Furniture transport costs follow item type, distance and team time on site – not flat per-kilometre rates. This guide explains when transport alone beats a full move, shows CHF orientation based on this site's hourly rates, and covers process, insurance, DIY risks and optional assembly.
When do you need furniture transport instead of a full move?
Furniture transport pays off when you are not relocating the whole flat but want one or a few pieces moved safely from A to B. Typical cases: delivery of a new purchase from the store, collection from a private sale, transport to interim storage, handover to family or disposal elsewhere.
- Single items: sofa, wardrobe, bed, washing machine.
- Small load of several pieces without full move planning.
- Shop delivery when you have no suitable van.
- Combined with assembly or dismantling at the destination.
For targeted transport of individual pieces, Furniture transport is the right service – with Transport company as a complement when you need vehicles and experienced crews for heavier or specialist jobs.
Furniture transport costs by distance and item type
Costs depend on the piece, weight, floors, distance and whether dismantling is needed. On this site, team jobs with a truck often sit around CHF 160–180 per hour (two movers) or CHF 200–230 (three movers) – the same hourly bands as in the moving company costs guide. Single items can sit below that on short jobs; heavy or multi-floor jobs above.
Orientation: furniture transport costs by type
| Item / job | Guide price (CHF) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Short job (2 people, 1–2 hrs) | ca. 160–360 | Team hourly rate × duration |
| Sofa / upholstered furniture | ca. 200–450 | Volume, stairwell |
| Wardrobe / bed (possibly dismantled) | ca. 200–500 | Dismantling extra |
| Fridge / washing machine | ca. 150–350 | Transport upright |
| Piano | → dedicated guide | CHF 250–1,200 depending on instrument |
<!-- VERIFY --> Per-item bands are soft orientations derived from team hourly rates and single-piece ranges (ca. CHF 80–350) on this site. Short-notice slots, missing parking or long travel can push the price up. The quote is always binding.
Details on piano moves are in the guide Piano moving costs. The full cost overview for moves is in Moving company costs.
Process: booking, two-person handling and insurance
- Enquiry with item type, dimensions (if known), floor and both addresses.
- Quote with crew size, vehicle and estimated duration.
- Fix the date; clarify parking or a no-parking zone.
- Protection (blankets, straps) included with a pro crew.
- Transport and – if agreed – assembly at destination.
- Brief check for transport damage on handover.
Two trained movers are standard for heavy furniture – carrying alone raises injury and damage risk. Clarify in the quote which transport insurance applies and how damage is reported.
DIY transport vs professional firm
With a private van and helpers you save the firm's labour – but take full risk for backs, scratches on furniture and walls, and missing tools for dismantling. Tight stairwells and heavy wardrobes are the most common DIY mistakes.
Risks of DIY transport
- Back injuries from lifting without proper technique or equipment.
- Scratches on parquet, door frames and furniture edges.
- No dismantling: wardrobe will not fit through the stairwell.
- No transport insurance if something is damaged en route.
- Time lost on van hire and loading without professional routine.
Compare honestly in the guide Moving company or DIY. For stored furniture in between, see Furniture storage costs.
Furniture assembly and dismantling as add-ons
Many pieces only fit through narrow stairwells when dismantled. On this site, assembly and dismantling often sit around CHF 80–120 per hour – the same orientation as kitchen and assembly guides. If you book transport only but dismantling is needed on the day, you risk extra cost or a cancelled job.
- PAX wardrobe, bed, table: dismantling saves space and damage.
- Fitted kitchen: quote separately – much more work than freestanding furniture.
- Assembly at destination: alignment, fixing, packaging disposal.
- Book the <a href="/en/furniture-assembly">Furniture assembly</a> service alongside transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does transporting a sofa cost?
A sofa move with two movers sits roughly at CHF 200–450 – depending on floor, lift, distance and duration. Short local jobs can sit lower; multi-storey period buildings without a lift push toward the top. A quote with addresses and photos makes the price binding.
Do I always need dismantling for a wardrobe?
Often yes – especially tall PAX units or wide wardrobes in tight stairwells. Before booking, clarify dimensions, whether dismantling is possible and whether tools and reassembly at destination are wanted.
Will the firm also collect newly bought furniture from the shop?
Yes – many transport firms pick up from a retailer or private seller and deliver to your address. Agree collection time, packaging condition and whether assembly at destination is included.
Is furniture transport insured?
Professional providers carry transport insurance or clear liability rules in the quote. Ask explicitly about insured value and how to report damage – especially for valuable pieces.
Is furniture transport worth it instead of a full move?
Yes when you only need a few pieces moved and no full flat planning. A full move pays off from a larger household with many boxes and coordination needs. For single items, dedicated furniture transport is usually cheaper and faster.