Is it possible to move to Zurich cheaply?
Moving can be an expensive undertaking, especially in cities like Zurich, where the cost of living and therefore moving costs are often higher than in other regions. But even in an expensive city like Zurich, there are ways to move affordably without sacrificing quality and service. With early planning, the right choice of moving company, and clever money-saving tips, you can significantly reduce moving costs. In this article, you'll learn how to organize your move in Zurich affordably and what measures you can take to minimize costs.

Cheap move to Zurich – How much does a move cost?
Before you consider cost-cutting strategies, you should understand the factors that influence the cost of moving in Zurich. The price of a move is determined by several factors, including:
1. Moving volume
The amount of furniture and belongings to be transported plays a decisive role in the cost. Moving a small apartment will be significantly cheaper than moving a large household. It's worth taking a thorough inventory before moving and selling or donating any unwanted items.
2. Transport distance
Moving within Zurich is generally cheaper than moving to another country or a more distant city. If your move involves longer distances, the costs increase due to travel expenses, mileage allowances, and the additional time required by the moving company.
3. Timeframe
The time of year and the day of the week the move takes place can also affect costs. In Zurich, the months from April to September are particularly popular for moves, as many leases begin during this time. Moving companies often experience high demand during this time, which is reflected in the prices. To save costs, try to plan your move during the quieter months, such as winter or weekdays.
4. Additional services
Would you like to use additional services such as packing your belongings, assembling and disassembling furniture, or temporary storage? All of these add-ons will increase the price but offer greater convenience. However, if you can organize the move yourself, you'll save significantly.
Cost example – cheap move to Zurich:
- Moving a one-room apartment within Zurich: approx. 500 – 800 CHF
- Moving a three-room apartment within Zurich: approx. 1,000 – 1,500 CHF
- Moving a family apartment (4-5 rooms) over a longer distance: approx. 2,000 – 3,500 CHF
Tips for a cheap move in Zurich
There are several strategies you can use to move to Zurich at a reasonable price. Below, we'll provide you with valuable tips to help you minimize your moving costs.
1. Choose the right time – Cheap moving to Zurich
As mentioned above, the time of year and the day of the week play a major role in costs. Planning your move during the less-demand months, such as November through March, can often get you a better price. Especially avoid moves at the end of the month or on weekends, as these periods tend to be high in demand, and moving companies' rates increase accordingly. Being flexible also allows you to take advantage of special offers and discounts.
2. Obtain and compare several offers
To find the best moving quote, don't just accept the first offer. Take the time to request and compare quotes from various moving companies. Today, there are numerous online portals where you can request moving quotes and directly compare different service providers. When comparing, pay attention not only to the price but also to the services included and reviews of each moving company. This will help you find a company that offers a fair price while also operating reliably and professionally.
3. Transport less furniture
The more furniture and belongings you have to pack for the move, the more expensive the move will be. An important tip for reducing moving costs is to get rid of unwanted furniture and belongings before the move. Go through your home and review what you really need and what you can sell or give away. Selling furniture or used items can even bring you extra cash to use toward the move.
If the move is not too big, you can also consider organizing the move yourself and having a moving company transport only the heavy furniture.
4. Moving company with flexible prices choose
Another smart way to keep your move affordable is to choose a company that offers flexible pricing. Most moving companies offer a variety of pricing structures, including flat-rate, hourly, and per-mile rates. If the move is well-planned and requires little time, an hourly rate may be more cost-effective. However, for long distances or longer moves, a flat-rate fee may be better.
Make sure in advance that all important costs such as transport, packaging, insurance and additional services are included in the price so that you are not surprised by hidden costs.
5. Use your own vehicle and help with packing
Another cost-saving approach is to organize the move yourself as much as possible. If you have a suitable vehicle or can rent a van, you can save on the rental costs of a moving vehicle. You can also team up with friends or family to help with carrying and packing. This reduces the need for additional moving help and lowers the overall cost.
Please ensure that all items are securely packaged and that there is no risk of them being damaged during transport.
Which additional services increase the costs?
Sometimes it's necessary to book certain additional services to make the move go more smoothly. However, these services can significantly increase moving costs, so you should carefully consider which ones are necessary for you:
- Packaging service Many moving companies offer to pack your belongings. This is a convenient solution if you want to save time. However, these services can incur additional costs.
- Furniture assembly and disassembly – If your moving company also handles furniture disassembly and assembly, this will be charged additionally. Consider doing this work yourself to save costs.
- Special transports – For delicate or very heavy items such as pianos, antiques, or large electrical appliances, moving companies often have to arrange special transport. These costs more than standard transport.
Conclusion – This is how your Moving to Zurich cheap
Moving in Zurich doesn't have to be expensive if you use the right strategies. With proper planning, comparing quotes, and choosing the right moving company, you can significantly reduce your moving costs. Time your move, reduce the amount of furniture you need to transport, and consider which additional services are truly necessary. Having additional help with packing and transport can save you even more. This will ensure that your move not only goes smoothly but also stays within your budget.