The VSU was founded during the First World War as the CVSM (Central Association of Swiss Furniture Conveyers). People already moved house to different countries at that time, and the national clientele was also becoming more demanding. The aim was therefore to combine the larger removals firms into an association in order to provide quality and know-how. In those days people still used horse and trap to move house, and larger carts were also sometimes used. When people moved over the border, various transport methods such as railway and river transport were employed.

After the Second World War the removals industry developed rapidly. As society became increasingly mobile, more and more cross-border removals took place. Air travel and the rise of the container also gave a considerable impetus to the industry.