What to take to Switzerland?

[jelliedeel]

Soon to be moving there and I'm wondering what to bring with us. Everything seems expensive there so is it a good idea to buy things before we travel....like children's clothes?
Does anyone know of good storage and removal companies with their storage based there, as i think we'll be in temporary accommodation at first?

So sorry to hear you're finding it tough!

What sort of place are you looking for - an appartment or house? Is it the rental price you're struggling with or finding somewhere that fits your needs? Have you applied for any places yet?

I don't know the areas you mention in your last post but can recommend a few other places outside of Zurich. Uetikon Am See on the Gold Coast is lovely - lots of beautiful countryside and lake plus fast connections to Zurich. Uster, very expat friendly, lots going on and it's on the Griefensee which is gorgeous. I've also got friends in Wadenswil, silver coast, who are happy there although not sure how easy it would be to live there without a car. I like Thalwil too but I think rents there aren't that much cheaper than Zurich although you're likely to get a far bigger place for your money.

I am looking for an apartment Seefeld.Initially I was looking very close to Zurich but after experiencing the transport,am happier to travel further. I have looked at some in Thalwil and Horgen....I suppose I am too fussy for our budget-I want three bedrooms.
I've not heard of Uetikon Am see and will definitely look at Uster.

On a different note, I found Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce in Jelmoli...Result!

St Mary. - how is your one going?

Wadenswil has quick links to Zurich at 17 minutes on the train. Richterswil,
Low tax areas in canton SZ near there?

How old are your kids?

It can be horrible and so demoralising looking for an apartment here (also live in Zurich). What permit do you have? A lot of rental companies don't like to rent to people on a yearly renew permit (L iirc) but it's easier with B and C. We applied for over 50 before we found a place, the main reason for rejection was, in our experience they didn't like our permit. They want to rent to people who are going to stay long term.

It's a shame you have no language support for your dc, hopefully places will become available soon although you may have to wait until the start of the next academic year if none of the other kids leave the school.

You can buy lea and perrins in coop btw. Same with marmite.

How long do you have to find a place? There are a couple of fixed moving dates a year in Zurich and there's one coming up at the end of March. So I imagine there'll be loads of new places advertised very soon.

Another tip would be to view as many places as you can. The rental market is so buoyant that the letting agents don't bother to put much effort in when it comes to photographing the apartments. Places can be nicer in real life than they look on Homegate.

There are also some apartment rental groups on Facebook that might be worth joining.

Hope my post didn't sound too negative. Meant more in empathy than anything else! Seefeld makes a very good point re fixed moving dates so don't feel too despondent.

My children are 8 and 9.

I checked our permits and they last for just a year.It is a pain because we intend to stay long-term/ forever and that's why we put DC into local school. If landlords put us to the bottom of the pile because of this I guess it just means we have to apply relentlessly. I don't seem to be able to find much though.
Our temporary accommodation is central but not pleasant as the upstairs neighbours are noisy and like to party.

I looked at some places in Uster (on the internet), I'm going to investigate as they looked nice and DH said too far away

And now I'm looking back at all the bad photo apartments and giving them a second chance.

Definitely line up as many viewings as you can to get a feel for what's around and also the different areas.

Are you just looking at 5 room apartments online? If you are, do look at 4.5 room ones too. Mine is 3.5 rooms - two bedrooms - and the living room (the 1.5) is a good size and has plenty of space for a dining table away from the area used for the sofa and tv etc.

You may already know this but in terms of cost, the general rule is 1/4 of net income on rent and that's what landlords look for when they view your financial information.

We lived in a 4.5 room 1st floor with 2 dc and it was fine. You need to set aside prejudices about UK apartment living as Swiss ones tend to be far more spacious, generous room sizes and neutrally decorated. We had a year permit but it was easily renewed. Could anyone from your dh's company assist, are they funding an agent for you, providing language lessons etc. Colleagues even viewed and photographed potential apartments for us in advance. There are corporate landlords who are very used to expat permit arrangements.

You could try asking on the property section on englishforum.ch

eg this apartment in Waedenswil was advertised yesterday:
www.englishforum.ch/property-offered/265992-great-location-4-5-rooms-wadenswil-2881chf.html

We have been in Switzerland for over 10 years, I don't know Zurich very well as we're in the French part but there is a great fb group called English speaking mums in Switzerland which is great! The meat allowance is 1kg per person and any shopping max 300chf.

Have a look somewhere like birmensdorf. Excellent train and bus connections. Much cheaper and recently built new apartments. Look on www.comparis.Ch.
Asian supermarket in wiedikon.
FB page for loads of support - 'English speaking mums in Zurich'.
ALDI is very good here and meat allowance - If I remember correctly -is 500g per person (I am sure we brought 1kg between 2 of us from germany last time).
Schools are obliged to give language support but what you are offered depends on where you are.
Lots of the supermarkets stock international foods. Cenovis is exactly the same as marmite -I discovered it after living here for nearly 15 years.....

Oh yes - fb page is English speaking mums in Switzerland (not Zurich. ....)

have a look at joining beta.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Expat-Moms-In-Switzerland/info

There are mix of long term and short term expats, all nationalities , mainly in Zurich area, with insight into areas, things to do, meet ups, local schools and may even know of apartments coming available as other families move out.

Thankyou all.I will join the FB group and be more active on the yahoo one.
I received an email from the school yesterday to say that my DC have to leave the school they've settled in tomorrow(ironically recommended on English forum for having great integration lessons/system).They have to join a new school a couple of km away by tram... they're 8 &9.I'm gutted and they're upset. The system sucks.

I'm actually looking for 4 room apartments and upwards to broaden the search.

LIZS - there's no help, financial or otherwise from OH work.

I'm trying to go d some positives for staying but really struggling now.

find

Are you a member of "free, buy, sell, exchange in Zug/Zurich/Lucerne" on facebok? Just seen a lovely looking 6 room advertised on there for 2,615 CHF per month.

Thanks for all the links to apartments and groups, I'm investigating and joining.
Think we'll have to move on to a new temp place before getting a proper flat.The upstairs neighbours partied till 2.30am last night and my DD was so scared of all the shouting as they are all loud males!?!?She thought the ceiling would collapse. I think sleep deprivation is not helping me be more open minded about things and irritations are magnified.
I do therefore worry about future neighbours after signing a contract.

You shouldn't have to put up with noise disturbance. Have you asked them to be quieter or contacted your landlord? I would call the police if they make noise after you have complained - they do take noise seriously and issue fines.

Most apartment blocks have rules about noise, after 10 or 11pm and before 7am, and over lunchtime, and at weekends ... Including running water for washing machine or flushing toilet.

How are you getting on OP? Have you found anywhere yet?

I think we don't live in a conventional apartment block, it is all temporary accommodation. I don't want to risk the fallout if we complain tbh, but I would if we were here for longer.
Nothing to report housing-wise and have bought some ear plugs so I have slept through for two nights.