Moving in the canton of St. Gallen – from Rapperswil-Jona to the Rhine Valley

The canton of St. Gallen surrounds both Appenzell cantons and borders five further cantons, Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein; via Lake Constance (Bodensee) it also indirectly touches Germany. As of 30 September 2025, 543,687 people lived here, at 268 inhabitants per square kilometre slightly more densely than the Swiss average. The cantonal area of 2028 square kilometres includes 47 square kilometres of Lake Constance.

Ten regions between 395 and 3247 metres

The lowest point, at 395 m, is on Lake Constance; the highest mountain is the Ringelspitz at 3247 m above sea level, although the Säntis is better known. From north to south come Bodensee, Fürstenland, Toggenburg, St. Galler Rheintal, Werdenberg and Sarganserland, with Zürichsee, Linthebene and Walensee in the west. Major rivers are the Rhine, Thur, Linth, Sitter and Seez.

A move in the canton of St. Gallen can therefore look very different: a city flat on Lake Constance, a house in Toggenburg or an address in Sarganserland. We determine vehicle size, parking spot and carrying route during the free viewing, on site or via WhatsApp video.

Rail hubs and border stations

The most important hub is St. Gallen station, followed by Wil, Rapperswil, Ziegelbrücke, Sargans, Rorschach and the border stations Buchs SG and St. Margrethen. The backbone of regional transport is the S-Bahn St. Gallen; boats operate on Lake Walen, Lake Zurich and Lake Constance. The national road network is complete, plus around 675 kilometres of cantonal roads.

For removals from Zurich, the towns along these routes are especially quick to reach, for example for a move in Wil, as a moving company for Sargans or on the border in Buchs SG and St. Margrethen. On Lake Constance we also handle furniture transport for Rorschach.

Many dialects, no more districts

The official language is German, but the canton was assembled from very different territories in 1803 by the Act of Mediation. In Fürstenland, the city of St. Gallen, the Rhine valley, Werdenberg and Toggenburg people speak Eastern Swiss dialects, while in the south dialects of differing origins meet. In Rapperswil-Jona the dialect is largely identical to Zurich German. Because Romansh was spoken in the south until the Middle Ages, many place and field names there are of Romansh origin.

The districts were abolished with the new cantonal constitution; since 1 January 2003 there have been electoral districts without administrative tasks. We therefore organise the parking space reservation for moving day directly with the responsible municipality, one of the 75 political municipalities.

Industry, services, tourism

In 2012 the canton had 285,210 employees, 87,948 of them in industry. Until around 1920 the textile industry was the most important sector. The most significant company today is the building materials group headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona; others include Bühler, Geberit, SFS and Leica Geosystems. For businesses we offer:

• Office relocation outside business hours
• Furniture assembly at the new location
• Furniture storage and disposal

In Sarganserland and Obertoggenburg tourism is important in summer and winter, with the ski areas Flumserberg, Pizol and Obertoggenburg. In the city of St. Gallen the Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek) and the Abbey Cathedral attract visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Who helps seniors move to a smaller flat in the canton of St. Gallen?
Our team handles the entire move: packing, dismantling, transport, assembly and, on request, disposal of furniture that no longer fits. During the viewing we decide together with you or your relatives what comes along. Everything is in one quote, even if the new flat is in a different one of the 75 municipalities.

How exactly do you charge for a move to Toggenburg or Lake Constance?
By the time actually needed, in 15-minute increments, with a minimum of three hours per job; the journey from Wallisellen is included. If you would like a fixed framework despite the longer distance, we can set a cost ceiling or a flat rate after the free viewing.

Where do you change canton even though you stay in the middle of St. Gallen territory?
Anywhere you move to Appenzell Ausserrhoden or Innerrhoden, because the canton of St. Gallen completely surrounds both Appenzells. A move from St. Gallen to Herisau or Appenzell is therefore a change of canton. This changes nothing for the transport, but registration follows the rules of the new canton.

What do movers look out for with a holiday flat at Flumserberg, Pizol or Wildhaus?
Mountain road, parking spot and season: in the ski areas of Sarganserland and Obertoggenburg we check access and turning space, and in winter also snow on the carrying route. For a smaller flat a more compact vehicle may be enough. We apply for the parking spot with the relevant municipality.

When should I book a move to the Neckertal or another side valley?
As soon as your moving date is fixed. After the viewing you receive the quote within 24 hours, then we reserve the day. For addresses in side valleys such as the Neckertal an early booking is worthwhile, so that we can schedule the right vehicle and set the route in advance.

What happens if something is damaged during a move in the canton of St. Gallen?
Then the insurance already included in our prices applies. It is best to report any damage to the team on site on moving day itself, so that it is recorded immediately. As a precaution we wrap furniture in blankets, pack fragile items individually and secure the load in the van.

Which goods need clarifying for a business move from Buchs SG to Liechtenstein?
Goods from the EEA that travel along with furniture or household effects. Although Liechtenstein is part of the Swiss customs territory under the customs treaty, there has been a legal disparity in the movement of goods since it joined the EEA. Such items are best clarified beforehand with the BAZG (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security); we plan the transport from Werdenberg across the Rhine like any other move.