Removals to Switzerland from Dorset
1st Choice Removals surveys, plans and manages moves from Dorset to Switzerland, with the transport carried out by trusted partner removal firms. Switzerland is outside the EU with its own customs rules, and as a family-run company trading since 1990 we help you prepare the paperwork it requires.
How a move to Switzerland works
Every move starts with a quote. If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit. Everywhere else, Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone, or call 01202 570970. We then send a written quote.
- We pack for you, or you pack with our packing materials.
- Floors, banisters and door frames are protected while we load.
- The European road transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms, and we manage the move throughout.
- Your belongings are delivered to your new home in Switzerland.
- Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are available as optional extras, charged on top of your quote.
Swiss customs: how it differs
Switzerland is not in the EU or its customs union, so a move there has its own rules. Your goods leave the UK with an export declaration, cross the EU under customs transit, and are then cleared into Switzerland.
Swiss customs normally allows household effects in free of duty and tax when you move your residence there, provided you have used them for at least six months and will keep using them. Documents usually include:
- passport and, where needed, your Swiss residence permit
- a detailed, signed inventory
- a Swiss customs declaration for household effects
- proof of your Swiss address, such as a lease
Fiona holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures and can explain the process. Swiss rules change, so check official guidance before you move.
Arriving in Switzerland
- Residence permit: check the permit you need with the Swiss authorities early, as it can affect your paperwork.
- Register with your commune: new residents register locally soon after arrival.
- Access: tell us about lifts, stairs, mountain roads and parking at the survey so we can plan delivery.
- Swiss francs: our partner Regency FX can help with deposits and bills; see currency exchange.
Packing, protection and insurance
Fragile items are properly wrapped and we can build bespoke wooden crates for antiques, artwork and other valuables. Pianos are handled through our specialist removals service.
Your move is fully insured for goods in transit. For shipping abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by you: 1st Choice does not provide it, so sort your cover before moving day.
If your Swiss home is not ready, our storage in Dorset can hold everything until it is.
Why choose 1st Choice for Switzerland
We are a family-run company founded in 1990 by Alan and Richard Vaughan, with removals now run by Chris and Fiona. We have been members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 2011, and we manage every move from the first survey to delivery.
To start planning your move to Switzerland, call 01202 570970 or email admin@1stchoiceremovals.net. If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit; everywhere else, Get an online quote. Our moving abroad checklist covers the rest of your planning.
Your questions answered
Is moving to Switzerland different from moving to an EU country?
Yes. Switzerland is outside the EU and its customs union, so it has its own import rules. Your belongings leave the UK with an export declaration, travel through the EU under customs transit and are then cleared by Swiss customs. The paperwork differs from an EU move, so we help you prepare it in good time.
What documents do I need for Swiss customs?
Expect to need your passport, a residence permit where applicable, a detailed signed inventory, a Swiss customs declaration for household effects and proof of your Swiss address, such as a lease. Requirements can change and may depend on your circumstances, so check the latest guidance from Swiss customs before moving day.
Do I pay duty on household goods moving to Switzerland?
Normally not, when you are moving your residence to Switzerland. Swiss customs usually lets household effects in free of duty and tax if you have used them for at least six months and will continue to use them. New items and goods such as alcohol and tobacco can be treated differently.
Is my move to Switzerland insured?
Your belongings are fully insured for goods in transit while we move them. For shipping abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by you, as 1st Choice Removals does not provide it. Arrange cover before moving day and make sure the value reflects the full cost of replacing your belongings in Switzerland.
Can you help me buy Swiss francs?
Yes. We work with Regency FX, our currency exchange partner, which can help you change pounds into Swiss francs for a deposit, property purchase or regular bills. Ask us for an introduction when you book your move, or see our currency exchange page.
Can you collect from anywhere in Dorset?
Yes. We are based at Canford Business Park, between Wimborne, Poole and Bournemouth. Free home visits are available across all BH postcodes and DT11. If you are further away, use Get an online quote and send short room videos or photos from your phone, and we will quote from that.