When you move, one thing is crystal clear: the mail has to come with you. So that important letters and documents don't end up in the old mailbox, aForwarding order at Swiss Post essential. This way you can ensure that bills, official letters or personal greetings arrive reliably at your new address. Luckily, you can easily set up the service online or at your nearest post office.
Why redirecting mail when moving is non-negotiable
The moving checklist is long, from packing boxes to organizing the van. In all this hustle and bustle, one of the most important tasks often gets lost: the forwarding order. But if you forget this, you risk far-reaching and quite unpleasant consequences that go far beyond a missed birthday card.
Just imagine that bills, reminders or important letters from authorities continue to end up in your old apartment. This can quickly become expensive and complicated.
The hidden risks of forgotten mail
Unpaid invoices quickly lead to reminder fees and, in the worst case, even to debt enforcement. Letters from insurance companies or the road traffic office are just as critical. If you miss an important deadline, this can jeopardize your insurance coverage or lead to unnecessary administrative hassle. A forwarding order is much more than just a convenience – it is an important safeguard for your financial and legal stability during the change of residence.
A forgotten forwarding order is one of the most common causes of unnecessary stress after moving in. The small investment in time and money pays off many times over because it saves you from expensive mistakes and tedious paperwork.
A little look at the moving statistics in Switzerland
Interestingly, most Swiss people don't move that far away. According to statistics, in 2023 onlymoved 9.3 percentof the resident population – a real low. Of these, a whoppingwere found 72 percentof moves take place within the same canton, with an average distance of just13.4 kilometers.
These numbers show how common and local moves are here. But even if you're just moving a few blocks away, seamless mail delivery is absolutely crucial. You can find more exciting insights into this in theMoving statistics from the Federal Statistical Office.
Ultimately, redirecting mail in a timely manner ensures a smooth transition to your new home and protects you from unpleasant surprises. It is a small but crucial step for a successful restart.
This is how the forwarding order at the post office is guaranteed to work
When a move is imminent, the forwarding order at the post office is one of the most important items on the to-do list. Luckily, Swiss Post has made the process pretty straightforward. You practically have two options to ensure that your mail finds you in your new home: conveniently online or the traditional way in a post office.
Both paths lead to the goal, but the digital application is clearly ahead - it is faster and usually cheaper. Let's take a closer look at both options so you can decide what suits you best.
The digital way: fast, easy and convenient
Most people do this online these days. It's logical: it's quick and you can do it from the couch. All you need is internet access and a SwissID to identify yourself securely.
The Swiss Post online portal is really self-explanatory and guides you step by step through the process.
After all, you don't want to risk delays or even losses, especially when it comes to invoices, important documents or packages. A small effort that can save you a lot of trouble later.
This is how the online application
works The process is deliberately kept simple so that as little as possible goes wrong. Here is an overview of the crucial steps:
- Login with SwissID:Go to the Swiss Post website and log in with your SwissID. If you don't have one yet, registering takes just a few minutes.
- Enter addresses:Enter your old and new addresses. Take a moment here and double check everything - even a small typo can cause problems.
- Specify all persons:Very important: The order only applies to the names you enter. So think about your partner, your children or your roommates.
- Select duration:They can usually be between6 or 12 monthsdecide. If you want to be on the safe side, choose the longer term. This gives you enough buffer to inform all important authorities about your new address.
A typical mistake that happens again and again: you forget to include your adult children or your roommate in the order. It's better to check the list of names too much than too little!
The classic: off to the post office
Do you prefer personal contact or don't have internet access at hand? No problem. You can also place the forwarding order at any post office. Just pack a valid ID.
An employee at the counter will give you the form and help you fill it out. This is just as secure as the online route, but naturally takes a little longer and is often associated with higher fees.
Online vs. branch: the direct comparison
Both methods work, but the differences cannot be overlooked.
| Criterion | Online application | Application in the branch |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Top – any time from home | Less flexible as it is tied to opening times |
| Speed ​​ | Instant Edit | Usually takes longer |
| Costs | Mostly cheaper | Higher fees often apply |
| Support | Digital Help & FAQs | Personal advice at the counter |
| Identification | Simply via SwissID | On site with official ID |
Our recommendation is very clear:Do it online. You save yourself the journey, time and, in most cases, money. Advice in the branch is actually only necessary if you have a very specific case that cannot be resolved online.
There are other useful helpers to help you keep track of your move. Find out more aboutdigital move planning with apps and online tools, which make the whole process even easier.
No matter which route you choose, remember to submit the order on time. It's best to plan at leastfour to five working days lead timea. This means the post office has enough time to activate everything and your letters and packages will land reliably in your new mailbox from day one.
All costs and deadlines for mail redirection at a glance
Okay, you've decided to have your mail forwarded when you move - a good choice! But how much does it all cost and, more importantly, what deadlines do you absolutely have to have in mind? Proper planning not only protects your moving budget, but also ensures that your mail ends up reliably in the new mailbox from day one.
Fortunately, Swiss Post keeps the costs for this service fairly transparent and manageable. The price depends primarily on two things: how long the order should run for and whether you place it conveniently online or in the store. Small spoiler: On the second point there are price differences that you should be aware of.
Detailed cost overview for your forwarding order
So that you can plan with ease, we have broken down the current fees for private and business customers in a simple table. You will quickly notice: the digital route is not only easier, but also noticeably cheaper.
Overview of costs for forwarding orders at Swiss Post
The table below shows the fees for mail redirection depending on how long it should take and whether you are acting as an individual or a company.
| Duration | Costs for private individuals (online) | Costs for private individuals (branch) | Costs for business customers (online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 month | CHF 30.00 | CHF 42.00 | CHF 50.00 |
| Up to 6 months | CHF 42.00 | CHF 52.00 | CHF 90.00 |
| Up to 12 months | CHF 52.00 | CHF 62.00 | CHF 130.00 |
Please note that these are guidelines. You can always find the current and binding prices directly on the Swiss Post website.
As you can see, the online order is worth it. The money you save here will probably be better spent elsewhere in your moving budget.
Choose the right term for your needs
Whether you should choose 6 or 12 months depends entirely on your situation. If you plan to register your new address with all banks, insurance companies and subscriptions quickly, 6 months is probably enough.
But if you want to be on the safe side or have to change a lot of business contacts, 12 months simply gives you more buffer. We know from experience: Sometimes letters arrive from senders you haven't thought about for years, often only after a long time. The small additional charge for the longer term is money well invested in your own peace of mind.
Deadlines – the crucial factor for a seamless transition
Even more important than the cost is the right timing. A forwarding order is not something that can be done at the last minute. The postal service needs some lead time to record everything in the system and adjust the logistics.
To ensure that your mail arrives at the new location on time for moving day, you should send the orderat least four to five working daysset up before the desired start date.
- The ideal case:Complete the job in a relaxed mannertwo weeks before the move.
- The absolute minimum:Schedulefour working daysas the lowest limit.
- The start date:You can choose the start date flexibly. It is often smart to start the job a day or two before the actual moving day.
If you're too close, you risk important letters ending up in their old place in the first few days. You can really save yourself this stress with a little forethought.
Also keep in mind that moving comes with its own rules depending on the canton. We have comprehensive information about this in our guide aboutthe most important cantonal peculiarities and regulations when moving in Switzerlandcompiled for you. With the right planning for costs and deadlines, mail redirection becomes one of the most relaxed items on your big moving checklist.
When things get complicated: moving a company and going abroad
Not every move fits into the classic “apartment A to apartment B” scheme within Switzerland. What if an entire office moves or your new life begins across the border? Such cases require a special approach and a good understanding of what Swiss Post can – and cannot – do.
Logistically, a company move is a completely different house than a private one. This isn't just about a few letters. All business communication – invoices, contracts, important deliveries – must continue seamlessly. A small mistake can quickly become expensive or strain relationships with customers and partners.
When the whole company packs its bags
AtRedirect mail for a company movethe requirements are much higher. Swiss Post knows this and offers special forwarding orders for business customers that are tailored precisely to these needs.
The crucial differences to private orders are obvious:
- Much more than just letters:In addition to normal correspondence, packages, catalogs and registered business documents often have to reach the new address reliably.
- Proactive communication is everything:A forwarding order is a great way to bridge the gap, but it is no substitute for clear communication. Inform suppliers, customers and partners about the new address as early as possible.
- The official part:The company address must be changed in the commercial register. This is a separate step that you must not forget.
A cleverly planned company move sees mail redirection as part of the strategy to keep operations running. Even a few days' delay in important documents can seriously disrupt well-established processes.
Make sure to list all official company names and any subsidiaries exactly in the order. This is the only way to ensure that no mail falls through the cracks. Although the cost is higher, it reflects the increased service and greater responsibility.
Stepping across the border: moving abroad
When you leave Switzerland, forwarding mail becomes an international matter. Different rules apply here and unfortunately there are also a few restrictions. The good news: Swiss Post forwards letters to most countries in the world. The bad news: What works nationally doesn't always work internationally.
Before you fill out the order online, you should check these points:
- Is this possible in my target country?Check directly with the post office whether forwarding to your new home country is even possible. This is usually not a problem within Europe.
- What is not forwarded?Attention, here lies the biggest stumbling block:Parcels, bulky goods and newspapersare usuallynot forwarded abroad. These shipments are instead returned to the sender.
- Keeping an eye on the budget:The fees for international forwarding are significantly higher. Be sure to include these costs in your moving budget.
A typical example: moving to Germany
Imagine you are moving from Zurich to Berlin and setting up an international forwarding order for12 monthsa. Your letters from the bank and insurance company will also arrive in your new mailbox. Everything great.
But then this: A package that you ordered online shortly before the move is delivered to your old Zurich address. Because packages are not forwarded internationally, the post office sends them back to the online shop. Now you have to contact the dealer and organize redelivery to Berlin. An effort that could have been saved.
This case shows perfectly what is important: the international forwarding order is worth its weight in gold for your letter mail, but it is not a universal solution. Proactively inform all important contacts and especially online shops about your new address abroad. This way you can avoid such annoyances from the start.
What to do if the forwarding order is not sufficient?
A forwarding order is essential so that no important mail gets lost after the move. But let's be honest, it's not the only solution. There are a few clever alternatives and additions that will make your life much easier during the transition phase and provide additional security.
With these strategies you can really close all the gaps and keep an overview - even when the last moving boxes have long been unpacked.
Digital Post: The modern alternative for full flexibility
Why wait for physical letters when you can get them digitally? With services likeePost from Swiss PostYou can simply scan your mail and have it received securely online.
This is incredibly practical, especially if you travel a lot or just don't feel like doing paperwork. You receive your mail immediately as a PDF, can archive everything, search it and respond directly - no matter where you are in the world. This makes the entire postal administration more flexible than ever before.
Neighborhood help: The uncomplicated solution for the transition
For a very short transition period - perhaps just a few days - or if you only expect a few letters, a trustworthy neighbor can also help out. Of course, this is an informal solution and carries certain risks in terms of data protection and reliability.
If you decide to go this route, it is best to make a clear, albeit informal, agreement.
A short message to the neighbor could look like this:
"Hello [neighbour's name], would you be so kind as to collect my mail from [start date] to [end date]? I would then pick it up on [pick-up date]. If there is anything important there (e.g. from the office), please let me know via WhatsApp. Thank you so much for your help!"
However, this method is really only suitable as an emergency solution and does not replace an official order, especially not when it comes to official documents or invoices.
Proactive address change: The best strategy ever
A forwarding order catches a lot of things, but the actual goal is to prevent your mail from going to the old address in the first place. Therefore, proactively inform all important authorities about your move as early as possible. This checklist will help ensure that no one forgets:
- Authorities & Offices:
- Population control of your new municipality (this is even required by law!)
- Road Traffic Office (for vehicle registration)
- Tax office
- Military or civil protection agency
- Finance & Insurance:
- Your bank(s)
- Credit card provider
- Health insurance and accident insurance
- Household, private liability and all other insurance
- Work & Training:
- Your employer
- Schools, kindergartens or the university
- Contracts & Subscriptions:
- Mobile and Internet provider
- Electricity and water supplier
- Newspaper and magazine subscriptions
- Streaming services and important online shops
If you act proactively here, you will save yourself a lot of trouble later. You can find a detailed guide on this in our article onChange of address when moving.
By the way: The desire to move in Switzerland is unbroken. A ZHAW study from 2023 shows that45 percentof those surveyed are planning to move, often triggered by starting a family. Interestingly, aroundstrive for this 50 percentown your own home – the Swiss dream is alive. More about thisexciting insights into moving behavior in SwitzerlandYou can read it directly at the ZHAW.
Frequently asked questions about mail redirection
Moving is full of small details, and the same questions often arise, especially when it comes to mail redirection. Even though we have already shed light on the process, there are a few sticking points that continue to cause uncertainty. Here you will find quick and clear answers to the most frequently asked questions in practice.
This way you are well prepared and ensure that your mail ends up in the right place from day one.
What actually happens to packages during a forwarding order?
This is probably one of the most burning questions, because who doesn't expect a parcel on a regular basis these days? The answer is crucial for your planning: A normal forwarding order for private individuals in Switzerland coversonly letters and newspapersaway.
Packages are excluded from this standard service. This means that they are either delivered to your old address (which quickly becomes a problem) or are returned directly to the sender. To avoid this hassle, you can book an additional service at the post office for a fee so that packages can also be forwarded.
Our practical tip:When booking online, pay close attention to the options. You must explicitly select the forwarding of packages. One click in the wrong place and your packages end up nowhere.
Can I change a forwarding order or stop it earlier?
Sure, plans change. Sometimes the mail has to be redirected for longer than expected, or the order is no longer needed at all. Yes, you can adjust an existing forwarding order or terminate it early.
How you do this depends on how you originally set it up:
- Online order:If you have done everything via the Swiss Post customer portal, you can manage the order right there. Simply log in to your account and review the options available to make changes or cancel.
- Order in the branch:Did you fill out the form at the counter? Then the route for changes or cancellation also leads back to a post office.
But be careful: There are usually fees for changes. There is usually no refund for unused time. So think about the term as carefully as possible right from the start.
How far in advance do I need to set up the order?
When it comes to moving, timing is everything. Of course, Swiss Post needs some time in advance to record your order in the system and prepare the logistics for it. If you only place the order on the day of the move, you are definitely too late.
Therefore, be sure to plan a buffer. A good rule of thumb is:
- Ideal case:Set up the forwarding ordertwo weeks before the moving daya.
- Very last deadline:At the latestfour to five business daysThe order should be in the post office before the desired start date.
If you miss this deadline, seamless redirection can no longer be guaranteed. A little forethought here will save you a lot of potential hassle and ensure that everything runs smoothly from day one.
What is the difference between forwarding and moving notice?
These two terms often cause confusion, but they describe two very different postal services that complement each other perfectly.
- The forwarding order (forwarding):This is a service provided by Postfor you. The post office intercepts shipments at your old address and physically forwards them to your new address. The sender doesn't notice anything. It is a temporary solution to close the gap.
- The moving notice:This is a proactive service that you use toto inform others. You instruct the postal service to notify selected companies (such as your bank, insurance company or health insurance company) directly about your new address. This saves you the tedious task of contacting each sender individually.
For a really clean transition, use theCombination of both is the best strategy. The forwarding order is your safety net that catches anything that slips through. At the same time, the move notification ensures that your master data is permanently updated with important partners.
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