Tips for your home move

​When I first moved to Basel from Ireland, like many expats, I had no idea where to start. Back home, most apartments come furnished, you arrive with your clothes, a few bits and bobs and you’re good to go. Switzerland, as I quickly learned, works a little differently.
Moving house is stressful enough on its own. Add a new country, unfamiliar systems, and sometimes a language barrier, and it can quickly become overwhelming. It’s no surprise that finding the right apartment in Basel can take time and interestingly, almost 1 in 9 residents in Basel move every year, more than in any other Swiss canton.
After working alongside removal companies across the region, I saw a gap in the market for reliable, English-speaking removals and handyman services. Living abroad myself, I understood how difficult it can be to organise furniture assembly, transport, disposals, and all the small jobs that come with relocating.
Back in 2021, I started with nothing more than a toolbox and a scooter, helping expats and locals around Basel. Today, the business has grown into a multi-vehicle, multi-skilled team helping people move across Basel and beyond.
After years of experience (and carrying more sofas up narrow Swiss staircases than I can count), I thought I’d share some of my best moving tips to help make your next move smoother and less stressful.

​1. Don’t Bring What You Don’t Need
One of the biggest mistakes people make is moving clutter from one home to another.
If you’ve been meaning to get rid of that old chest of drawers, unused kitchen gadgets, or boxes you haven’t opened in years, now is the time. Moving is the perfect opportunity to de-clutter.
Ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last year?
• Will it actually fit or suit the new apartment?
• Is it worth paying to move?

Getting organised before moving day saves time, money, and stress. Many local companies, including ours, can also help with furniture disposal and recycling.
 
 
2. Pack Smarter, Not Harder
Good packing can make an enormous difference on moving day.
Here are a few simple tricks professionals use:

• Start early with items you rarely use.
• Clearly label every box with both contents and the room it belongs in.
• Colour-coding boxes by room makes unpacking much easier.
• Pack books in smaller boxes and lighter items like bedding in larger ones.
• Try not to exceed 30kg per box. The box may break, or your back!
• Use blankets, towels, and pillows to protect fragile items.
• Keep original packaging for TVs and electronics whenever possible.
• Clothes boxes are worth considering, clothes stay on hangers and unpack in minutes.
• Defrost your fridge or freezer at least 24 hours before the move.
• Avoid watering plants on moving day to prevent leaks and damage.

A little extra preparation can save hours later.
3. Understand the Challenges of Swiss Buildings
One thing many newcomers don’t realise is how different Swiss apartment buildings can be.
Small elevators, winding staircases, restricted parking, and tight hallways are very common in Basel. What looks simple on paper can become a logistical challenge very quickly.
An experienced moving team knows how to manoeuvre large furniture safely without damaging walls, floors, or door frames, which is especially important in older Basel buildings.
Whether you hire professionals or move yourself, planning access ahead of time makes a huge difference.
5. Parking Can Make or Break a Move
This is one people often underestimate.
Good parking access can save hours on moving day. In busy areas of Basel, a lack of parking can turn a simple move into a stressful marathon of carrying boxes across multiple streets.
If you’re moving within Basel-Stadt, you can apply online for temporary moving parking permits. Ideally, this should be organised at least one week in advance.
The closer the truck can park to the building, the faster — and cheaper — the move will be.
5. Don’t Forget Your Address Changes
There’s a surprising amount of paperwork involved when moving in Switzerland.
Make sure to update:

• your employer
• internet and phone providers
• banks and insurance companies
• health insurance
• subscriptions and deliveries
• the local Gemeinde

If you’re moving to another canton or municipality, you may need to deregister from one Gemeinde and register with another. In most cases, this should be done within 14 days of moving.
Swiss Post also offers a mail forwarding service, which can be a lifesaver during the transition.
6. Where to Buy Furniture in Basel
If you’re new to Basel and furnishing an apartment from scratch, there are plenty of options.
For affordable basics:

• IKEA
• Conforama
• Pfister
• Mömax

Most are located around Pratteln and are easily accessible by public transport.
If you’re after more boutique or designer furniture, Basel city centre has excellent options like Bolia and Möbel Rösch.
For unique finds or budget-friendly furniture, don’t overlook local Brockenhäuser (“Brockis”). Basel and Baselland have several fantastic second hand shops, many of which also offer delivery services.
Online platforms like:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Ricardo
• Tutti

are also excellent for second-hand furniture bargains.
And of course, if you find the perfect sofa but don’t have a van, that’s where local movers like me and my team come in handy.
Final Thoughts
Moving will probably never be completely stress-free, but with good preparation, the right support, and a few local tips, it can be far smoother than expected.
Basel is a fantastic place to live, and once the boxes are unpacked, it quickly starts to feel like home.
If you need help with removals, furniture assembly, disposal, or handyman services around Basel, my team at Brian O’Toole Home Removals and Handyman Services is always happy to help.