We do adapt. When we first moved here, we brought a lot of stuff back with us on visits. Likewise, the first 2 years I lived here, I went back to the US 5 times each year. Last year it was twice, and this year, not at all (although I've had health issues that have prevented much travel) - and I won't travel to the US till next spring if I do go then.

I buy spices, and vanilla when I can in the US, and I still buy a lot of clothes there.

I actually like the duvet - or the comforter inside a cover thing, can't be bothered with a flat sheet. What I dislike are the jersey fitted sheets, so I'm always on the look out for sateen fitted sheets.

If you have access to Germany, you can find vanilla extract in the supermarket there as well, if the self-made or the vanilla sugar versions won't work for you. I have a 50ml bottle from Marktkauf in my kitchen.

Chocolate chips, on the other hand, not so easily found... either import, or make chocolate chunk cookies!

I have no good advice on household supplies.

I find the bug sprays pretty much weak and useless here in CH.

Those fabric softening scent sheets for the dryer are hard to find here (or at least decent ones).

home theater sound systems are very expensive here

Power tools are also pricey.

Whilst germany is just around the corner and things are cheaper there i guess it'll depend how often you have a chance to go there. Sporting equipment of any kind is much cheaper in Germany. I bought a Wilson Basketball for 10 Euros in germany where the same exact one costs 48CHF here...

Sorry people just trying to come up with things that havent yet been mentioned.

Perhaps this was already made clear...so feel free to ignore, but, since you are going the extra effort of building your house, I (perhaps incorrectly) expect that you will want it to be furnished and decorated in a pleasing and non-minimalistic way (which pretty much rules out majority of stores, at least in Zurich). Unless you are prepared to "Ikea' all the way, if you already have or know the dimensions of at least some of the rooms or perhaps even a design or a sketch, definitely bring 1) fabulous sofa, comfortable and upholstered in a fabric that you love and is both functional and enjoyable, 2) same goes for a pair of armchairs (you can still custom order and be well within your 6 months ownership to import duty-free), 3) side table/s, coffee table, 4) cabinets or wooden heirlooms/furniture which you love. In a perfect world which may not exist, you would sort of have a sketch of how to set things up and work with what you have and then order what is missing. Finding anything that I would have wanted to buy for my flat here was impossible (Ikea small kitchen table discounted). The interior design aesthetic, especially after Asia and US, is a very particular thing here. Even small things like decorative objects, mirrors, or vases - if you have, bring, if you always wanted to get something that goes well with you things - buy. It will drive you mad trying to find good things in terms of price/quality ratio. Although if all fails, UK is not far and I know I good delivery co. Curtains - get some fabric swatches in the States from shops you like or design centers and if you have a curtain maker there - even better. You can measure here once you have the windows put in and have the curtains made and shipped from the US (I did it for 7 massive windows with blackout lining and it cost a fraction of an ugly alternative)...Alas, my favourite - buy a fab garbage bin and anything non-electrical that you need for the kitchen. I will never forget the day I had to buy Brabantia in Zurich for 300 CHF...Furnishings and interior rant/advice over. Hope this helps Oops, also forgot - fantastic matress, you can buy bedding in the UK and ship here - the cost is reasonable, same goes for towels, but do not bother with mattresses here - yikes!

Quax, please remove that lint from underneath your Enter key.

I like cooking asian-style foods. Do you know if Oyster Sauce is available (and affordable) in Switzerland? I'll be in Lausanne.

Yes...........

Re: vanilla, the BEST is actually Migros little jars of vanilla seeds in syrup. Small jars, goes a long long way, delicious, natural. I take those back with me to the US....

Yeah i have that too. Fantastic stuff.

Yeah. I don't know where people get the idea that some things are not available in Switzerland.

Thank you for everyones input.

I'll be stocking up on towels before we leave, buying bikes this weekend, and every trip hubby makes between now and the move he will be filling his 2 check in suitcases with things to leave behind....

luckily we have space at the parents in law

when my sister in law came to stay in the US for a holiday she declared that she wanted to eat caesar salad dressing with every salad because it isn't available in CH. when we were there in Sept i toddled off to Coop and bought her 2 different brands......

The family are always telling me I can't get stuff there but I think they walk around with their eyes closed as I never have any problems getting the things I have needed when its my turn to cook....

My statement was a bit broad, of course there are things that aren't available. But raw ingredients generally you can find somewhere. Some more exotic ones you need to look for them. We have flour, brown sugar, yes, real vanilla, and rice! I even found buttermilk in the Coop in Lutry.

Caeser dressing is best made at home. But don't tell your SIL.

How's your move going?

(Bring twinkies!)

buttermilk... I usually put lemon juice in full fat milk. works just fine. Am not too worried about not having any cooking ingredients. there is usually a substitute and we travel a lot so I can always pick up what I need.

The move is in the planning stage. Most of our house contents will go straight into storage until our house is built so I am planning what things will go into the air shipment for use wherever we live until then....and hubby is taking things every trip he makes.... we will also be leaving things behind in the US to replace them in CH mostly electrical things that won't work there and things that are old anyway..... the lists are growing constantly but as we have moved country 3 times in 6 years I am getting good at it !!

Dumb question--do you mean wardrobe as in a clothes-cupboard, or as in the clothes that you put inside of them?

Moving the cars is OK. Do not buy any appliances because the Voltage is 220V, not 110V. Buy gold in Switzerland. Open a bank account and make sure you report your income and any accounts to the IRS.
Konrad