprises on the day of moving
Disposal in Zurich: recycling centers and special waste
The Hagenholz recycling center closed on July 27, 2024 and moved to the site provisional Looächer (from August 2, 2024). Currently, the Looächer and Werdhölzli recycling centers are accessible to the Zurich population. The Hagenholz special waste collection point is a separate offering from the old recycling center and remains open for special waste.
The old disposal coupons from the city of Zurich are canceled. ERZ publishes the current acceptance conditions, opening hours and local quotes by district (mobile recycling center, Cargo-Tram). We do not indicate any municipal rates here. If you do not have a suitable vehicle, you can arrange disposal as an additional service from the moving company. Zurich should not be a source of stress. With the right planning and an experienced moving company at your side, your change of accommodation becomes a smooth new beginning.
Then clarify the stop location, access and registration. You will find companies and quotes for Zurich on the page Moving company Zurich; indicative values can be found under Moving costs.
