Successful planning for a move begins long before the first boxes are packed. Planning the moving date is the absolute key factor and the first big step towards a stress-free move. Anyone who thinks early about the ideal time not only saves money, but also considerably preserves their nerves.
In Switzerland, moving has some special features – from different termination dates depending on the canton to coordinating free hours with the employer. Choosing the right day strongly influences the smoothness of the handover of the old home and the price of a professional moving company.
To avoid missteps when choosing the date, we have put together the most important tips and the legal framework. Find out when to move, how much free time you are granted and how to orchestrate the process between the old and new management.
Respect the official termination dates by Switzerland
Lease law in Switzerland is strongly regional. Before setting a final moving date, it is imperative to consult your current lease contract. It is set out on which dates you can regularly terminate the lease without suffering financial disadvantages.
Usual cantonal moving dates at a glance
In many regions, the classic official dates still apply. Traditionally, they fall at the end of March, the end of June and the end of September. Some cantons only have two official dates. Anyone moving at these deadlines must expect enormously high demand among cleaning and moving companies – early bookings have a clear advantage. Find out about the usual dates in your canton, if your contract does not provide for different rules (such as termination at the end of each month except December).
Departure after the deadline and search for a lease buyer
The official termination deadline does not always correspond to the personal situation. If you wish to move outside of these dates, we speak of a late departure. In this case, you are legally obliged to propose a reasonable and solvent lease taker who takes over the lease contract under exactly the same conditions. If you get there on time, you are flexible on any date and can leave as soon as the new tenant has signed the contract.
Working day or weekend: what is the ideal time?
Once the general period is fixed, the question arises of the exact day of the week. Both options – weekdays or weekends – have specific advantages and disadvantages that you should weigh according to your budget and personal situation.
Moving on the weekend: high demand and fewer vacation days
Friday and Saturday are by far the most popular moving days in Switzerland. The big advantage: you often have to sacrifice few or no vacation days and your friends or family more easily have time to help carry the boxes. The downside, however, is the financial aspect. Since almost everyone wants to move on the weekend, professional moving companies and van rentals fill up quickly and often charge higher rates or weekend surcharges. In addition, Sunday is legally taboo as a moving day, because disruptive noise is prohibited.
Moving during the week: better availability and more advantageous quotes
A move between Monday and Thursday is often the smarter and more economical choice. Demand is significantly lower, which often allows you to negotiate more attractive prices with moving companies. In addition, management, concierge and administration (for registration) are regularly accessible, which considerably simplifies the handing over of keys and administrative tasks.
Free days for moving: contract, CCT and practice habitual
A change of accommodation is organizationally and physically demanding. Art. 329 CO provides for “customary free hours and days” – this is not federally set paid moving leave. Whether and to what extent free time is granted for moving depends on the employment contract, the collective employment agreement (CCT) or company practice.
How much moving leave does the employer grant in Switzerland?
Federal law does not set a precise number of paid moving days. Clarify the scope in writing with the employer before confirming the date.
Properly request moving leave from your superior
As soon as your moving date is set, you should request moving leave as soon as possible from your superior. Timely communication ensures that your team or replacement can be arranged at the workplace. An informal written request stating the change of accommodation is usually sufficient.
Checklist: how to plan your optimal moving date
In order for everything to fit together smoothly when due, various external parties must be coordinated. Good time planning prevents you from unpleasant surprises when handing over.
Coordinate the handover date with the old and new management: you can only hand over your old accommodation when it is completely empty. At the same time, you must receive the key to the new home before the moving truck arrives. Try to plan the handover of the flat the day before departure or directly on the morning of moving day, if the rental periods overlap.
Plan the cleaning date for handing over the flat: remember that the old accommodation must be not only empty, but also swept or even completely thoroughly cleaned (with return guarantee). Allow enough time between the move and handing over the keys to the cleaning company – ideally a full day.
Book the moving company on time useful and move with peace of mind
Whether you are moving on a Wednesday in November or on the official deadline at the end of March: booking a professional moving company in advance is the best guarantee of a stress-free move. Good companies are often fully booked months in advance on popular dates.
Take the stress of moving away – check your real options now !
Discover non-binding how advantageous a professional move on your desired date in Switzerland can be, before spending a lot of money on a van and mobilizing your friends.
Use our comparison portal directly online-offerten.ch and fill out our form NOW in just a few minutes – or simply write to our new AI chat assistant at the bottom right of the screen! Get up to 5 free, absolutely no-obligation quotes from verified regional Swiss moving companies today.
Compare prices quietly and reserve your favorite before the best dates are allocated!
