Shipping to Switzerland
Switzerland sits outside both the UK and EU customs areas, which means two separate customs declarations are required when moving household goods there from Britain. Giant Van manages residential removals to Switzerland end-to-end — packing, road freight, Swiss customs clearance, and delivery.
Residential removals to Switzerland from the UK take 3 to 5 days by road. Swiss customs grants duty-free import of personal effects if you've been resident outside Switzerland for 12+ months.
Costs start from £1,200 for a small flat.
Giant Van includes customs paperwork and full insurance in the price.
- £500Transit Insurance
- Same DayAvailability
When You Need Switzerland, We Deliver
Need Removal Companies Switzerland?
Swiss customs (EIDGENÖSSISCHE ZOLLVERWALTUNG / EZV) requires an itemised inventory of all goods entering the country.
As a residential mover relocating to Switzerland for work or permanent residence, you can apply for duty-free import of your personal effects under Article 28 of the Customs Act — provided you have been resident outside Switzerland for at least 12 months and the goods have been in your possession for at least six months.
You'll need a signed declaration, your Swiss residence permit, and proof of your new Swiss address.
Goods such as alcohol and tobacco are subject to duty regardless of personal effects relief.
A fully itemised packing list is non-negotiable; Swiss customs officers are thorough.
Shipping to Switzerland Prices
Transparent pricing for shipping to switzerland. Your quote is fixed before you book.
Prices vary by volume, destination, and customs requirements. Get an exact quote for your move.
Work Out Your Moving CostSwitzerland: Planning Every Step
Need House Removals to Switzerland?
Road freight from the UK to Switzerland takes 3 to 5 days for most destinations.
Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern are all well-served by direct road routes via France or Germany.
Alpine destinations, including ski chalets and properties in cantons like Valais or Graubünden, may require smaller shuttle vehicles for final delivery — Giant Van's freight partners arrange this.
Customs clearance at the Swiss border adds half a day to a full working day to the timeline when paperwork is in order.
If documentation is incomplete, goods are held in bond and you pay storage costs daily until cleared.
Getting the paperwork right before departure is the single most cost-effective thing you can do.
How Shipping to Switzerland Works
- 01
Tell us about your move
Enter your collection and delivery addresses, select your property size, and list any large items. See a fixed price in under 60 seconds.
- 02
Choose your moving day
Pick a date and time slot that works for you. Add packing materials or extra helpers if you need them.
- 03
Relax while we move you in
A fully insured crew arrives on time, wraps and loads your belongings, and delivers everything to your new home.
Switzerland Preparation Guide
Giant Van vs Other International Movers
See how we compare on the features that matter.
- Fixed-Price Quotes
- Giant Van
- Guaranteed
- International Movers
- Live GPS Tracking
- Giant Van
- International Movers
- Goods-in-Transit Insurance
- Giant Van
- Up to £50k
- International Movers
- Online Booking
- Giant Van
- International Movers
- Same-Day Availability
- Giant Van
- International Movers
- Verified Driver Reviews
- Giant Van
- International Movers
- Dedicated Customer Support
- Giant Van
- International Movers
- Packing Materials Included
- Giant Van
- International Movers
Giant Van offers 6 more features than International Movers
Our Switzerland All-Inclusive Approach
Looking for Removals Switzerland? Moving household goods to Switzerland requires a customs declaration and a detailed inventory of every item being imported.
Swiss customs (BAZG) requires proof that the goods are genuinely personal effects, not commercial stock.
You will typically need a packing list itemising contents by box, an inventory valued in the destination currency, and evidence of residency or visa status.
Certain categories — alcohol, tobacco, food, plants, and firearms — face additional restrictions or outright bans.
Giant Van works with vetted freight partners who handle the paperwork on your behalf and flag any restricted items before the container is packed.
Starting the documentation process four to six weeks before departure is recommended.
DIY Move vs Professional Removal
DIY Move
- Van hire: £80–200 per day plus fuel
- No transit insurance for belongings
- Physical effort and injury risk
- Friends needed — plans fall through
- Multiple trips if van too small
Professional Removal
- Fixed price — no surprise charges
- £500 goods-in-transit insurance
- Trained crew handles heavy items
- Right-sized van every time
- Furniture blankets and straps provided
The Switzerland Booking Journey
- 01
When it comes to Removals to Switzerland from UK, sea freight to Switzerland travels in a 20-foot or 40-foot container, depending on the volume of your shipment.
- 02
Shared container (groupage) services are available for smaller loads at a lower cost.
- 03
Transit times vary by port of entry and vessel schedule.
- 04
Most UK shipments depart from Tilbury, Felixstowe, or Southampton.
- 05
Port-to-port transit averages three to ten weeks depending on destination.
- 06
Add one to two weeks for customs clearance at the destination port.
- 07
Giant Van coordinates the UK collection, container loading, and documentation, then hands over to the freight partner at the port of export.
- 08
You receive tracking updates at each stage.
Switzerland Postcodes We Serve
A Note From Our Drivers
Every job gets the same standard of care: punctual arrival, proper equipment, and goods-in-transit insurance on every item. Our drivers are reviewed after each booking to maintain consistently high standards across every move.
Giant Van operations
Giant Van's removals team in Basingstoke and surrounding areas handles UK-side packing and collection for Switzerland-bound shipments.
Goods are professionally wrapped, crated where necessary for fragile items, and loaded into sealed containers that pass through customs without being unpacked unless selected for inspection.
Every shipment travels with full transit insurance.
Message us in the live chat to discuss volume, timeline, and what's included in your quote.
Explore Related Services
House Removals
Full-service home moves with insured crews and fixed pricing.
Man and Van
Flexible van and driver hire for smaller moves and deliveries.
Office Removals
Commercial moves completed outside business hours.
Furniture Delivery
Single-item and multi-item furniture collection and delivery.
Compare Options
Side-by-side comparison guides to help you choose.
Explore More Services
- Man and Van
- House Removals
- Office Removals
- Packing Materials
- Van Hire
- Furniture Delivery
- International Removals
- Student Removals
- Long-Distance
- Removals by Town
- Removals Near Me by Area
- More Guides
- Cost Calculator
- Compare Options
- Moving Guides
- Locations
- About Us
- UK Moving Cost Report
- Our Methodology
- Editorial Standards
Shipping to Switzerland — FAQs
How do I find the best removals company near me for a Switzerland move?
For a Switzerland removal, look specifically for companies that have handled Swiss customs paperwork before. Ask whether they use their own vehicles or subcontract to a freight partner, and whether customs documentation is included in the price. Giant Van co-ordinates UK-Switzerland removals through established freight partners with customs experience on this route.
Can I arrange collection of my goods in Switzerland for the return journey?
Yes. Giant Van can arrange collection from a Swiss address for a return move to the UK. UK customs will require an import declaration for your goods re-entering the country — personal effects relief applies here too.
Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for a Swiss collection, particularly if your property is in a rural canton where access for large vehicles needs advance planning.
Related Locations and Services
- International Removals — Usa
- International Removals — Australia
- International Removals — Spain
- International Removals — Poland
- International Removals — Netherlands
- International Removals — Canada
- International Removals — South Africa
- International Removals — From Uk
- International Removals — Portugal
- International Removals — Overview
- International Removals
Sources and further reading
These are the official UK sources that set the rules for a job like this one. Each link goes straight to the source so you can check it yourself. Links open in a new tab.
- GOV.UK — moving or retiring abroad
The GOV.UK checklist for leaving the UK: tax, pensions, healthcare and what to tell each department.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.49 (reasonable care and skill)
Section 49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015: a service you pay for must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
- Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
The regulations covering what a trader must tell you before you book, and your right to cancel a service booked online or by phone.
All links checked on or after 1 August 2026.
Compiled by the Giant Van editorial team
Giant Van Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 16071027.