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- 10 things to do when you move in
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- Hiring a moving van in Switzerland
Hiring a moving van in Switzerland: useful tips & comparing rental companies
When your moving date is just around the corner, you need the right help in place. That doesn’t just mean willing friends and relatives, but the right moving van, too. Switzerland has a wide range of companies that rent out vans, delivery trucks and moving lorries. Our comparison of the different providers gives you an overview.
What should you look out for when comparing van rental companies?
If you want to rent a truck or van, you’ll need to consider more than just the size of the vehicle and the rental price. The following factors are also important to consider:
- Availability on your desired moving date
- Mileage included or additional costs per kilometre
- Insurance packages and excesses
- Rental locations and pickup/drop-off options
- Additional services such as moving assistance, packaging materials, etc.
What are the different types of moving van?
Vans and delivery trucks can be divided into three vehicle categories:
|
Category |
Driving licence category | Seats | Cargo load (kg) | Loading area (m2) | Loading capacity (l x w x h in metres) | Vehicle examples |
| Compact van/truck | B | 3 | 800 - 1’100 | 3.6 - 3.97 | 2.26 - 2.8 x 1.6 x 1.27 - 1.4 | Ford Transit, Citroen Jumpy |
| Medium-sized van/truck | B | 3 | 865 - 1’577 | 5.81 - 7.65 | 3.2 - 4.3 x 1.7 x 1.8 - 1.94 | Renault Master, VW Crafter |
| Large van/lorry | C1 | 3 | 2’440 - 2’640 | 14.4 - 15 | 6 x 2.5 x 2.2 -2.4 | Mercedes Benz, Atego, Iveco Eurocargo |
Overview of the leading Swiss van rental companies:
Avis
Prices:
- Compact van: From CHF 128.60, 150 km included
- Medium-sized van: From CHF 149.60, 150 km included
- Large van: From CHF 209.40, 150 km included
Special features: Cancellations can be made free of charge up to 48 hours before the agreed rental.
Tip: Cheaper prices for half-day rental may also be available.
Europcar
Prices:
- Compact van: From CHF 154.90, 150 km included
- Medium-sized van: From CHF 168.80, 150 km included
- Large van: From CHF 182.30, 150 km included
Special features: Hourly rental is available.
Tip: Rates tend to be cheaper for rental from Sunday to Thursday or overnight.
Hertz
Prices:
- Compact van: From CHF 69, 150 km included
- Medium-sized van: From CHF 89, 150 km included
- Large van: From CHF 109, 150 km included
Ikea
Prices:
- “Medium Van” (2.5 x 1.35 x 1.3): CHF 29 for the first hour, CHF 25 for every subsequent hour
- “Big Van” (2.9 x 1.3 x 1.78): CHF 29 for the first hour, CHF 25 for every subsequent hour
- Overnight and Sunday rate: CHF 100
Special features: You can rent an Ikea van without proof of purchase from Monday to Friday, but customers with existing reservations have priority. At the weekend you can only rent a van if you present a cash register receipt and have a valid reservation.
Note: Other furniture stores also rent moving vans, such as Conforama and XXXLutz.
Mobility
Price:
- Medium-sized van: From CHF 4 per hour and CHF 1 per kilometre.
Special features: Renting a van from Mobility requires a Mobility subscription.
Ottos
Price:
- Medium-sized van: First hour CHF 25, 25 km included. Every subsequent hour CHF 16, plus CHF 0.50 per kilometre after 25 km.
Sixt
Prices:
- Compact van: From CHF 123, 100 km included
- Medium-sized van: From CHF 148, 100 km included
- Large van: From CHF 187, 100 km included
Tip: From Sunday to Thursday, you can rent a van for just five hours (from CHF 55, with 50 km included).
Don’t forget local rental companies
Besides the large rental companies known all over Switzerland, there are also numerous local companies in the country that rent out vans and trucks. These smaller companies are often more flexible and can respond to your specific wishes and requirements. It may be worth looking for suitable options in your immediate area. Locally based rental companies may also be able to provide a more hands-on service and cheaper prices. A quick internet search can help you pinpoint these lesser-known yet appealing options.
Getting it right
The right rental company for your move will depend on your individual needs. While some offer cheap daily rental rates, others might impress you with longer rentals or special deals. It’s worth comparing prices and services carefully and inquiring about current promotions and discounts.
No matter which rental company you choose, plan your move well in advance and reserve your truck or van ahead of time to secure the right vehicle for your preferred moving date.