Furnishing a first Swiss apartment brand-new is expensive, and mostly unnecessary. Switzerland has a strong, well-used secondhand market, and knowing where to look saves real money in your first few months.
Where to look
- Ricardo.ch, the largest general auction/marketplace site, strong for furniture, electronics, and household goods
- tutti.ch, a classifieds-style marketplace, often faster for local pickup than an auction format
- Brockenhaus (secondhand charity/thrift stores), found in most larger towns, good for furniture and household basics at fixed, low prices
- University and expat community boards, especially useful in academic cities with high student turnover each semester
How to buy well
- Favour local pickup over shipping for furniture, delivery costs can erase the savings entirely
- Ask for real photos and exact dimensions before agreeing to buy, this is the most common source of disappointment
- Time large furniture purchases around semester end (summer) in university towns, when departing students sell in bulk
Best for / avoid if
Best for: newcomers and students furnishing a first apartment on a tight budget and short timeline.
Avoid if: you need something on a strict deadline, secondhand availability is inconsistent, don’t rely on it for a hard move-in date.
