Photo: Don Ramey Logan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsReno has about 273,000 residents, and the Census Bureau counts roughly 34 percent of its householders as having moved in since 2020, so you will be one of many newcomers. This guide walks through the tasks in the order most people meet them, with a link to an official source for each.
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4.3 on Google · 71 reviewsFamily owned since 1941U.S. DOT No. 30611
O'Brien's has moved families into the Truckee Meadows from our Sparks warehouse since 1941, and the same questions come up every season: what does the DMV need, who turns on the water, which school zone is this address in. Each topic below has its own page with the official numbers and the agency that handles it.
Start with the tasks that have a deadline or that you cannot work without: power, water, internet, your Nevada license and your vehicle registration. Everything else can follow in the first few weeks.
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey reports that 50.2 percent of Reno households rent and 49.8 percent own, while in Sparks about 59.8 percent own. That split matters for your first month. Renters usually deal with a landlord for some utilities, and owners open each account in their own name.
If your goods will arrive after you do, plan a few days of essentials in your car and a clear date for the truck. Your delivery window comes from your written estimate, and our free in-home estimate is where that conversation starts.
Nevada does not collect a state personal income tax, and that is the fact most newcomers ask about first. Sales tax, property tax and business taxes still apply, and the rules are on the Department of Taxation site. Our pages on Nevada taxes and Washoe County property taxes explain what each one means for a household.
The Nevada DMV handles your driver's license and REAL ID and your vehicle registration. Appointments fill up, so book early, and read the DMV's document list before you go. Many Washoe County vehicles also need a smog check before registration.
Reno and Sparks homes are served by NV Energy for electricity, TMWA for water and the local franchise hauler for trash. Our utilities page lists the order to call them in, and the trash and recycling page covers bulky pickup.
Washoe County School District assigns schools by address, so confirm the zone before you sign a lease or a purchase contract. The schools page explains enrollment, and the voter registration page covers the Nevada form.
Reno sits on the high desert east of the Sierra Nevada, so winters bring snow and summers are dry. Mountain passes on I-80 can require chains, which matters if your move crosses from California. See weather by month, winter driving and wildfire smoke season.
The higher elevation also affects some belongings and some people, from houseplants to a first hike. The altitude page collects the practical points.
Housing is the biggest decision. The housing page and the renting page use Census figures, and the neighborhoods by ZIP code page helps you compare areas. If you are weighing towns, read Sparks vs Reno and Carson City vs Reno.
Coming from another city? We have side-by-side pages for Las Vegas, Sacramento and the Bay Area, plus a 30, 60 and 90 day checklist for the weeks after you land.
Our office, truck yard and 30,000 square foot warehouse are at 2277 Glendale Ave in Sparks, about 11 minutes from downtown Reno. We handle local moves, long-distance moves as a Bekins Van Lines agent, packing and vault storage from $40 per month if your new home is not ready.
Call 775-359-6683 or ask for a free in-home estimate, which comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes. Two other tools help while you plan: the moving checklist generator and the Census data on who moves to Reno.
U.S. DOT No. 30611
MC-109375
Nevada CPCN 1070
Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's)
Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955
Check our USDOT record · Ready to Move? (FMCSA)
Licenses and authority2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
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Answers
Still have a question? Call 775-359-6683, Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the moving FAQ.
Set up power with NV Energy and water with TMWA, then book a Nevada DMV appointment for your license and registration. Schools, voting and smaller tasks can follow in the first month.
No, Nevada does not collect a state personal income tax. Other taxes, such as sales and property tax, still apply, and the Department of Taxation explains each one.
Each topic page names the agency that handles it, such as the Nevada DMV, the Department of Taxation, TMWA, NV Energy and the Washoe County School District, with a link to its site.
What customers say about O'Brien's
Ami M.
O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about.
Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know.
Mike K.
The best customer service ever!
Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business!
Patrick R.
The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional!
Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home.
Photo: Don Ramey Logan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons