Swiss Apartment LivingPatti - October 16, 2017
Swiss Apartment Living
Most Swiss people live in apartments, since you basically have to be a millionaire to own a house. Many who own houses turn half of it into an apartment for rent anyway. So to live in an apartment is normal, but, like most aspects of Swiss life, there are many rules (both written and understood) to make life more comfortable for everyone.
Quiet times
Generally, you shouldn’t make noise before 8:00 am or after 10:00 pm. But 11:30-1:00 is also a quiet time because most people are home eating lunch. On Sundays and holidays, the whole day is technically considered a quiet day, but parties are still allowed ;).
So what constitutes making noise? The list includes (but is not limited to) playing instruments, vacuuming, having parties, beating rugs, taking baths/showers, doing laundry, etc. Quiet times are enforced by the building manager, who will come and knock on your door if a neighbor complains. One of our neighbors complained that someone in our building was playing piano during lunch time. Since the building manager believed we were the only ones with a piano, we got a knock on the door and a scolding. (We probably were at fault, but I was indignant that he assumed it was us.)
Windows and Doors
Every window and every door in an apartment has a lock with a key. In our building, we are required to keep the windows locked at all times (with the key removed) to guard against breaking and entering. I’ve been reprimanded for that several times when the building manager comes to fix something… The windows all have metal blinds on the outside that can be adjusted to allow some light in or keep the room absolutely dark. Our American guests almost always sleep until noon their first night here because the rooms stay so dark. Since apartments have no air conditioning (you have to prove you need air conditioning before you are allowed to install it), the metal shades help keep rooms cool in the summer.
Laundry
Typically, an apartment building will have a communal laundry room in the basement with a washing machine and dryer if you are lucky. Ours has a powerful dehumidifier instead. The systems vary, but in general, you have a day or a time slot to do your laundry, and to do it during someone else’s time without asking is the height of rudeness. I recently read a news story about a man locking a woman in the laundry room because she was doing her laundry late at night! My building has eight apartments and Sundays/holidays are not assigned, so I get one laundry day every 9-10 days. It used to stress me out, but I’ve gotten used to it, and thankfully our neighbors are kind enough that I can always ask to use the washing machine if it is free. It definitely challenges the American custom of wearing something once and then tossing it in the hamper. I seriously considered skipping a weekend trip to visit Elias’s parents because it would mean missing my laundry day.
Unwritten Rules
Most of the rules mentioned above are actually written out in our canton’s apartment living handbook. But after living here, I’ve come to realize a few more things are expected from apartment dwellers. For example, no one leaves rugs or towels hanging on the balcony railing for more than a few hours. Birdhouses should not be left up in the spring because the birds will get spoiled. You always greet your neighbors when you see them (because who knows, you may need to ask to use the washing machine on their day).
Balconies
Balconies are my favorite part of apartment living. We have two, and my little girl loves playing on them! I love that she can be outside without me and still safe. Lots of people have plants on their balconies, as well as birdhouses in the winter. They all have sun shades that can be lowered or raised, and contribute to keeping the house cool in summer.
Overall, living in an apartment in Switzerland is comfortable, and nearly everybody shows respect for others. I enjoy having people nearby and look forward to building relationships with my neighbors!
Oh, and photo credit to the amazing Tabea Villiger!