Senior moves and downsizing in Tahoe City

The Sunnyside-Tahoe City area, in Placer County on the lake's west shore, has about 1,600 residents and 673 households at 7,000 feet. The median age is about 40.3, the median home was built in 1973 and the median home value is about $1.02 million.

Mostly second homes

Two in three homes are seasonal. A senior closing the family cabin may have furniture and keepsakes from decades of summers. The estimator walks through each room and lists what goes to children, what goes to storage and what is donated.

A west-shore route

Tahoe City is about 52 miles and 71 minutes from the warehouse, via CA-89 and I-80. In winter, the route can close, so plan with margin. See moving at Lake Tahoe in winter.

Older mountain homes

A median build of 1973 usually means a house with a steep roofline, wood stairs and a narrow driveway. The estimator checks parking and may suggest a shuttle.

State line to consider

A move to a Nevada address is interstate and runs under U.S. DOT No. 30611 and MC-109375. O'Brien's is permitted in California for moves within California.

Storage that waits

Furniture you are not ready to place can sit in a vault in Sparks, from $40 per month, with about 2 to 3 weeks notice to ship. See vault storage.

What the numbers say

The Census counts about 673 households here, and only about 9 percent of residents moved in the past year. With 70 percent of homes owned and 30 percent rented, and two thirds of housing seasonal, the community has far more homes than year-round residents. Estimates for a small area carry wide margins, so each house is judged on its own.

Sorting a family cabin

A cabin carries memories from several generations. Walk through with the family first, tag items for each person, and decide what the Sparks storage vaults should hold. The crew packs what is left and records condition in the inventory.

A west-shore winter

At 7,000 feet, Tahoe City gets heavy snow, and a snowed-in driveway can stop a truck. A good plan sets a primary and a backup day. See moving at Lake Tahoe in winter and mountain passes and winter driving.

Where seniors go from the west shore

Reno, Sparks and the Sacramento area are common destinations for services and family. A move to Reno or Sparks crosses a state line. A move to Sacramento stays within California.

Call

775-359-6683, weekdays, 8 am to 5 pm.