A Saturday full of boxes, paid for with pizza and a big thank-you: many people in Switzerland move with the help of friends and family rather than a removal company. For this to work, your moving day helpers need more than good spirits – they need a plan, the right equipment and clear tasks. Otherwise everyone stands around in the stairwell while the van waits in a no-parking zone.
These five steps help you organise your helpers so that nobody gets hurt, nothing gets broken and the friendship survives moving day.
Why moving day helpers need a plan
Friends are motivated, but they aren't professionals. Without a plan, boxes get carried twice, end up in the wrong room, and the heavy items are left until the end, when everyone is tired. That is when mishaps easily happen: a wardrobe scrapes the stairwell wall, a finger gets trapped, someone hurts their back.
On top of that, many people move at the same time around the customary moving dates – your friends may be busy packing themselves. Planning early gives you the best chance of enough hands.
1. Ask early and hand out the jobs
Ask two to four weeks before moving day and request a firm commitment. How many people you need depends on the volume, floors, lift and distance. For a small flat with a lift, a few strong people are often enough; too many helpers get in each other's way on the stairs.
Assign roles in advance:
| Role | Task |
|---|---|
| Coordinator (you) | Overview, keys, schedule, contact with property management and caretaker |
| Carrying team, old flat | Bring boxes and furniture to the vehicle |
| Loader | Stacks the van: heavy items at the bottom, everything secured |
| Driver | Knows the vehicle, route and parking spot |
| Team at the new flat | Receives items and takes them to the right rooms by label |
| Carer | Keeps children and pets away from the bustle |
A few days beforehand, send everyone the key information: addresses, start time, parking, closed shoes and gloves. The moving checklist from ch.ch helps you keep track of the other tasks before, on and after moving day.
2. Prepare everything before your helpers arrive
Your friends' time is precious – use it for carrying, not packing. On moving day, the following should be ready:
- Boxes: packed, closed and labelled with room and contents, books only in small boxes. Our guide on how to pack moving boxes explains how.
- Furniture: dismantled, with screws in labelled bags – see How to dismantle furniture.
- Large appliances: prepared, for example with the transit bolts fitted – see Moving a washing machine.
- Vehicle: booked early. When renting, check that your driving licence covers the vehicle you choose.
- Parking: in the City of Bern, for example, moves in the city centre or parking in a no-stopping or no-parking zone require a free moving permit, and no-parking signs must be ordered at least eight working days in advance. Other communes have their own rules.
- Lift and stairwell: inform the property management or caretaker and protect the lift car and vulnerable corners.
3. Get the right equipment ready
With good equipment, your helpers carry less and protect both furniture and building:
Sack trucks and dollies can be hired or borrowed from friends. Put tools, the first aid kit and important documents in a separate box that goes into the van last.
4. Lift and carry safely
A strained back or a trapped finger happens quickly. These rules apply to everyone:
- Keep the load close to your body, lift with your legs and keep your back straight.
- Don't twist while carrying – turn with your feet.
- Heavy and bulky items always in pairs, with clear commands: "Three, two, one – lift."
- Go slowly on the stairs and keep a clear view ahead.
- Take breaks and drink enough – tiredness makes people careless.
5. Schedule, food and thanks
A realistic plan for the day takes the pressure off:
- The evening before: pick up the vehicle, get equipment and food ready.
- Morning: a short briefing on who does what, then the heavy furniture first while everyone is fresh.
- Midday: a proper break with a meal.
- Afternoon: unload, and set up the beds first so you can sleep that night.
- Evening: return the vehicle and eat together.
Build in a buffer, because moves often take longer than expected. Thank your helpers with a meal, cover their fuel or travel costs and lend a hand yourself the next time someone in your circle moves.
Common mistakes
- Nothing is packed when the helpers arrive: the carrying day turns into a packing day.
- Carrying heavy items alone: a moment's impatience can mean weeks of back pain.
- No parking permit: long carrying distances or a fine spoil the start.
- No breaks: tired helpers make more mistakes.
- No thank-you: people who feel appreciated help again next time.
Frequently asked questions
How many helpers do you need to move house?
It depends on the volume, floors, lift and distance. For a small flat with a lift, a few strong people are often enough. Also plan someone at the new flat and one person to drive.
Are friends insured when they help you move?
That depends on everyone's insurance, such as private liability, household contents and accident cover. Check with your insurer beforehand what is covered when friends help with a move.
What should moving helpers bring?
Closed, non-slip shoes, work gloves and comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Tools only by arrangement, so that nothing is missing or duplicated.
How do you thank friends for helping you move?
With good food during the day, a meal together in the evening and by covering their travel costs. What friends often appreciate most is you helping out when they move next.
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