Removals to Switzerland from the UK – Professional and stress-free moving
Moving to Switzerland from the UK is a major life step. Whether it’s for work, retirement, or a better lifestyle, getting your entire household across borders smoothly requires more than just a van. From customs paperwork and permits to packing, transport and careful handling – there’s a lot that needs to go right.
We help individuals, couples and families relocate to Switzerland with zero hassle. From major cities like Zurich and Geneva to peaceful towns like Schaffhausen, Winterthur and Frauenfeld, we handle everything. We make international moves feel like local ones.
Start planning with a removals team that knows Switzerland inside and out.
Why people move from the UK to Switzerland
Switzerland offers some of the best living standards in Europe. A strong economy, low crime, clean cities and amazing outdoor access all make it highly attractive to British expats. Whether you’re after career progression, better healthcare or simply a calmer lifestyle, it’s all here.
Popular reasons for relocating:
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High quality of life and healthcare
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Strong education system with international schools
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Political and economic stability
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Safe, walkable cities and countryside
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High salaries and efficient public services
And while Zurich and Geneva are known worldwide, many UK families are now choosing areas like Winterthur and Frauenfeld for their affordability, green space and access to nature.
We make international removals feel local. No delays, no fuss.
What is included in our removals to Switzerland service
We don’t just move your boxes – we manage the entire relocation process. From the first planning call to the last unpacked item, you’ll have our full support.
Pre-move planning
We start with a survey to understand your needs, create a detailed plan and schedule your preferred move date.
Packing and wrapping
Choose full or part-packing. We use export-grade materials, protect floors during loading and wrap furniture for safe transit.
Customs paperwork
We handle Swiss customs documentation and guide you through import forms, residence declarations and inventory compliance.
Door-to-door delivery
Choose from:
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Part load – Share a truck and reduce your cost
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Dedicated vehicle – Fast and flexible delivery just for your move
Storage options
Need time before your goods arrive? We offer safe, secure short and long-term storage in both the UK and Switzerland.
MoveProtect – Enhanced Liability
We offer MoveProtect – Enhanced Liability to give you extra peace of mind during your move to Switzerland. It’s tailored for international relocations, offering protection while your belongings are being packed, handled and transported. Unlike most household policies, MoveProtect covers your goods in transit – so if something gets damaged, you’re covered without the hassle.
What can and can’t be moved
We transport almost all household goods including:
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Furniture and white goods
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Electronics and entertainment systems
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Clothing, personal effects and kitchen items
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Bicycles, tools, musical instruments
Some restrictions apply:
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No open food or liquids
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No plants or soil (due to biosecurity)
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No flammable or hazardous materials
We’ll advise you clearly on what’s allowed and what’s not.
Paperwork and permits: What’s required?
As a non-EU country, Switzerland has stricter entry requirements. You’ll usually need:
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Valid passport
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Proof of permanent move (accommodation agreement, Swiss job contract or proof of income)
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Detailed inventory of your shipment
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Residence permit application (e.g. L, B, or C type)
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Exit proof from the UK (e.g. deregistration, tenancy end)
We’ll assist with completing customs declarations (form 18.44) and advise on any import duties, which are generally waived for household effects during permanent relocation.
How much does it cost?
Every move is unique. Prices for UK to Switzerland removals start from around £1,800, depending on:
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The volume of goods
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Collection and delivery addresses
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Packing and additional services
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Choice of part load or full load
We’ll give you a detailed, fixed quote with no hidden extras.
If you’re moving a smaller load or flexible on timing, a part load service can help reduce your overall costs. This allows you to share vehicle space with other customers moving in the same direction – ideal for those not in a rush. For faster, direct delivery, a dedicated vehicle provides a private, time-efficient option.
Costs can also vary based on access at your property, special packing requirements, or whether storage is needed before or after your move.
Most standard UK to Switzerland removals for a 2-3 bedroom household typically range between £2,500 and £5,500, depending on the level of service and distance involved.
We include customs clearance support as standard in our quotes, so there are no surprises later. If you’re unsure about which transport option fits best, we’ll talk you through the choices – clearly and simply.
Swiss destinations we cover
We carry out removals to all parts of Switzerland, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Chur, Biel/Bienne, Bern, Frauenfeld, Schaffhausen, Neuchâtel, Sion and Lucerne.
Our network also extends to quieter destinations popular with UK expats – like lakeside villages, mountain towns, and ski resort communities. Whether you’re heading to a stylish city centre or a rural alpine retreat, we’ll plan your move to suit your timeline, access and budget.
We’ve helped families relocate to areas with lower living costs and a more relaxed lifestyle, such as Schaffhausen and Frauenfeld, where residents enjoy excellent transport links and access to nature without the high costs of Zurich or Geneva.
We also support clients moving to Switzerland’s renowned French-speaking regions, like Lausanne and Neuchâtel, which are ideal for bilingual families or those working in international roles.
Life in Switzerland: What to expect as a UK expat
Language
German is the most commonly spoken language across Switzerland, especially in cities like Zurich, Winterthur and Schaffhausen. French dominates in places like Geneva and Lausanne, while Italian is spoken in the southern canton of Ticino. Romansh is used in some eastern regions.
Most people in urban areas speak English well – particularly in business, tech and tourism – but learning the local language makes everyday life easier and helps with integration.
Cost of living
Switzerland is more expensive than the UK in most categories. Groceries, dining out and personal services typically cost 30-50% more. Zurich, Geneva and Basel are among the priciest cities, while towns like Frauenfeld and Schaffhausen offer better value, especially for rent and utilities.
A one-bedroom flat in Zurich can easily exceed CHF 2,000 per month, while similar properties in smaller towns range from CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,600.
Healthcare
All residents must have private health insurance. There’s no NHS equivalent. Monthly premiums in 2025 average CHF 350-400 per adult, depending on the provider and coverage level. You’ll also need to budget for deductibles and co-payments. The system is efficient and offers excellent care – but it’s important to arrange your policy as soon as you register your address.
Transport
Public transport is world-class. Trains, buses and trams are safe, punctual and connect even small towns to major cities. A monthly pass typically costs around CHF 70-100, comparable to the UK.
Many British expats find they don’t need a car, especially in areas like Zurich or Bern where public transport is faster than driving.
Schools
Switzerland has a reputation for excellent education. Local public schools are free and high-quality, but teaching is in the regional language. International schools are available in most major cities, offering English or bilingual curriculums.
Many UK families start with international schools, then transition to public options once settled and more confident with the language.
Everyday life
You’ll notice the difference straight away: cleaner streets, quieter Sundays, and highly efficient services. Swiss towns are safe, orderly and community-focused.
Expect punctuality, recycling rules, and a strong culture of privacy. But once you adapt, it’s a lifestyle many never want to leave.
What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ They helped us move from Surrey to Schaffhausen with ease. The team were punctual, polite and knew exactly how to handle customs. – Claire, moved to Switzerland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’d never moved abroad before, so having our own Move Manager gave us real peace of mind. Worth every penny. – Steve, moved to Zurich
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Efficient, reliable and genuinely helpful. All our belongings arrived without a single issue. – Rachel, moved to Winterthur
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was dreading the paperwork, but they took care of everything. The customs process went without a hitch. – Mike, moved from Kent to Geneva
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve used a few movers before, but these guys really stand out. It felt personal. They updated me every step of the way. – Charlotte, moved to Lausanne
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Professional and friendly team. They packed everything securely and nothing was damaged. Five stars from me. – Tom, moved to Basel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Total Moving Solutions were a pleasure to deal with. They arranged storage while we waited for keys, and delivery was bang on time. – Emily, moved to Neuchâtel
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and Google, with over 250 five-star reviews.
Why choose Total Moving Solutions?
We understand that no two moves are the same – especially when you’re relocating to a country like Switzerland with strict import rules, complex customs paperwork, and high expectations around timing and care. That’s why we assign a dedicated Move Manager to every customer. You’ll have a single point of contact who keeps everything clear, coordinated and running on schedule.
Customers regularly praise our flexibility – whether it’s accommodating last-minute changes, helping with paperwork they didn’t even realise they needed, or simply reassuring them during a stressful life change. We’ve helped clients navigate residence permit timing, plan for delayed property access, and even store belongings temporarily while they get settled.
Our team’s experience with Swiss border procedures means fewer delays, less back and forth, and no surprises. We’re used to handling all types of properties – from city flats to alpine chalets – and we pack accordingly. Our crews work across the UK and Europe, and they’re trained to meet the standards Swiss authorities expect on entry.
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Combined 20+ years of removals experience
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Experts in Swiss customs and cross-border logistics
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Professional teams in both the UK and Europe
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Full packing, transport, storage and documentation service
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Transparent pricing, tailored to your move
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Five years of proven international moving success as a company
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MoveProtect – Enhanced Liability available for extra protection
Let’s plan your move to Switzerland
Moving internationally comes with a lot of questions – and that’s where we come in. Whether you’re relocating to Zurich, settling in Winterthur or starting fresh in a peaceful lakeside village, we’ll make the process feel simple and stress-free.
Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your move. No jargon, no hidden fees – just clear advice and support from a team with years of successful international moves and hundreds of five-star reviews.
Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your new life in Switzerland.