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De Bresser lorry in a car park by the sea, under a clear blue sky

International movers to Switzerland · De Bresser since 1923

Moving to Switzerland, with the border crossing planned

Moving to Switzerland from the Netherlands means your furniture also passes through customs. De Bresser discusses your belongings, the preparation needed and access to your new home with you, so you know what to arrange before departure.

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Request a no-obligation quote

Give us your Dutch departure address, your destination in Switzerland and your preferred moving period. Also state when you can move into the new home.

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  • 9.0 on Klantenvertellen97% of all 1,555 reviews recommend us

  • Erkende Verhuizer and ProjectverhuizerDiscuss the cover for your destination

  • Since 1923 in Oisterwijkmore than a hundred years of moving experience

  • Member of Top Moversnational network of recognised movers

Household goods for Switzerland

What is coming with you, and what have you just bought?

A box of used crockery is not the same as newly bought furnishings. For your move to Switzerland we therefore discuss not only how much is going, but also which items are new. That helps in preparing the import.

During a video survey, show us what you want transported. Include the storage room and larger loose items. Report a car, a collection or other special goods separately, as the rules for ordinary household effects do not automatically apply to them.

We draw up the inventory list for the cross-border move. Every item gets a number and we describe the contents of each box. You receive a copy. Tell us as well what is in the personal boxes you pack yourself.

Discuss which furniture needs taking apart and how it will get into the Swiss home. For a large wardrobe, door sizes and turns in the stairwell matter as much as the space in the room. Also see our assembly service (in Dutch).

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Read the moving terms beforehand (Dutch PDF).

De Bresser lorry with containers at a crane.

Things to arrange

How long have you used it?

For duty-free import, Swiss customs (BAZG) names three conditions: you transfer your place of residence, you have used the items personally for at least six months and you keep using them. For recent purchases, note the purchase date and keep the receipts separate.

Preparing form 18.44

Swiss customs asks for form 18.44; De Bresser handles the customs formalities. Have your documents ready, such as an employment or tenancy contract or, for some nationalities, a Swiss residence permit, and expect to sign the form.

Measure up the Swiss home

Ask the landlord or seller for the measurements of doors, corridors and the stairwell. Then we know in advance which wardrobe or bed must come apart. See how we can help with furniture assembly (in Dutch).

Packed for the border

Your belongings packed and secured for the drive

For the drive to Switzerland, we wrap your things all round in bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard and packing paper, using a custom-made crate where needed.

In the removal van we secure everything so it shifts as little as possible on the way. Wardrobes that come apart are packed panel by panel. Each box gets a number and its contents go on the inventory list for the border; you receive a copy.

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Wooden transport crate in a warehouse, with wrapping film and protected items inside
Custom crate for fragile items
Container with stacked furniture and packages wrapped in white
Furniture wrapped in white, ready for transport
Open load space of a removal van with wrapped panels and ratchet straps
Panels secured in the removal van

  • Corrugated cardboard

    for edges, corners and whole items

  • Bubble wrap

    a soft layer for glass and lacquered surfaces

  • Boxes with packing paper

    for crockery and small items

Your points of contact

Who handles your move to Switzerland

Henry, Marjolein and Timo guide the preparation of your move to Switzerland. Give them your new address, preferred period and the status of your documents. They plan the move with you and the parties involved, including arrangements for the border crossing and delivery.

  • Portrait of Henry Stolk, international move coordinator at De Bresser

    Henry Stolk

    International move coordinator

    Henry coordinates the move with the international partners and discusses the arrangements your Swiss destination requires.

  • Portrait of Marjolein van Helmond, file coordinator/agent network at De Bresser

    Marjolein van Helmond

    File coordinator/Agent network

    Marjolein maintains your move file and works out with you which details are still missing for the agreed job.

  • Portrait of Timo van der Schans, international move coordinator at De Bresser

    Timo van der Schans

    International move coordinator

    Timo plans the transport and delivery, paying attention to access to your home and the scheduled border crossing.

Request a quote Meet our team

Planning and access

The border and your front door belong in one plan

Agree a delivery time that fits when your home is available. Crossing the border is part of that: household goods are cleared during the chosen customs office's opening hours for commercial goods. We time the border crossing to that office's hours for commercial goods.

At the delivery address we look at the route from the van. Mention a steep drive, a narrow passage or a flat where a lift has to be booked. Check access with the owner or building manager, and ask the municipality about any permission for the van.

Unable to move into your new home yet? Before the moving date is fixed, discuss temporary storage (page in Dutch). Having things follow later must also fit your customs file, so have that situation assessed in advance.

Top Movers lorry with a forklift on an industrial site.

Plan together

Opening hours at the border

At the border, the hours in which the customs office handles commercial goods decide when the van can continue. You cannot simply pick an arrival time. Tell us when you can be at the new address, and we will plan around that.

Steep, narrow or high up

Take photos of the route from the street to your front door. List the answers from the building manager and municipality about the lift and parking, and send them to us before the moving date is set.

Sending some items later

Need to leave some belongings in the Netherlands for now? Then get advice on how that later shipment fits into your customs file. Also discuss the options and timing for container storage (page in Dutch).

Swiss customs

Documents and arrangements needed before departure

The guidance from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) (in German) explains how to import household goods. Discuss how it applies to your situation before transport. A completed form is no promise that all goods will enter free of duty.

Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva
Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva
Photo credits

  • Form 18.44

    Swiss customs requires form 18.44 for household goods on import. De Bresser takes care of the customs formalities. You supply the personal supporting documents needed and, where required, your signature.

  • Moving your residence

    For people moving from an EU or EFTA country, the BAZG lists proof such as an employment contract, tenancy agreement or deregistration confirmation. Without EU or EFTA citizenship, a Swiss residence permit may be required. Have your documents checked.

  • The right customs office

    We check whether the chosen office can clear household goods and when it is open for commercial goods. The opening hours of a telephone information line are no substitute.

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How much does moving to Switzerland cost?

The price depends on your belongings, the route and the work at both addresses. Discuss the border handling, packing and any storage separately. Make sure the quote states who carries out which work and the associated costs.

How we map out your move

  1. By phone or WhatsApp

    You call or WhatsApp us about your plans. We go through what needs to be moved and what information is still needed for your quote.

  2. By video survey

    Use your phone to show what needs to be moved, from the living room to the attic. That way the adviser can see your belongings and the way out.

  3. Home visit

    The adviser looks at your belongings, access to the property and your wishes on site. You can ask questions about the approach and the costs straight away.

Request a quoteCall +31 13 542 59 35

Conditions for your household goods

Used belongings: the six-month condition

For duty-free import, the BAZG guidance (in German) sets out these conditions: you transfer your residence to Switzerland, you have personally used the goods for at least six months and you continue to use them after import. Get advice on which items qualify.

If you are moving from the Netherlands to Switzerland, there is also the Dutch export declaration (page in Dutch). We draw up the inventory list and handle the customs formalities. You supply the details and documents needed. Report recently bought furniture before packing, so it can be handled separately in the file. For more on settling in Switzerland, see living in and emigrating to Switzerland (in Dutch, written for Dutch nationals).

Alongside the customs preparation, get written terms for the insurance (in Dutch). Check which route, work and any storage the agreement covers. A customs exemption says nothing about cover in case of damage.

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Removal van with open cargo area and tail lift in a narrow street in a mountain village, with boxes and a sack truck on the lift

For your move

Your numbered inventory

We number your belongings and make the inventory list. Pass on new purchases and changes before your file is finalised; that avoids differences between the list and the shipment.

Agree in advance

For Switzerland, discuss cover during transport, loading, unloading and any storage. Read the agreed terms before you confirm the move.

Prepare your route

Considering another destination? See moving to France or Germany. As EU countries, their customs rules and requirements differ from Switzerland's.

More services

What help suits your move?

Which services do you need for Switzerland? Go over the packing, any jobs at the house and possible storage with us. We add the services you choose to your moving proposal. The service pages below are in Dutch.

  • Full-service move

    From the first box to the last piece of furniture in place: agree which jobs we handle for your move to Switzerland.

  • Packing service

    Match the protection to your belongings: from packing paper for crockery to care for the corners and edges of furniture.

  • Moving box hire

    Want to pack a few personal boxes yourself? Discuss the materials and tell us the contents for the list we make.

  • Senior move

    Moving to a different type of home? Take time to discuss which furniture goes with you and what help you want with the preparation.

  • Urgent move

    Need your home empty earlier than planned? Talk to us about the options for your route to Switzerland, as the timing needs coordinating.

  • Container storage

    Moving-out and moving-in dates don't match yet? Discuss storage, what you need in the meantime and the later delivery.

Packing for abroad

Well packed for your international move

Our advice for Switzerland: leave the packing of your belongings to us. Packing a few personal boxes yourself is no problem. Our movers take care of the china, the furniture and other delicate items.

Do it yourself

A few personal boxes

  • You can pack a few boxes of clothes and personal items yourself. Agree with us in advance what you want to do yourself.

  • Tell us what is in your own boxes. We number everything, make the inventory list with the contents of each box and give you a copy.

  • Let us pack crockery, glassware and items that need extra protection. See our packing tips (in Dutch) for boxes you pack yourself.

  • Keep your passport, medication, keys and things for the first few days separate. Do not put them in with the belongings we take.

Prepare your packing

Our advice

We pack your belongings

  • We protect your belongings all round with bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard and packing paper. We match the material to the item.

  • Edges and corners of furniture get extra protection. We fill empty spaces with packing paper, so items have less room to move inside the packaging.

  • For fragile or unusually shaped items, we arrange custom crates where needed. When loading, we make sure your belongings are well protected in the removal van.

  • We discuss with you what you can and cannot take. Mention special items before the boxes are closed, so any restrictions can be checked in advance.

Packing service
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Frequently asked questions

Common questions about your Swiss move

Can't find your question? See the frequently asked questions (in Dutch) or contact us.

Mover carrying two stacked Top Movers moving boxes

9.0 out of 10 on Klantenvertellen, from 1,555 reviews

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Do I need form 18.44 for Switzerland?

The BAZG lists form 18.44 for importing household goods. De Bresser handles the customs formalities; before departure you provide the required details, documents and, where needed, your signature. Customs decides how the rules apply to your belongings and your change of residence.

Can new furniture be imported the same way?

Do not assume so. The Swiss rules for household goods include at least six months of personal use and continued use after import. Report recently bought items separately and have their customs treatment checked before they come along.

Who makes the inventory list for the border?

De Bresser makes the list, numbers everything and notes what is in every box, and you receive a copy. You supply the information about your things, including boxes you pack yourself. We also handle the customs formalities.

Can we cross the Swiss border at any time?

Household goods must be cleared during the chosen customs office's opening hours for commercial goods. We check the office and time the border crossing to those hours. They are not the same as the hours of the information phone line.

How is my furniture protected?

We recommend having our movers pack your belongings. We match the protection to each item and pay attention to edges, corners and empty spaces. You can do a few personal boxes yourself; just tell us what is in them.

Can part of my belongings stay in the Netherlands for now?

Discuss which items need to follow later and whether you need temporary storage. Also get advice on how a later shipment should be included in your Swiss customs file. The planning depends on both.

All questions

Read more about international moves

  • De Bresser on an international move

    International move

    Our international moving services and destinations in one place.

  • De Bresser on an international move

    Moving abroad

    Preparing for your departure from the Netherlands.

  • Container at De Bresser

    Overseas move

    Having your belongings shipped to an overseas destination.

See our international moves

Request a quote Call +31 13 542 59 35

Reviews

Customers are happy with us

Quoted verbatim from our Klantenvertellen profile, in the original Dutch, with name, place and date. Only customers invited after their move can review us. The photos show our own work. Read all reviews (in Dutch)

9.0 out of 10 on Klantenvertellen, from 1,555 reviews

KlantenvertellenAll reviews

  • 9 out of 10

    Personeel was. Vriendelijk, netjes, op elkaar ingespeeld en kundig.

    John, Etten-Leur ·

  • 9 out of 10

    Zeer tevreden, over de organisatie , de medewerkers en de uitvoering van de verhuizing zelf. Vriendelijk, hardwerkend , als één team. Kan het iedereen aanbevelen.

    Marian, Tilburg ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Verhuizing zeer voorspoedig verlopen, team zeer goed op elkaar op elkaar afgestemd. Uitpakken zodanig geregeld dat na afloop alle verpakkingsmateriaal zoveel mogelijk werd meegenomen wat een ontzettende rust geeft. Afspraken worden goed nagekomen. Derde verhuizing met de Bresser, wat ons betreft van harte aan te bevelen

    Ton, Goirle ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Goed overleg met ons
    Netjes alle kwetsbare dingen met folie ingepakt
    Goed doorgewerkt en alles op de juiste plaats gezet.

    Bert, Oisterwijk ·

  • 8 out of 10

    Goede ervaring.

    Ad, Sint Willenrord ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Wij zijn door -3- hardwerkende Haagse heren , van Brabant naar Gelderland verhuisd.
    Het werd een zorgeloze dag, in no-time was de enorme hoeveelheid dozen ingepakt en werd vervolgens bij de opslagbox in een supersnel tempo , ook alles ingepakt.
    In Arnhem moest alles per lift naar boven.
    Fluitend werden alle dozen in de bestemde kamers gebracht.
    Om 15.30 waren we verhuisd!
    Ongelooflijk! Complimenten voor de goede communicatie met de Bresser en het geweldige verhuisteam.

    Maria, Andel ·

  • 8 out of 10

    zie hierboven

    Cor Heerkens, GOIRLE ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Veel waardering voor de inzet van de verhuizers

    P, Tilburg ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Vriendelijke en behulpzame medewerkers.
    Komen afspraken na, zoals dag en tijd.

    Gerry, Oisterwijk ·

  • 10 out of 10

    De mannen van de Bresser waren op het afgesproken tijdstip aanwezig en na een korte ronde zijn ze voortvarend aan de slag gegaan. In no time was het huis leeg en gingen we naar het nieuwe adres. Ondanks de uitdaging waar de verhuislift het beste geplaatst kon worden was het ook weer zo in orde. Rond 14.00 uur stond alles binnen en konden we de dozen gaan uitpakken

    E, Oisterwijk ·

  • 8 out of 10

    afspraken worden nagekomen, flexibiliteit bij wijzigingen, zonder schade op het nieuwe adres

    Martin van Gulik, Tilburg ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Fijne verhuizers alles goed geregeld.
    2de keer verhuisd was weer top.
    Verhuizers doen niet moeilijk kijken naar mogelijkheden.

    M, Esch ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Met verbazing gekeken hoe efficiënt de verhuizing is gegaan . Zo'n til lift is een uitkomst, vooral als je hoog woont. Niets hoeft meer met de huislift, die vaak te klein is. De kast en het bed hoefden niet gedemonteerd te worden. Perfect.

    A, Tilburg ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Topmannen! Aardig, meedenkend, zorgvuldig en wat wij belangrijk vinden, een goed humeur! In voor een geintje! Wij zagen er een beetje tegen op maar zij hebben dat zeker goedgemaakt!

    Anja, Uden ·

  • 8 out of 10

    Behalve dat er een foutje was gemaakt wat betreft de tijd dat de verhuisdozen geleverd zouden worden en ik een paar uur voor niets heb zitten wachten is de verhuizing op zich prima gegaan. Op de afgesproken tijd was één verhuizer aanwezig; de andere twee verhuizers stonden in de file; door vakanties werd een beroep gedaan op verhuizers uit een ander deel van het land. Die ene verhuizer is gelijk aan het werk gegaan en toen de andere twee er waren ging het inladen razendsnel. Hetzelfde gold voor het uitladen op het nieuwe adres wat op 30 km van het inlaad-adres lag. De verhuizers in kwestie waren vriendelijke, beleefde en hardwerkende mannen voor wie niets teveel en niets te zwaar was. Ondanks de hoge temperaturen werd er nauwelijks tijd genomen om te pauzeren; een slokje water of een blikje fris tussendoor was voldoende voor de heren. Voor lunchtijd was alles klaar en kon ik beginnen met het uitpakken van de dozen. Het ophalen van de lege dozen een week later ging volgens afspraak.

    Ook de contacten met de mensen op kantoor is altijd goed verlopen. Al met al een goede ervaring.

    A, Tilburg ·

  • 9 out of 10

    Goed , snel en deskundig.

    Harm, Oisterwijk ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Onze verhuizing van grote spullen is voorspoedig verlopen.
    Fijne verhuizers die snel, efficiënt en zorgvuldig hun werk deden.
    Wij zijn zeer tevreden!

    M, Horsten ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Goede communicatie en vakkundig personeel - zowel gebruikgemaakt van langdurige opslag als verhuisdiensten

    Marion, Den Haag ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Zie hiervoor

    P, Tilburg ·

  • 10 out of 10

    Uitstekend

    Guus, Tilburg ·

Locations

Six locations in the Netherlands and Belgium

We work from Tilburg, Oisterwijk, Breda, Venlo, Reeuwijk and Brussels. Choose a location or discuss your move with us directly.

Request a quote All contact details
De Bresser lorry on a road in Brabant

  1. Tilburg Head office

    Herastraat 9
    5047 TX Tilburg

    +31 13 542 59 35Directions

  2. Oisterwijk

    Luxemburgstraat 7
    5061 JW Oisterwijk

    +31 13 542 59 35Directions

  3. Breda

    Mijkenbroek 46
    4824 AC Breda

    +31 76 52 24 100Directions

  4. Venlo

    Van Coehoornstraat 11
    5916 PH Venlo

    +31 13 542 59 35Directions

  5. Reeuwijk

    Edisonstraat 1A-B
    2811 EM Reeuwijk

    Directions

  6. Brussels

    Bazellaan 8
    1140 Evere, Belgium

    +31 13 542 59 35Directions

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Great moves start here

  1. We discuss your moveFill in your details. We will contact you to go through your plans.
  2. A quote that fits your moveWe view your belongings by video or discuss a home visit.
  3. Everything in one placeMoving, packing and storage: you arrange it all with De Bresser in one place.

Prefer to talk now? Call us on

+31 13 542 59 35

Give us your addresses and preferred moving date. Don't know the date yet? You can say so. Also mention any special details, such as a narrow staircase, a piano or temporary storage.

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