Foto: Yann (talk), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Genf
- 211,152 inhabitants
- 15,96 km²
Cantonal capital where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva, with the Jet d’eau and the international quarter.
Request a quote for Geneva →
Removals canton of Geneva
Moving to Geneva – from Zurich to Lake Geneva, with a clear guide price
New job, studies or returning home: we handle moves between German-speaking Switzerland and Geneva and plan the long journey with a fixed date.
4.8 out of 5 · 184 Google reviewsASTAG standardOver 500 moves per year
20% new-customer discountQuote in 24hInsurance Included
4.8 / 5 Google184 reviews
ASTAG standardSwiss industry standard
Quote within 24 hoursfree & without obligation
No Saturday surchargeSame price Mon–Sat
Services
All services for your move in Geneva
Privat- & Firmenumzug Genf
Flat, house or office in Geneva – carefully packed, furniture assembled.
from CHF 550
Learn more →
End-of-tenancy cleaning Geneva with handover guarantee
Move-out cleaning for a smooth flat handover in Geneva.
from CHF 350
Learn more →
Clearance & Disposal Geneva
Flat clearance, cellars and attics in Geneva – disposed of properly.
from CHF 65/m³
Learn more →
Furniture storage for Geneva
Furniture from Geneva stored clean and secure – short or long term.
from CHF 15/m³
Learn more →Process
From Zurich to Geneva in 9 steps – via Bern to Lake Geneva
A long route, dense neighbourhoods, French-speaking authorities: for your move to Lake Geneva we combine planning, the journey and arrival in nine coordinated steps.
- 01
Survey in German-speaking Switzerland
We look at your household goods at your current home, on site or by video, estimate the volume and access, and then send you the quote.
- 02
Checking the Geneva address
For a destination in the city, in Carouge or in a rural commune, we use your details to check lift size, stairwell and parking space in front of the building.
- 03
Parking space at the destination
Where the van needs public ground in Geneva, we apply for the space for your address through the responsible office in Geneva; the fee is charged to you directly.
- 04
Boxes for the long haul
You receive free boxes and packing materials in good time at your old address; we give fragile items extra padding for the long drive.
- 05
Loading in the morning
On moving day we protect the floors and stairwell of your old flat, load the furniture padded and secure each row with tension straps in the cargo area.
- 06
Driving across the Swiss Plateau
The route takes the motorway towards Bern and on to Lake Geneva; driving time and unloading are planned so that everything is done on the same day.
- 07
Arrival with time to spare
In dense neighbourhoods such as Eaux-Vives or Pâquis we allow a buffer for traffic and roadworks before the van pulls up outside the building.
- 08
Furniture lift and assembly
If the lift in an older Geneva building is too small, the furniture lift raises wardrobes and sofas into the flat; our carpenters then assemble everything.
- 09
Unpacking and completion
On request we unpack the boxes in Geneva straight away; we take the empty boxes with us, and the invoice matches the quote.
Moving in Geneva
Geneva: long distance, good planning
A move from Zurich to Geneva is above all a question of planning: loading, around 280 kilometres by road and unloading all have to fit into one day. During the survey, we clarify the volume, access at both locations and whether temporary storage makes sense.
In Geneva, you report your arrival within 14 days to the cantonal population office (OCPM). When changing canton, you notify the Office cantonal des véhicules (OCV) of the new address for your vehicle and driving licence within 14 days.
- Guide prices: from CHF 550.– (1–1.5 rooms), from CHF 990.– (3–3.5 rooms), excl. VAT.
- No Saturday surcharge: Same price Monday to Saturday.
- Free loan boxes: sturdy and reusable.
- Quote within 24 hours: after an on-site or video survey.
Re-registering in Geneva
Deadlines after your move in Geneva
In Geneva, the cantonal population office (OCPM) is responsible, not the municipality.
What applies in Geneva
- OCPM: Report your arrival within 14 days of moving in.
- Moving within Geneva: Change of address within 14 days at the OCPM.
- OCV: if moving from another canton, report your new address within 14 days.
- Post: Set up mail forwarding at least 4 working days before your move.
Sources: Genève: Annoncer mon arrivée (OCPM) · Genève: Changement d’adresse · Genève: Changement d’adresse OCV
Moving costs Geneva
Removals to Geneva: what a move from Zurich to Lake Geneva costs
Geneva forms the south-western tip of Switzerland, so the route from our base in Wallisellen across the Swiss Plateau is a long one. With us, travel to and from the job counts as working time and is therefore part of the price. Gradients hardly matter in the Geneva basin; access and parking in the dense neighbourhoods matter all the more. The calculator above gives you a guide price, and on request we agree a cost ceiling.
| Apartment Size | Guide value | Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 1.5 rooms | from CHF 550 | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 2 – 2.5 rooms | from CHF 850 | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 3 – 3.5 rooms | from CHF 990.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 4 – 4.5 rooms | from CHF 1'490.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 5 – 5.5 rooms | from CHF 1'790.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
| 6 – 6.5 rooms | from CHF 1'990.– | Furniture assembly, protective materials, insurance |
All prices include insurance and exclude 8.1% VAT. Guide values are based on average effort; the exact amount is determined during the free on-site survey and invoiced according to actual working time, including travel to and from the site.
Customer portal for Geneva
New in Geneva: registration, deadlines and a checklist for your commune
Geneva has no districts, only 45 autonomous communes. Using your moving date and your new Geneva commune, the customer portal builds a checklist with deadlines, plus ready-made letters for your insurers. Direct links take you to the official offices in the French-speaking canton, so nothing gets left undone after your move to the Romandie (French-speaking Switzerland).
- OCPM Report your arrival within 14 days.
- OCV new address within 14 days when changing canton.
- Post Forwarding at least 4 working days before the move.
- Moving away deregister with your previous municipality, often online via eUmzugCH.
Genève: Annoncer mon arrivée (OCPM)Genève: Changement d’adresseGenève: Changement d’adresse OCVPost: change of address with mail forwarding
From Zurich to Geneva: every task on one list
- Notify your insurers: For your new flat on the Rhône or Arve, your household contents and personal liability insurers need your Geneva address. The portal has the letter ready; all you add is your policy number and moving date.
- Set up mail forwarding: Submit the forwarding order for your new address in one of the 45 Geneva communes at least 4 working days in advance; the link in the portal takes you straight there.
- Deregister at your old address: If you are leaving the canton of Zurich or Vaud for the Geneva basin, the checklist reminds you to deregister with your current commune and provides the direct link.
- Register your arrival: In Geneva the responsible office is the cantonal population office OCPM, not the commune: you register your arrival there within 14 days, and the deadline and link are in the portal.
7 days free with every quote · when you book your move permanently included
Real demo – no sign-up required
Your move to Geneva24 days to go – all deadlines in view
24Days until the move
0 %done
4open
Next upTap to tick off
- –Notify insurersLetter ready
- –Set up mail forwardingDo it online
- –Report your departure to your old municipalityDo it online
- –Report your arrival to the OCPMDo it online
Preview to try out – the complete portal is shown in the Live demo.
Quick enquiry · Geneva
Removals Geneva: free quote on request
Moving in the Geneva region? Enter your moving-out and moving-in addresses – we will get back to you within 24 hours with your quote.
- Furniture assembly and end-of-tenancy cleaning from a single provider on request.
- Quote within 24 hours – personally from our team.
- 20% new-customer discount on all services.
- Parking reservation on moving day we organise it for you free of charge.
Free on-site survey
Have your move in Geneva surveyed – by video call or on site
The survey via WhatsApp video takes around 20–25 minutes. Prefer in person? Choose «on site». You will receive your quote within 24 hours.
- Takes approx. 20–25 minutes
- On site at your home or conveniently via WhatsApp video
- Quote within 24 hours – with a 20% new-customer discount
Prefer to call? 044 589 67 77 · WhatsApp
1Type of survey
2Choose a day
3Choose a time
4Your details
Please choose a day and time
Thank you – we have received your preferred appointment.We will confirm it by SMS or email. We have emailed you a copy.
Canton of Geneva at a glance
Moving in the Canton of Geneva: region, towns & tips
Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva and is almost entirely surrounded by France; only in the north-east does the canton border Vaud. The official language is French.
Regions and towns where we move
- City of Geneva with the Old Town, Eaux-Vives and Pâquis
- Rive droite with Vernier, Meyrin and Versoix
- Rive gauche with Carouge and Thônex
- Lancy, Onex and the suburbs in the south-west
Moving tips for the Canton of Geneva
- In the Old Town and the densely built neighbourhoods parking spaces are scarce – we apply for the permit early.
- Many moves go to France – we discuss customs documents when preparing the quote.
- Apartment buildings with small lifts are common; we clarify the need for a furniture lift during the survey.
Canton of Geneva in figures
| Hauptort | Genf |
|---|---|
| Amtssprache | French |
| Inhabitants Canton of Geneva | 535'488 (Stand 30. September 2025) |
| Area Canton of Geneva | 282 km² |
| Nachbarkantone | Waadt |
| Nachbarland | France |
| Our headquarters | Wallisellen ZH |
Population, area and official language: Wikipedia – Canton of Geneva.
Getting to know the canton of Geneva
Removals to Geneva: moving to Switzerland's south-westernmost canton
The canton of Geneva forms the south-western tip of Switzerland and is almost entirely surrounded by France. Its border with the French départements of Ain and Haute-Savoie is 103 kilometres long, while the one with the canton of Vaud measures just 4.5 kilometres. Anyone moving from Zurich to Geneva is therefore moving to a canton that is closely tied to the surrounding French region, both geographically and economically.
The Geneva basin
The canton encloses the south-western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake on its way to the Mediterranean. In the city, the Arve, which comes down from Chamonix, joins the Rhône. All around lies the «cuvette genevoise» (Geneva basin) between the Jura and the French mountains of Vuache, Salève and Voirons.
The landscape is hilly but without major differences in altitude: the highest point, at 516 m above sea level, is Les Arales in the commune of Jussy, and the lowest, at 340 m, is on the Rhône near Chancy, which is also the westernmost point of Switzerland. For furniture transport, gradients therefore matter less than access and a place to park in the densely built neighbourhoods.
Densely populated and international
As of 30 September 2025, 535,488 people lived in the canton, with 1,896 inhabitants per square kilometre, far above the Swiss average. The share of foreign nationals was 41.9 per cent, compared with 27.6 per cent nationally. The official language is French, but in everyday life you hear many languages: 81 per cent name French as their main language, 11 per cent English, 10 per cent Portuguese and 5 per cent German.
Geneva is home to numerous international organisations, a major banking and trading city and a congress centre. For organisations, offices and law firms we offer:
- Office relocation outside working hours
- Assembly of workstations at the new location
- Furniture storage for a phased move-in
- Disposal of old office furniture
45 communes, no districts
Geneva has no division into districts. Its 45 communes are autonomous, although their independence is fairly limited compared with German-speaking Switzerland. Céligny forms two exclaves of the canton in Vaud on the right bank of the lake. The areas that were only assigned to Geneva by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, including the town of Carouge, used to be French or Savoyard.
We check whether you need a parking reservation for moving day at your address and arrange the reservation for you. In apartment buildings we assess during the survey whether a furniture lift would make the work easier.
From Zurich to Lake Geneva
Geneva has excellent national and international connections: Switzerland's second-largest airport in Cointrin, a link to the French TGV network and the Lyon–Bern motorway. A move from the canton of Zurich to Geneva therefore runs right across the Swiss Plateau to Lake Geneva.
To make sure everything works on the day, we plan loading, the journey and unloading during the free survey, either on site or by WhatsApp video. On request, our moving company in Zurich also handles the end-of-tenancy cleaning of your old flat, so you can focus entirely on settling in in Geneva. If needed, we schedule the move on a Saturday at no Saturday surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
Who handles the flat handover in Geneva if I move back to German-speaking Switzerland?
On request, our cleaning team: we clean your Geneva flat after you move out and attend the inspection with the property management. If they find fault with anything, we touch it up immediately and free of charge. That way you do not have to travel back from Zurich to Lake Geneva just for the handover.
How can the removal van park as close as possible to the door in Pâquis or Eaux-Vives?
With a parking space reserved for your date directly in front of the building, provided the street allows it. If the space is further away, we factor in the longer carrying distance and send more movers so that the schedule holds. We protect the entrance, lift and stairwell before the first piece of furniture is moved.
How does a move to Versoix on the right bank of Lake Geneva work?
Versoix lies on the lake at the border with Vaud and therefore, coming from the Swiss Plateau, before the city of Geneva. The removal van does not have to pass through the dense centre. We still clarify parking space, access and the entrance during the survey, so unloading can start without any waiting time.
Where are customs handled if I move from Thônex across the nearby border to France?
The export is declared at a Swiss customs office of the BAZG (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security), and the import takes place in France. Even though Thônex lies right on the border and the distance is short, you need a complete inventory list with both addresses. We handle the full customs clearance on both sides for you.
When is a cost ceiling worthwhile for the long route from Zurich to Geneva?
Whenever you want to know a binding upper limit before the move. After the survey we can agree a cost ceiling or a flat rate on request. With a cost ceiling you pay no more than the agreed amount, but less if loading, driving and unloading go faster. Without a cost ceiling we bill in 15-minute increments based on actual working time.
How much does it cost to move a piano from Zurich to a flat in Geneva?
Piano transport starts at CHF 250.–; the exact amount depends on the instrument, the floor and the stairwell in Geneva. During the survey we check whether the piano can go into the building via the stairs or lift, or whether the furniture lift is needed. In the van it is padded and secured.
Which furniture should I measure before moving into an old building in Carouge?
Above all wardrobes, sofas, beds and tables that cannot be dismantled. Also note the width and depth of the lift car and of the narrowest turn in the staircase at the new address. Anything that does not fit is dismantled by our carpenters before transport and reassembled in Carouge; bulky pieces go up by furniture lift.
What do you look out for when moving to Meyrin or Vernier near the airport?
Good coordination with your fresh start: Meyrin is close to the airport and CERN, Vernier lies west of the city on the Rhône. If your start date at work is fixed, we schedule moving day before it; if the flat only becomes free later, we store the furniture until you move in. We check access and lift in advance by video.
Local moving logistics
Removals to Geneva: planning the logistics for the city, Carouge and rural communes
With around 1,900 inhabitants per square kilometre, the canton of Geneva is very densely populated, and traffic in the city is known to be slow. For a move from Zurich to Lake Geneva, the schedule and parking space are therefore especially important.
City of Geneva where the Rhône leaves the lake
In the city, where the Rhône and Arve meet, dense development and many roadworks slow down traffic. We therefore set the removal van's arrival time with a buffer and secure the parking space before leaving Zurich.
Carouge and the formerly Savoyard communes
Like other formerly French or Savoyard areas, Carouge only became part of Geneva in 1815. In historic village centres with older apartment buildings we check the stairwell, lift size and whether a furniture lift is needed.
Rural communes between Jussy and Chancy
From Jussy in the east to Chancy on the Rhône, the westernmost point of Switzerland, the terrain is hilly and less densely built. Here, access width and parking space in front of detached houses are the main considerations.
Céligny, the exclaves on the Vaud shore
The commune of Céligny forms two Geneva exclaves in the canton of Vaud on the right bank of the lake. We plan the route there separately, as it does not pass through the rest of the canton.
Parking reservation
Each of the 45 Geneva communes has its own procedures for parking on public ground. We check whether a reservation is needed for your address and apply for it at the responsible office in Geneva. The authority charges the fee.
Disposal
Whatever you clear out before the move does not have to come to Geneva: we dispose of old furniture properly when you move out, for CHF 65.– per m³. Small quantities at your new home go to your Geneva commune's collection point.
B2B
Office, archive and IT relocations to Geneva
Geneva is home to numerous international organisations, a banking and trading city and a congress centre with a range of industries. For organisations and offices we plan office, archive, IT and laboratory relocations outside working hours.
Municipalities in the Canton of Geneva
Moving in the largest municipalities of the Canton of Geneva
We carry out moves in all municipalities of the canton. Here you will find the largest municipalities with their population, area and the special features for your move.
Foto: 3lisai-4u, gemeinfrei, via Wikimedia Commons
Vernier
- 38,769 inhabitants
- 7,69 km²
Second-largest municipality in the canton, west of the city on the Rhône.
Request a quote for Vernier →
Foto: Calimo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lancy
- 37,520 inhabitants
- 4,77 km²
Densely built urban municipality south-west of Geneva.
Request a quote for Lancy →
Foto: Jérémy Toma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Meyrin
- 27,380 inhabitants
- 9,94 km²
Place to live and work near the airport and CERN.
Request a quote for Meyrin →
Foto: André Corboz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Foto: Jose Manuel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Onex
- 19,101 inhabitants
- 2,81 km²
Residential municipality south-west of the city of Geneva.
Request a quote for Onex →
Foto: mpd01605, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thônex
- 16,940 inhabitants
- 3,82 km²
In the east of the city on the French border.
Request a quote for Thônex →
Foto: Dietrich Michael Weidmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Versoix
- 14,060 inhabitants
- 10,51 km²
On the lakeshore at the border with Vaud.
Request a quote for Versoix →Population (as of 31 December 2025) and area: Wikipedia, respective article (e.g. Genf). Photos: Wikimedia Commons, author and licence shown with each image.
Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars from 184 Google reviews
Cloudfor Sun
4 weeks ago
Mein Umzug hat wunderbar geklappt! Das ganze Team war sehr freundlich, hilfsbereit und professionell. Alles lief reibungslos und bestens organisiert ab. Besonders geschätzt habe ich den sorgfältigen Umgang mit meinen Möbeln und die angenehme Zusammenarbeit. Ein grosses Dankeschön an das gesamte Team für den tollen Einsatz! Ich kann euch auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen.
Jan Stahel
1 month ago
fast move, everything went smoothly
Brooke Jackson
1 month ago
Super competent, fast and very friendly. I would recommend this company to everyone!
Michael Richter
1 month ago
Monika Gutekunst
1 month ago
Super team , they work like crazy and nothing is damaged.
Highly recommended.
Michelle Marentini
3 months ago
Super committed and strong as superheroes! It was great fun with these three friendly, cheerful men!
Emilia Rosa Messmer-Lips
3 months ago
Perfect process. Super friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommended. If I move again, it'll only be with you.
Emilie Aubry
3 months ago
Valentina Stoira
3 months ago
Very good and straightforward.
Manuela König Plangger
4 months ago
Very competent and fast.
Claude-Alain Blattner
7 months ago
I was very satisfied with the moving services and the cleaning work. The furniture was properly packed and handled with care. The subsequent cleaning was also carried out professionally, so the handover went through without any issues. What's more, all the staff were extremely friendly. I can only recommend the company.
Alisha Rachel Müller
7 months ago
The move went perfectly. The team was upbeat, friendly and very careful. They also worked extremely efficiently, so they were even faster than originally planned. On top of that, the price was very good. I can warmly recommend Swiss Umzüge.
Marek Stankala
9 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Extremely satisfied! The move was super quick and totally hassle-free. The team was friendly, in great spirits and handled everything with care. And at the end there was even a little gift – really nice.
Armin Richter
9 months ago
A very well organised move! The staff on site were quick and handled the furniture carefully. Communication with the company was friendly and courteous. Thank you!
International Moves
Moving abroad from the canton of Geneva
The canton of Geneva borders France. We also move you there and to other European countries – with an inventory list for customs and end-of-tenancy cleaning in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about moving in Geneva
Who handles the flat handover in Geneva if I move back to German-speaking Switzerland?
On request, our cleaning team: we clean your Geneva flat after you move out and attend the inspection with the property management. If they find fault with anything, we touch it up immediately and free of charge. That way you do not have to travel back from Zurich to Lake Geneva just for the handover.
How can the removal van park as close as possible to the door in Pâquis or Eaux-Vives?
With a parking space reserved for your date directly in front of the building, provided the street allows it. If the space is further away, we factor in the longer carrying distance and send more movers so that the schedule holds. We protect the entrance, lift and stairwell before the first piece of furniture is moved.
How does a move to Versoix on the right bank of Lake Geneva work?
Versoix lies on the lake at the border with Vaud and therefore, coming from the Swiss Plateau, before the city of Geneva. The removal van does not have to pass through the dense centre. We still clarify parking space, access and the entrance during the survey, so unloading can start without any waiting time.
Where are customs handled if I move from Thônex across the nearby border to France?
The export is declared at a Swiss customs office of the BAZG (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security), and the import takes place in France. Even though Thônex lies right on the border and the distance is short, you need a complete inventory list with both addresses. We handle the full customs clearance on both sides for you.
When is a cost ceiling worthwhile for the long route from Zurich to Geneva?
Whenever you want to know a binding upper limit before the move. After the survey we can agree a cost ceiling or a flat rate on request. With a cost ceiling you pay no more than the agreed amount, but less if loading, driving and unloading go faster. Without a cost ceiling we bill in 15-minute increments based on actual working time.
How much does it cost to move a piano from Zurich to a flat in Geneva?
Piano transport starts at CHF 250.–; the exact amount depends on the instrument, the floor and the stairwell in Geneva. During the survey we check whether the piano can go into the building via the stairs or lift, or whether the furniture lift is needed. In the van it is padded and secured.
Which furniture should I measure before moving into an old building in Carouge?
Above all wardrobes, sofas, beds and tables that cannot be dismantled. Also note the width and depth of the lift car and of the narrowest turn in the staircase at the new address. Anything that does not fit is dismantled by our carpenters before transport and reassembled in Carouge; bulky pieces go up by furniture lift.
What do you look out for when moving to Meyrin or Vernier near the airport?
Good coordination with your fresh start: Meyrin is close to the airport and CERN, Vernier lies west of the city on the Rhône. If your start date at work is fixed, we schedule moving day before it; if the flat only becomes free later, we store the furniture until you move in. We check access and lift in advance by video.
Read more
Related services and guides
Official authorities: Genève: Annoncer mon arrivée (OCPM) · Genève: Changement d’adresse · Genève: Changement d’adresse OCV · ch.ch: Deregistering and registering
