Moving from Lucerne to Zug

Moving from the picturesque city of Lucerne to the charming town of Zug is an exciting new chapter. Both cities are in central Switzerland and German-speaking, so you won’t face a language barrier or major cultural shock. Lucerne (Luzern) is known for its historic Chapel Bridge and lively tourism scene, while Zug offers a quieter vibe with a stunning lakeside setting and a reputation as a business hub. The distance between them is only about 30 km (under 30 minutes by train), making this a relatively easy local move. Still, even a short move requires careful planning – from administrative paperwork to hiring movers – to ensure everything goes smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through general considerations, planning checklists, moving company tips, cost estimates, and handy advice for relocating from Lucerne to Zug.

General Considerations When Moving from Lucerne to Zug

Community and Lifestyle: Zug is smaller than Lucerne, but it boasts a high quality of life and a significant expat community (over 30% of residents are foreign nationals). You’ll find plenty of international schools, clubs, and networking events in Zug, which can ease the transition. The town is very safe and family-friendly, with excellent schools and lots of nature at your doorstep (Lake Zug, Zugerberg mountain, etc.). Lucerne is only a short ride away, so you can easily visit friends or enjoy Lucerne’s cultural events even after you move.
Housing and Costs: It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Zug can be higher than Lucerne in some aspects. Rental prices in Zug are among the highest in Switzerland (the average rent in Zug was around CHF 1,824 per month in 2021, compared to the Swiss average of ~CHF 1,400). This is partly due to Zug’s popularity for its low taxes – many individuals and companies base themselves in Zug to benefit from tax savings. Lucerne isn’t cheap either, but generally rent in Lucerne is a bit more affordable than in Zug, whereas income taxes are lower in Zug. If you’re moving for a new job in Zug, it might come with a higher salary or tax advantage that offsets the housing cost. Keep these trade-offs in mind when budgeting for your new life. (Fun fact: In Switzerland, your annual tax rate is determined by where you reside on December 31 of that year. So if you have flexibility, moving to Zug before year-end could lower that year’s taxes – a nice perk of Zug’s tax-friendly status!)
Administrative Differences: Moving within Switzerland means you must register your change of address with the local authorities. Lucerne and Zug are in different cantons, so you’ll need to deregister in Lucerne and register in Zug (more on that in the checklist below). Both city offices handle this routinely, and staff often speak English if you’re not comfortable in German. Additionally, if you own a car, a move across cantons requires getting new license plates (e.g. switching from Lucerne’s LU plates to Zug’s ZG plates) and updating your vehicle registration within 14 days. We’ll cover these tasks so nothing falls through the cracks.
Weather and Commute: Climate-wise, Lucerne and Zug are very similar – expect the same beautiful Swiss seasons and perhaps a bit of fog by the lakes. If you’ll commute back to Lucerne for work or leisure, the connection is quick by train or highway, making it feasible to maintain ties in both places. In summary, moving from Lucerne to Zug won’t feel like a huge culture shock, but it does involve some logistical and bureaucratic steps that require attention.

Let’s dive into planning your move!

Planning Your Move: Checklist and Tips

Relocating from Lucerne to Zug becomes manageable when broken into steps. Here’s a condensed checklist to guide you:

Notify Your Landlord: Give notice (1–3 months in advance) and plan for a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning.
Declutter Early: Sell, donate, or recycle items you don’t need—less volume means lower costs.
Compare Moving Quotes: Use platforms like MOVU.ch to get multiple offers from certified Swiss movers. Book early if moving in busy periods.
Choose Your Move Date: Avoid peak times. Reserve parking at both locations—permits might be needed.
Gather Supplies: Estimate 20–30 boxes per person. Rent or buy boxes, bubble wrap, and labels early.
Start Packing: Begin with non-essentials. Label clearly. Keep essentials and valuables in a separate box for the first night.
Update Addresses: Change your address with banks, subscriptions, and request Swiss Post mail forwarding.
Deregister/Register: Cancel residency in Lucerne and register in Zug within 14 days. Bring ID, permits, and lease documents.
Car Registration: Exchange license plates at Strassenverkehrsamt Zug and inform your insurer.
Transfer Utilities: Cancel or transfer internet, power, etc. in Lucerne and set them up in Zug.
Prep for Moving Day: Defrost appliances, disassemble furniture, reserve elevators, and notify neighbors.
Moving Day Tips: Guide movers, do a final walkthrough, and label rooms for easy unpacking.
After the Move: Unpack essentials, complete any paperwork, learn waste rules, and explore Zug.

Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth transition.

Moving Companies Serving Lucerne and Zug

There are plenty of moving companies in Central Switzerland. Here are a few reputable movers (all based in Switzerland) that you can consider for a Lucerne-to-Zug relocation:

Weber-Vonesch Transport AG

A well-established moving company with over 75 years of experience serving the cantons of Zug, Lucerne, Zurich, and Schwyz. They have offices/warehouses in Zug and Lucerne and offer services for private moves, office relocations, furniture assembly, storage, and even IT setup for businesses. Weber-Vonesch is known in the region for professional, efficient service. They can provide an on-site visit or even a video survey to give a precise quote. If you need storage in between (for example, if your new place isn’t immediately ready), they have storage facilities in both Zug (Baar) and Root (Lucerne) which is a convenient plus.

Operates warehouses in Zug, Lucerne, and Schwyz for flexible storage solutions.

Provides a range of services, including packing materials and removal staff.

Offers personalized quotes and consultations.

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Lüscher Umzug AG

A moving company with decades of history (moving experts since 1959). Lüscher-Umzug offers local and international moves, and they emphasize “fast, secure and without trouble” relocations with comprehensive services (packing, furniture lift, cleaning, etc.). They operate across Switzerland with regional teams, and they list Lucerne/Zug as one of their service areas (they have a contact number for Lucerne/Zug region). Customers often praise their friendly moving crews and the fact that they handle everything from packing to disposal of unwanted items. If you want a full-service move (including things like an end-of-lease cleaning of your old apartment or temporary furniture storage), Lüscher could be a one-stop shop.

Provides comprehensive services, including packing, transport, and storage.

Offers free, non-binding quotes tailored to your needs.

Known for their reliability and high-quality service.

Best Umzug (Best Moving)

A Swiss moving company with multiple branch locations, including one in Cham (Canton Zug) and one in Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). They offer full-service moves, meaning they can pack your household, transport, store items, and even supply packing materials through their online shop. Best Umzug highlights their modern equipment and experienced staff. Being locally present in both source and destination is a bonus for efficiency. They also advertise quick, no-obligation quotes (even an online form where you can list your furniture). If you had a challenging previous move doing it yourself, their slogan suggests they can turn a stressful move into “no stress, no problems”.

Offers services ranging from simple furniture transport to complete relocations.

Provides storage solutions and disposal services.

Known for competitive rates and high customer satisfaction.

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Movu (Online Platform)

While not a moving company itself, MOVU deserves a mention as Switzerland’s largest moving platform. It partners with many certified local movers. Through Movu, you fill out one set of information and get up to 5 quotes from different moving companies, along with reviews and ratings. All partners are vetted and insured, and Movu offers a support line (they call their advisors “Move Captains”). Many expats and locals like this service for the convenience of comparison-shopping in English. It’s a good starting point if you’re not sure which company to pick – you might even find one of the above companies quoting via Movu. (Just remember, you’ll book the actual moving company – Movu is the intermediary).

Receive 5 free, fixed-price quotes online.

All partner companies are insured and quality-checked.

Offers additional services like end-of-tenancy cleaning and packing materials.

Moving Costs and Price Estimates (Lucerne–Zug)

One of the most common questions is: How much will it cost to move? The answer depends on the size of your household and the services you require. Here we provide recent price estimates in Swiss Francs (CHF) for moving from a 2-bedroom apartment and from a full 4–5 bedroom house, based on typical rates in 2024–2025:

Note: Everything next figures are estimates – actual quotes may vary. Always get a personalized quote. The good news is that Lucerne to Zug is a short, straightforward route with no border crossings or special road tolls, so you won’t have long-distance surcharges. The primary cost drivers will be the volume of your goods and the complexity of the move (stairs, no elevator, etc.). To keep costs down, be as organized as possible: pack efficiently (or opt for partial packing service), dismantle simple furniture ahead of time, and declutter so you’re not moving things you don’t truly need. Many companies offer combo deals if you also hire them for end-cleaning or storage – it doesn’t hurt to ask. And remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best; consider the company’s reputation and included services for the price.

2-Bedroom Apartment (approx. 3–4 rooms total)

For a standard move (loading, transport ~30 km, unloading), expect roughly CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,800. The average cost for a ~3.5 room apartment move in Switzerland is around CHF 1,580, and with the short distance between Lucerne and Zug, your price may be on the lower end of the range. If you have relatively few large furniture pieces, it might even be under CHF 1,300. On the other hand, a fully furnished 4-room (2-bedroom) flat with lots of items could be closer to CHF 1,800. This price typically includes a team of 2–3 movers and a truck for about 5–7 hours of work.
Optional costs: If you add services, the price will go up. Professional packing service for a 2-bedroom could add around CHF 300–600 (varies by how much is packed and hourly rates). Furniture disassembly/reassembly might be included for basic items, but complex pieces (like a large wardrobe or a heavy bed) can add an hour or two of labor – roughly CHF 100+ extra. As a guideline, one Swiss mover’s price list quotes CHF 1,100–1,400 for a 3 to 3.5-room apartment move with 3 movers; adding packing or difficult access would push it toward the high end. Also budget about CHF 5 per box if you buy boxes, or a deposit if you rent moving boxes.

4–5 Bedroom House (large family home)

For a full house move, estimates range around CHF 2,500 to CHF 3,500 for a standard service. Big moves usually involve a larger truck (or multiple trips) and a crew of 4–5 movers working 9–12 hours. A 5.5-room household move in Switzerland averages roughly CHF 2,160, and 6+ room houses average around CHF 2,800, but those averages include shorter and longer distances. For a well-furnished 5-bedroom home Lucerne→Zug, it’s not uncommon to receive quotes in the CHF 2.5k–3k range if everything can be done in one day. If there are extraordinary amounts of stuff or if you require packing and assembly services, costs can climb to CHF 4,000 or more (especially if the move spans multiple days).
Optional costs: Packing a full house might add CHF 1,000 or more (usually spread over a day or two before the move, with several packers working). Dismantling large furniture, trampolines, swing sets, etc., will also add labor hours – some companies charge an hourly rate (~CHF 50–100 per hour per mover) for these extra tasks if not included. If your house has tough access (e.g., narrow staircases where a lot must be taken apart or a long walk from door to truck), that extra time is factored in (Swiss movers often charge for the additional effort if the “Tragweg” – carrying distance – is long). Special items: Piano moving typically incurs a separate fee (often around CHF 300–500). If you need storage for part of your furniture (say you’re temporarily downsizing or waiting for a new house), storage fees might be monthly per cubic meter (e.g., ~CHF 15/m³ per month in some local storage).

Settling In

Congratulations on your move! As you settle into Zug, here are a few extra tips to help you adjust and make the most of your new home:

Learn Zug’s Local Rules: Every Swiss locality has its own nuances. In Zug, find out which day is garbage day and where to buy the official trash bags (garbage disposal in Switzerland requires using taxed bags or stickers by commune – your neighbors or landlord can explain the Zug system). Also note the quiet hours – generally, Swiss norms mean avoiding loud noise (like drilling or hammering) during lunchtime (12–1pm), late evenings, and all day Sunday. It’s a good idea to introduce yourself to your new neighbors with a friendly greeting; a little courtesy goes a long way.
Connect with the Community: As mentioned, Zug has a vibrant expat community due to many international companies and organizations. Look out for expat meet-ups, join local Facebook groups or the Zug international community forums, or attend events hosted by groups like Zug International Women’s Club or the Zug Expat Club. It’s a great way to make friends and get insider advice on living in Zug (from the best restaurants to how to find a good doctor or hairdresser). Don’t forget to also engage with locals – maybe join a Verein (club) for a hobby or a sports class. The mix of expat and local life will make your experience richer.
Enjoy the Nature and Location: One of the perks of moving to Zug is the immediate access to beautiful nature. Take some time off from unpacking to enjoy a sunset by Lake Zug – the lake is famous for its gorgeous sunsets with the Alps in the background (as you’ll soon see, it’s postcard-perfect). Explore the old town of Zug with its colorful waterfront and Zytturm clock tower. Remember, Lucerne’s scenery (like Mount Pilatus or the Rigi) is still just around the corner; now you have the best of both worlds, being close to two lovely Swiss towns.
Administrative Follow-ups: In the weeks after your move, keep an eye on the mail for any documents from the canton. Zug might send you information about local voting (if you’re Swiss or long-term resident), tax forms, or an invitation to register your dog if you have one (yes, dogs must be registered and there’s an annual dog tax). If you changed cantons and are a foreign national, you will receive a new residence permit card with your Zug address – this can take a few weeks to process. Also, if you haven’t already, return your Lucerne canton car plates to the Lucerne road office (they usually expect you to hand them in once you get new Zug plates, otherwise you might get billed for them). Update your auto insurance with the new plate number. Little tasks like these wrap up the move administratively.
Stay Organized with Documents: Keep a folder (physical or digital) for all your moving-related paperwork: the lease cancellation from Lucerne, new lease in Zug, moving company contract/invoice, deregistration and registration confirmations, etc. You might need some of these documents for tax purposes or if any issues arise (for example, proof of your move-out date for billing utilities or getting your rental deposit back from Lucerne). Having them all in one place makes life easier.
Embrace the Change: Finally, give yourself time to adjust. Even a short-distance move can be tiring. It’s normal to feel a bit disoriented in the first days in a new home. Once the boxes are unpacked, make the space your own – hang up your favorite pictures, try a new layout for the living room, or buy a new piece of furniture as a “moving gift” to yourself. Take breaks, get out and explore Zug’s cafes or the farmer’s market, and gradually you’ll find your rhythm. If you find yourself missing Lucerne, remember it’s just a quick trip away – you haven’t moved to the ends of the earth, and friends or favorite spots are still easily reachable.