Arriving in Switzerland without your furniture: a classic challenge for expats
Every year, thousands of expatriates move to French-speaking Switzerland to work for international organizations in Geneva, companies in the Lake Geneva region, or institutions in Lausanne. Most arrive with just a few suitcases—not a container full of furniture. Yet the vast majority of Swiss apartments are rented unfurnished, with the exception of the kitchen.
There are three options, then: buying everything in a rush (expensive, time-consuming—and what do you do with the furniture when you move out?), living for weeks in an empty apartment… or renting your furniture.
Furniture Rental: The Solution Designed for Expats
With Swaap, you can choose a complete furniture package online—living room, bedroom, dining room, and even dishes and appliances—and our teams will deliver and set everything up even before you arrive, if you’d like. Your apartment will be ready to move into from the very first night.
- Flexible: 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscriptions, which can be extended or modified to suit your needs.
- No obligation to buy: we’ll pick everything up when you leave. Love at first sight? You can purchase any item.
- No shipping fees: delivery, assembly, and pickup are included throughout French-speaking Switzerland.
How much should I budget?
A complete package for a one- or two-bedroom apartment starts at around CHF 150–250 per month, depending on the line—much less than a hasty purchase costing several thousand francs, and without the hassle of reselling items through classified ads when it’s time to move on. The furniture consists of designer pieces from premium brands, not makeshift furniture.
Our practical tips for your accommodations
- Order your furniture as soon as the lease is signed: we'll deliver it within a few days.
- Start with the essentials (bed, sofa, table)—you can always add more pieces later.
- Think about the details that make all the difference: tableware, lamps, rugs. Our packages include them.
Questions? Check out our FAQs or write to us —our team will respond in French and English. Willkommen, welcome, benvenuti in Switzerland!
