El Centro to Reno is about 611 miles, over 12 hours of free-flow driving, which the route data counts as two driving days. El Centro is 39 feet below sea level, and the route reaches Conway Summit on US 395 at about 8,140 feet.
El Centro is the largest city in Imperial County, with about 44,200 residents, a July high of 107.8 degrees at the county airport station and a median household income of $53,082. A household leaving the Imperial Valley is leaving a very hot, very dry corner of California for the length of the Sierra.
Truckee River / Riverwalk in downtown Reno
The drive: CA 86, I-10 and US 395
The route data lists 383 miles on US 395, 77 on CA 86, 72 on I-10 and 34 on I-580. From El Centro the truck runs north on CA 86 and I-10, then joins US 395 and follows the east side of the Sierra for the bulk of the trip, over Conway Summit at about 8,140 feet.
At more than 12 hours of free-flow driving, this is a two-day trip for a truck, since drivers have limits on how long they may drive in a day. That is why the data shows two driving days. The estimator sets the delivery window in your written estimate, and a map alone cannot give a date.
The route runs from below sea level to nearly 8,000 feet. Summer heat in the desert is hard on a crew and on some belongings, so loading starts early. In winter, the northern end of US 395 can see snow, and Caltrans QuickMap and NDOT are the places to check.
What the miles mean for a move
At 611 miles, this is a long-distance move in every sense. Pricing is by weight from the itemized inventory and condition report done before packing. Interstate moves are covered by federal rules, and the rights and responsibilities booklet explains them.
Desert households often have outdoor furniture, evaporative coolers and sun-worn items that are best listed carefully. Vehicles can travel with the move through auto transport.
Cost and climate at both ends
El Centro city's median gross rent is $1,052 and its median home value is $323,100. Reno city's Census median gross rent and median home value are $1,556 and $548,300, so housing costs more in Reno. The Imperial County station records an annual 2.38 inches of precipitation; Reno gets 7.35 inches and about 21 inches of snow.
Census flows between Imperial County and Washoe County are small and carry large margins of error, so people move in both directions.
Reno Arch by day / downtown Virginia St
How the move works with O'Brien's
You book with O'Brien's, a Bekins agent since 1955 based in Sparks. We coordinate the move from your El Centro address through the Bekins network. Delivery, unpacking and storage are handled in Sparks. Your written estimate sets the delivery window.
Our 30,000 square foot warehouse offers vault storage from $40 per month. The free estimate includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes.
How a long-distance move works with a Bekins agent
O'Brien's Moving & Storage has been an agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955. On an interstate move the Bekins network carries your shipment under the van line's interstate system; O'Brien's books the move in either direction. Leaving Northern Nevada, we give the free in-home estimate, pack, store in our Sparks warehouse if you need it, and load. Moving here from another state, you book with us and we coordinate the move from your origin through the Bekins network, then handle delivery, unpacking and storage in Sparks. Your written estimate sets the delivery window. What being a Bekins agent means.
Your rights on an interstate move
Federal booklets every interstate mover must give you
I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move.
Owner's reply
Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward.
J
Judy H.
I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!!
Owner's reply
WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know.
F
Francie H.
We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future.
Owner's reply
Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity!
Get a long-distance estimate
Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home.