The time has come: you finally want to move out from your parents and own a small place. However, you should keep a few things in mind when searching for and setting up your new home. Here, we’ve summarized the five most important points for you.
At what age do people move out on average in Switzerland?
According to various studies in Switzerland, with 22 years the half of young adults have already moved out. This is slightly younger than the European average, which is closer to 26. Swiss law allows individuals to move out at the age of 18 when they are legally considered adults and can make decisions independently. Factors influencing the decision to move out include educational opportunities, financial independence, and cultural norms. In Switzerland, the robust apprenticeship system and higher education opportunities often prompt young adults to seek their accommodation relatively early.
What is important to you in your first apartment?
As big as possible, with a balcony, dishwasher, close to the city, not too expensive… You probably already have a certain image of your new home in your head. But in reality, it is often the case that this either does not exist or exceeds the set budget. So, be honest: what is really important to you in your first apartment? The best way is to take a piece of paper and write down everything that your dream apartment should have. Then go through the list again and categorize all the points into “Must-have,” “Nice to have,” and “Unimportant.” Be rigorous: what do you absolutely need, and what can you actually do without? The fewer must-have criteria you have, the more likely you are to find a suitable apartment.
A large terrace is comfortable, but do you really need it?
How much should your first apartment cost?
For this question, you must first clarify the following: How much money will I have available each month? Take your net salary (i.e., what remains after all work-related deductions). The rent, including additional costs, should not exceed one-third of your net salary, and preferably be a maximum of one-quarter.
In addition to these major expenses, there are other costs: rental deposit, health insurance, taxes, insurance, food, and other daily expenses. Create an overview in which you list all monthly and annual expenses. Use past expenses as a guide and deduct them from your monthly salary. What remains is available for your rent. Here you can find more information about the budget needed before moving out from your parent’s house.
💡Tip: Also calculate an amount to set aside monthly for special expenses. This way, you are protected from unpleasant surprises and financial problems.
With a budget, you know exactly how much you can spend.
What should you look out for when reading apartment ads?
Apartment ads are meant to convince you as a potential tenant of the rental property, even to excite you. Therefore, terms are often used that are unclear at first glance. Here are some examples to watch out for:
- “Lover’s object” / “Well-maintained”: possibly a real bargain, but often an apartment in need of renovation with high refurbishment requirements.
- “Central location” / “Good transport connections”: often close to the city center but can also be on a busy main road, meaning traffic noise.
- “Quiet residential area”: often means no shopping facilities nearby.
- “Sought-after location” / “Up-and-coming district”: usually an attempt to turn an unpopular area into a trendy district, saying nothing about the apartment’s condition.
- “Flooded with light”: can be used as long as a room is not pitch dark. Usually, it means large windows, which can make the room very hot in summer.
- “Spacious apartment” / “Well-cut”: applies even to 20 square meter one-room apartments.
- “Cozy under the roof” / “Attic apartment”: sloping ceilings may prevent tall furniture from fitting. Also, attic apartments are often warmer than lower ones.
💡Tip: Read the apartment ads carefully to spot contradictions. For example, “centrally located” and “quiet” usually exclude each other. Research the area online, look at photos, and check the public transport connections or parking availability. This way, you can exclude unsuitable apartments from the start and save time on visits.
How to impress the administration with your application?
You’ve finally found it: the perfect apartment. Now you have to stand out against all the other applicants. The administration generally asks two questions:
Why do you want this apartment?
In the cover letter, explain why you want to move and what excites you about this apartment and its location. Whether it’s the nearby forest, the balcony with a great view, or the proximity to work: the reader wants to feel your enthusiasm for the apartment. However, do not ramble on. Your cover letter should be no longer than one A4 page and divided into several short, readable sections.
Why should we choose you?
Personalize your application to catch the administration’s interest. This doesn’t mean using flashy paper or exaggerating, but adding a few photos helps. Additionally, incomplete applications are not considered. Make sure no documents are missing and everything is filled out correctly. Many administrations also want to know that you can afford the rent. If you have a low salary, mention your savings and potential career prospects.
💡Tip: Have all necessary documents, like the debt collection register extract, ready before the first visit. Then you only need to fill out the form, adjust the cover letter, and your application is ready. The faster your application reaches the administration, the better your chances.
Make sure your application is not overlooked from the outset.
How do you want to furnish your new apartment?
You got the contract, now it’s time to furnish. Do you want to decorate the entire apartment according to a theme? Do you prefer simple furniture, or do you need many accessories? Even if you like many different styles, mixing them often doesn’t look good. Here, as in point 1): Make a list and ask yourself: What do I really need? For example, are a microwave or a TV really necessary?
No matter what you decide, keep an eye on your budget. Especially the costs for smaller items can quickly add up to larger amounts. Never take out a loan for your new apartment; whether for rent or furnishings. Here you will find additional tips and inspiration for furnishing.
With these tips, you are ready for your first own apartment. If you are unsure, ask your friends and family. This way, you can benefit from their experience, and nothing will stand in the way of your first own home.
Essential moving out checklist: Don’t miss a step!
Moving out can be a stressful experience, but following a comprehensive checklist can help ensure you don’t overlook any important details. Notify all necessary parties about your change of address, including the post office, banks, and utility companies to avoid service interruptions and lost mail. For a smooth transition, we’ve compiled a detailed checklist covering all these steps and more. Download our Moving Out Checklist PDF to keep track of everything you need to do and ensure a seamless move.
