Reno Moving and Storage Services You Can Trust
Reno is Nevada’s second-largest city, home to over 200,000 residents who’ve discovered what makes this place special. The entire Reno-Sparks metro area reaches close to 500,000 people. Sitting in the high desert with the Sierra Nevadas as your backdrop isn’t a bad way to live. Lake Tahoe’s less than an hour away, and you’ve got ski resorts within easy reach when winter rolls around. Getting settled here goes a lot smoother when you work with reliable Reno moving and storage professionals from Owens Brothers Transfer who know the area inside and out.
How This City Came to Be
Settlers started showing up around 1850 after gold turned up in Virginia City. Then came the big silver strike at the Comstock Lode in 1859, and suddenly everyone wanted to be here. The Central Pacific Railroad pushed through in 1863, connecting Sacramento all the way to the Union Pacific line at Promontory, Utah. That rail connection changed everything. The town officially got its name in 1868, honoring Major General Jesse Lee Reno, who gave his life in the Civil War.
The real transformation happened in 1931 when Nevada legalized gambling and loosened up divorce laws at the same time. Reno became the place people came to start over or try their luck. Harold’s Club and Harrah’s set up shop in the 1930s, creating the casino scene that put this city on the map. But city leaders in the 1950s weren’t content to rely only on gaming. They rolled out business-friendly tax policies that brought in companies from all kinds of industries, which turned out to be pretty smart thinking.
What the Location Offers
The high desert climate here gives you actual seasons without the extreme temperatures you’ll find elsewhere. Sitting at about 4,500 feet, the city stays relatively dry with plenty of sunny days. The Sierras to the west don’t just look impressive—they create weather patterns that keep things comfortable most of the year.
Summer means you can head to Lake Tahoe for water sports. Winter brings incredible skiing at resorts that people travel across the country to experience. Pyramid Lake and other wetlands around here draw birds migrating through, plus all kinds of wildlife. If you like getting outside, you won’t run out of options whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just taking in the scenery.
Getting Around
Reno-Tahoe International Airport connects you to major cities without the hassle of going through massive hub airports. Interstate 80 cuts right through town, so you can reach Sacramento or Salt Lake City without much trouble. US Route 395 handles north-south traffic through the region. These connections matter whether you’re commuting, running a business, or just want easy access to other parts of the West.
Schools and Learning
Washoe County School District runs 11 public high schools serving families throughout the area. The University of Nevada, Reno brings more than just college students—it supports research, creates jobs, and contributes to the local tech scene. Having solid education options makes a difference when you’re raising kids or thinking about career development.
The Job Market
Sure, casinos and tourism still employ plenty of people. But walk around Reno today and you’ll notice distribution centers, tech companies, and manufacturing operations that weren’t here a generation ago. Nevada’s lack of state income tax catches people’s attention, especially those coming from California where taxes take a bigger bite. No corporate income tax sweetens the deal for businesses looking to relocate or expand.
You’ll find work across multiple industries now—technology, logistics, healthcare, and traditional hospitality all hire regularly. The mix of established corporations and startups creates opportunities you might not expect in a city this size. Being close to California markets without dealing with California regulations appeals to companies trying to control costs and streamline operations.
What It Costs to Live Here
Housing runs cheaper than most California metro areas, though you’ll pay more than smaller Nevada towns. The market includes everything from downtown apartments to suburban single-family homes. Different neighborhoods hit different price points, so you can usually find something that matches your budget.
Not paying state income tax helps your paycheck go further compared to California. Property taxes and sales taxes fund what the city needs to operate. Day-to-day expenses like utilities, groceries, and gas tend to run lower than what you’d pay in San Francisco or Los Angeles. These savings add up, especially if you’re moving from a high-cost area.
Getting Your Move Together
Start planning earlier than you think you need to. Go through your stuff and figure out what’s actually coming with you. Donating or tossing things you don’t use anymore cuts down on boxes and saves money on the moving bill.
Look into Reno movers and storage companies before you commit to anyone. Some handle just the transport while others pack everything for you. Get estimates in writing from a few different outfits so you can compare what you’re actually paying for. Make sure whoever you hire has proper licenses and insurance—it matters if something goes wrong.
Why You Might Need Storage
Sometimes your new place isn’t ready when your old lease ends. Maybe you’re downsizing and need time to decide what stays and what goes. Climate-controlled units protect things that don’t handle temperature swings well—think electronics, wood furniture, or boxes of important papers.
Check what kind of security the facility offers. Cameras, gates, and solid locks on individual units give you peace of mind. Month-to-month rentals work better than getting locked into long contracts when you’re not sure how long you’ll need the space. Being able to access your stuff during normal business hours helps when you suddenly remember you packed something you actually need. Storage facilities in Reno give you flexibility when moving gets complicated.
What Professional Movers Actually Do
Good movers know how to handle your belongings without breaking anything. They’ve packed thousands of boxes and moved countless pieces of furniture, so they’ve figured out what works. The right materials and techniques keep fragile items safe during transport. Dollies, blankets, and straps aren’t just for show—they prevent damage to both your stuff and the walls.
Licensed companies carry insurance that covers your possessions if something does go wrong. Knowing exactly when they’ll show up and when your things will arrive lets you plan around the move instead of sitting around waiting. No surprise fees or hidden charges means you can actually stick to your budget. Quality moving companies in Reno Nevada understand that your belongings matter, and they treat them accordingly.
Choosing Who Handles Your Move
Check reviews, but read beyond just the star ratings. What specific problems did people mention? How did the company respond? Look up their license through Nevada’s transportation authority. Ask detailed questions about their insurance coverage.
In-person estimates beat phone quotes every time because they can actually see what needs moving. Be cautious if one estimate comes in way lower than the others—there’s usually a reason, and it’s rarely a good one. Get everything in writing with all the charges spelled out clearly.
Find out how they handle problems. What happens if the truck breaks down? How do they process damage claims? What’s their policy if delivery runs late? Companies that give you straight answers upfront tend to deliver better service when moving day actually arrives.
Before the Truck Shows Up
Write on every box what’s inside and which room it goes in. Your future self will thank you when you’re not opening 30 boxes to find the coffee maker. Keep valuables, medications, and important documents with you in the car. They shouldn’t go on the truck no matter how careful the movers are.
Pack a box of essentials you’ll need right away—toiletries, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools. Having this stuff handy beats digging through a mountain of boxes when you just want to brush your teeth and go to bed.
Touch base with the moving company a couple days before your scheduled date. Confirm the time, double-check the addresses, and make sure everyone’s on the same page about any special requirements or access issues.
Your Partner for the Move
Owens Brothers Transfer handles Reno moving and storage throughout the entire region with teams who’ve done this work for years. They guarantee when they’ll pick up your belongings and when everything will arrive, which takes a lot of uncertainty out of the process. The pricing stays transparent with everything spelled out clearly—no sudden charges appearing on the final bill. Whether you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom house, your belongings get the same careful attention from start to finish.
FAQ’s
Local moves get charged by the hour based on crew size and what size truck you need. Long-distance jobs typically go by weight and how far you’re traveling. Add-ons like packing services, handling specialty items, or dealing with stairs bump up the total. Get written estimates that break down all the charges so you know what you’re paying for.
Moving companies handle everything—they load it, drive it, and unload it at your new place. Pods give you more control over timing since you load and unload on your schedule, but you’re doing the heavy lifting yourself. Run the numbers on rental fees, how long you’ll need the container, and what your time is worth. For most people trying to move quickly, professional movers end up being the better deal.
Professional storage facilities give you secure, climate-controlled space in whatever size you need. A lot of moving companies offer storage as part of their service, which saves you from moving everything twice. Look for places with good security setup, hours that work for your schedule, and rental terms you can change if your plans shift.
Anything hazardous stays off the truck—paint, cleaning chemicals, propane tanks, ammunition, gas cans. Regulations prohibit moving this stuff for safety reasons. Food that’ll spoil, house plants, and pets need to travel with you. Jewelry, cash, prescription medications, and irreplaceable documents should stay in your personal possession throughout the move.
Professional packing costs depend more on how much stuff you’ve accumulated than the square footage of your house. Full-service packing includes all the materials and labor to get everything boxed up safely. You can save money by having them pack just the kitchen or just fragile items while you handle the rest. The final number depends on what you own and what needs special handling.
Run if they want a huge deposit upfront or only take cash. Legitimate companies give you written estimates after actually looking at what you need moved. Check their license through the state—it takes five minutes and could save you a nightmare. Make sure they carry insurance and can prove it. No physical address, no verifiable reviews, no license? Keep looking.
Kitchens eat up more time than people expect. All those dishes, glasses, and small appliances need individual wrapping or they’ll arrive in pieces. Packing a kitchen properly takes the right materials and techniques. Garages and basements come in second because of all the random stuff that’s piled up over the years—tools, holiday decorations, things you forgot you even owned.
Tipping movers for good service is pretty standard. Most people tip each mover individually, not one lump sum to split. How much depends on how tough the move was, how long it took, and whether they did a good job. Nobody’s going to chase you down if you don’t tip, but it’s a physically demanding job and tips show you appreciate the work they did.
Ten grand can cover an interstate move for a typical household, but it depends on a lot of factors. You’ve got moving costs, travel expenses, deposits on your new place, utility hookups, and living expenses until your first paycheck. How far you’re going and how much stuff you’re bringing affects whether that’s enough. Build in some cushion for unexpected expenses because something always comes up.
Weekdays cost less than weekends because fewer people are moving. Middle of the month beats month-end when everyone’s lease turns over. Moving during fall or winter can save you money compared to peak summer season. If you can be flexible about your date, you’ll usually get better rates
Local moves get charged hourly for the crew and truck. Long-distance moves go by weight. Price goes up if you need packing services, if there are lots of stairs, or if movers have a long walk from the truck to your door. Get detailed quotes from several companies and compare what’s included so you’re looking at apples to apples.
Moving to Reno? Call for a free quote. (530) 541-1299
Owens Brothers Transfer services the following areas around Lake Tahoe
Tahoe City | Truckee | South Lake Tahoe | Carson City | Incline Village