Removals to Switzerland

Packing matters more on a long run

Breakages on long journeys are rarely dropped items. They are things that were allowed to move for hundreds of miles. That makes packing the part of a Swiss move worth paying attention to — either ours, or yours done properly.

Customs relief for moving your home to Switzerland

Switzerland is not in the EU customs area, so a move from the UK is a separate import for Swiss customs (BAZG). Its guidance names the transfer of your domicile to Switzerland as the most important condition for importing household goods duty-free.

• You have personally used the goods for at least 6 months, and you continue to use them after importing.
• You import the goods within two years of moving your residence.
• You can show that your residence has moved, for example with your departure declaration, employment contract or tenancy agreement.
• Clearance is at a customs office competent for commercial goods. BAZG advises sending your relocation file to that office at least two working days before you plan to cross the border, so the check can be done in advance.
• Clearance takes place Monday to Friday during the office's opening hours. Only some large offices open on Saturday mornings.

Plan the crossing around customs opening hours

Because household effects can only be cleared during office hours, the arrival day matters more on a Swiss move than on most. Give us the delivery address and your preferred date early so the crossing and the clearance can be lined up.

Crossing the Channel

One way to cross the Channel by road is Eurotunnel's LeShuttle Freight between Folkestone and Calais. Its planned journey time is 35 minutes, with up to one departure every 10 minutes at peak times, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The operator's figures for December to June 2022 show the 35 minutes achieved in 81% of cases and 38 minutes or less in 94%. Whichever crossing your move uses, allow for the wait either side of it as well as the crossing itself.

On the UK side

GOV.UK says goods for personal use taken out of the UK in luggage or in a vehicle do not normally need a formal declaration, and that you should also check the requirements of the country you are going to. A full household load is a bigger consignment than luggage, so tell us early that it is a removal and we will confirm with you which paperwork applies before the day.

Sources

Taken from the official pages below and last checked 19 September 2026. Customs rules and operator figures change, so confirm with the authority before you rely on them.

• BAZG: moving (household effects)
• BAZG: moving to Switzerland, procedure
• LeShuttle Freight: journey step by step

Getting a price

European moves are quoted individually rather than from the hourly rate card — the distance, the crossing and the load all move the number. Call us or send the details and we will price it properly.