Senior moves and downsizing in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, is the largest community on the lake, with about 21,300 residents and 9,500 households at 6,260 feet. The median home was built in 1973 and about 36 percent of housing is seasonal.

A city of renters and owners

About 51 percent of homes are owned and 49 percent rented. A renter's move depends on building rules and lease dates; an owner's move often depends on a sale. The estimator asks which you are.

The long mountain drive

The warehouse is about 60 miles and 83 minutes away, via US 50 and I-580, the longest trip among the Tahoe towns. Winter can change plans. See moving at Lake Tahoe in winter.

Houses of 1973

A median build of 1973 means older homes with narrow stairs and small bedrooms. The crew protects floors and takes apart large furniture.

Moves within California or to Nevada

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

Seasonal homes

Owners closing a second home can store furniture in vaults in Sparks, from $40 per month. See seasonal and second-home storage.

What the numbers say

The Census estimates about 9,500 households, a median home value of about $682,400 and about 12 percent of residents moving in the past year. About 36 percent of the housing is seasonal, so some owners live elsewhere part of the year.

Older apartments and condominiums

Many rental buildings in the city date from the 1970s. They may have outdoor stairs, no elevator and tight parking. Share the building's name and the manager's number with the estimator so the plan covers loading time.

Resources

The California Department of Aging and the Eldercare Locator list help for older adults and caregivers, and families often use them alongside a mover.

Choosing a destination

From South Lake Tahoe, seniors move to Carson City, Minden, Reno, Sacramento and the Bay Area. The crew can plan each one. See the South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento move for a within-California example.

Pacing a move in a busy resort city

Weekends and holidays crowd South Lake Tahoe, so weekday moves are easier for parking and for a quiet building. Book the date early, tell the manager which day the truck arrives, and ask the estimator how long loading will take. Family helpers can then plan their own time.

Call

775-359-6683, weekdays, 8 am to 5 pm. The estimate includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes.