First apartment: checklist and practical tips
The moment has finally arrived: moving into your first apartment is just around the corner, or at least the decision has been made. Freedom is calling loudly, and in your mind, every room is probably already perfectly furnished. But what do you actually need to organise before moving out?
The moment has finally arrived: moving into your first apartment is just around the corner, or at least the decision has been made. Freedom is calling loudly, and in your mind, every room is probably already perfectly furnished. But what do you actually need to organise before moving out?
In this guide, you will find out how to prepare for your first apartment in Switzerland, from budget planning and administrative tasks to the basic household essentials. You will also find a practical checklist for your first apartment.
How much does a first apartment cost per month in Switzerland?
Have you already signed your rental agreement? If not, your budget is likely to be one of the most important factors when looking for an apartment. Unfortunately, rental prices in Switzerland have been moving in one direction for years: upwards.
According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the average gross monthly rent in Switzerland in 2024 was around CHF 900 for a one-room apartment and around CHF 1,200 for a two-room apartment. However, the exact rent depends heavily on the region. According to the same source, the lowest rents were found in the cantons of Jura, Neuchâtel and Uri, while the highest rents were in the cantons of Zug, Zurich and Schwyz. For current prices in your preferred area, it is best to check the major Swiss property portals.
Tip: Have you managed to get a viewing for your dream apartment? Make sure you know what to look out for during an apartment viewing.
How much of your salary should go towards rent?
A common rule of thumb in Switzerland is the one-third rule for rent. This means that your gross rent should not be higher than one third of your net income. Property management companies also often take this into account when reviewing applications. If your income is too low for the apartment, your application may be rejected straight away. To stay on the safe side financially, some advisory services even recommend that rent should only make up around one quarter of your net salary. This gives you enough room in your budget for the rest of your living costs.
Which costs should you include in your budget?
In addition to the net rent, there are other fixed costs to consider. It is best to create your own overview with the following items.
Which insurance policies do I really need for my first apartment?
For your first rented apartment, there is no nationwide insurance obligation in Switzerland. Only in the cantons of Nidwalden, Vaud, Fribourg and Jura are you legally required to insure your household contents against fire damage and natural hazards, such as flooding.
In the rest of Switzerland, household contents insurance is voluntary. It protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, clothes and electronics. In practice, however, almost every property management company asks for a copy of your private liability insurance policy before handing over the keys. There is a good reason for this: if you cause damage in the apartment, for example a crack in the washbasin or a deep scratch in the parquet flooring, the landlord can claim compensation. Without liability insurance, you would have to pay the full amount yourself.
By the way, you usually do not need legal expenses insurance when you first move out. A more affordable option is membership of the Swiss Tenants’ Association. This usually includes legal advice and support with issues such as utility bills, defects in the apartment or the return of your rental deposit.
Where and how do I register when moving out in Switzerland?
If you move out and permanently change your main place of residence, you must officially report this within 14 days. When moving out of your parents’ home, you usually inform the municipality that you are leaving the parental household.
- If you stay in the same municipality, you simply report a change of address to the local residents’ registration office.
- If you move to another municipality, you need to deregister from your previous municipality and register with your new one.
In most parts of Switzerland, this can now be done digitally via the official eUmzugCH government portal. If one of the municipalities is not yet connected to the system, you will still need to go to the municipal office in person. Deregistration is usually free of charge, while the new municipality often charges a small registration fee.
What else should you register or update?
In addition to your new insurance policies and the official change of address, there are several other services that are important for a smooth start in your first apartment.
These include:
- Internet provider
- Local electricity provider
You should also remember to update your address with:
- Mobile phone provider
- Health insurance provider and other insurance companies
- Road traffic office
- Employer or place of education
- Bank and Swiss Post, including setting up a mail forwarding order if needed
What should you consider if you are not moving in alone?
Are you moving into a flat share or moving in with your partner? For a smooth start, you should agree in advance how you want to divide responsibilities and costs. Who will sign the internet contract? Will you pay the rent from a shared household account? Who will buy what? If you talk openly about your needs beforehand, you will have less stress later when moving in together.
What do you really need for your first apartment, and what can wait?
Of course, at some point your apartment should become the perfect place to feel at home. But during the first few days, you will probably be making yourself comfortable among a few moving boxes — and that is completely fine. At the beginning, focus on the things you really need and avoid expensive impulse purchases in furniture stores. This way, you can furnish your first apartment on a budget.
First apartment checklist: what you really need
Bedroom:
- Matress
- Duvet and pillow
- Two fitted sheets
- Two sets of bed linen
- Curtains or blinds to darken the room
- Clothes rail and hangers, if needed
Bathroom:
- Toilet brush
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shower gel and shampoo
- A few towels
- Shower curtain,if needed
- Blind or privacy screen, if needed
- Washing machine, if required
Kitchen:
- Frying pan
- Two saucepans with lids
- Good kitchen knife
- Chopping board
- Tin opener and bottle opener
- Plates, glasses and cutlery for two to four people
- Tea towels, sponge and washing-up liquid
Cleaning supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dustpan and brush
- Cleaning bucket and cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
- Foldable drying rack
- Laundry detergent
- Official rubbish bags for your municipality
Other useful items:
- At least one light bulb per room, and fitting if required
- Swiss army knife, screwdriver and hammer
- Extension cable and power strip
- Plasters, wound spray and painkillers
Purchases that can wait
Large pieces of furniture: A sofa, coffee table, wardrobe or complete dining room set is not essential at the beginning. Make yourself comfortable on cushions or your mattress for the first few days or weeks. This way, you do not have to spend your entire budget all at once.
Electrical appliances: You can often do without your own washing machine, as most rental buildings in Switzerland have a shared laundry room in the basement. A microwave, toaster, coffee machine or dishwasher may be convenient, but they are also expensive.
Decoration: Houseplants, pictures, wall decorations and rugs make a room feel homely, but you can manage without them at the start. They are also much easier to choose once you have settled in properly and know how you want to use the space.
Tips for furnishing your first apartment on a budget
- Ask family and friends: Let everyone know early that you are moving out. Almost everyone has a few useful things stored in the basement that they no longer need.
- Visit a Brocki: In Swiss second-hand shops, you can find plates and glasses for just a few francs, as well as solid wooden furniture.
- Look online: On platforms such as Tutti.ch and Anibis, people near you often give away furniture for collection. Ricardo can also be a good place to find bargains, including auctions starting from CHF 1.
- Try upcycling: Old tables or cupboards can be sanded down and repainted. This allows you to create unique pieces for very little money.
What if your first apartment is too small for all your belongings?
Does your old room need to be cleared out soon, but you cannot yet fit everything into your new apartment? No stress. If you are short on storage space, you can store your belongings safely for a while. At Zebrabox, you can easily rent flexible temporary storage in Switzerland — for a few weeks, several months or even years. Whether you need space for two or three boxes or the contents of an entire room, self storage can help you bridge the gap.
Temporary storage is also useful if you need to cover some time before moving into your first apartment. For example, if you are planning to spend time abroad before moving, or if your new rental contract starts later than expected.
Was brauche ich für den Umzug in die eigene Wohnung?What do I need for moving into my own apartment?
Moving is tiring, but with the right preparation it is absolutely manageable. Do you already know whether you want to hire a moving company or organise the move yourself? For a first apartment, moving on your own is often a good option, especially if you do not have any heavy or bulky furniture yet.
Do you have a few motivated helpers among your family or friends? Then you can plan your move quite easily. Just make sure to keep your helpers happy: pack everything securely and not too heavily, create a realistic schedule and, of course, provide enough food and drinks.
One final tip: do not forget the apartment handover protocol when you receive the keys. Record every small scratch in writing and take photos as evidence. This helps ensure that you are not held responsible later for damage you did not cause. Good luck with your first apartment in Switzerland!