It's one of the first decisions of any relocation: should you ship your furniture to Switzerland, or start fresh on arrival? The answer depends on three variables — distance, length of stay, and how attached you are to your furniture. Here are the real numbers to decide.
What international shipping actually costs
From a neighbouring European country, a full household move (2-bedroom equivalent) typically runs CHF 3,000–8,000. From the US, Asia or the Middle East, a 20-foot container commonly costs CHF 8,000–15,000, with 6–12 weeks of transit. Add transport insurance (1–3% of declared value), customs clearance — personal household goods enter duty-free when you transfer your residence, but the process requires a detailed inventory — and often a few weeks of storage on arrival while you find an apartment.
The maths by length of stay
Staying 1–3 years: round-trip shipping can exceed CHF 15,000–25,000 in total. Renting furniture locally typically costs CHF 200–500 per month for a full apartment — CHF 7,000–12,000 over two years, with no transit, no customs, no empty flat on arrival, and nothing to resell when you leave.
Moving permanently: shipping furniture you truly care about makes more sense. Many people go hybrid: ship the pieces with sentimental value, and rent or buy the rest locally.
| Shipping (intercontinental) | Renting locally | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | CHF 8,000–15,000 | From CHF 200/month |
| Time until you're settled | 6–12 weeks | A few days |
| Customs / inventory | Yes | No |
| When leaving Switzerland | Another container | Collection included |
FAQ
Will my furniture clear Swiss customs duty-free?
Yes — used personal effects enter duty-free when you transfer your residence, provided you file the customs declaration with an inventory at the border.
How long does a container from the US take?
Expect 6–12 weeks door to door, port delays included. Plan a temporary furniture solution for that period.
What if I end up staying longer than planned?
With Swaap, half of the rent you've already paid is deducted from the price if you decide to buy the furniture — flexibility doesn't cost you twice.
Swaap delivers and assembles your furniture in days, across western Switzerland. Collection included when you leave.
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