--- title: How to Choose a Moving Company in Reno and Sparks url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-moving-company/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to choose a moving company # How to choose a moving company Choose a mover in five steps: confirm it is registered, have it survey your home, compare written estimates line by line, read recent reviews and ask who will do the work. O'Brien's invites you to check each step, starting with a free in-home estimate and a 4.3-star Google rating. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Most bad moving stories begin with a decision made on price alone, or on a phone call that never included a look at the home. A calm, ordered process protects you better than hunting for the lowest number. This guide gives that process in plain steps. ## Step 1: confirm the registration Every mover carrying goods across state lines needs registration with FMCSA, and a mover working only inside Nevada needs authority from the Nevada Transportation Authority. Ask for the legal name, the U.S. DOT number and the MC number, and check them as described in [how to check a mover's USDOT number](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-check-a-movers-usdot-number/). O'Brien's holds U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375 and Nevada CPCN 1070. ## Step 2: ask for a survey, not a guess Federal rules require an interstate mover to survey your goods before a written estimate, in person or by video. Any mover who quotes a final number by phone without seeing the home is guessing. An estimator at your home also sees the stairs, the driveway, the pool table in the garage and the furniture that will not fit through a door, which is information a form cannot capture. ## Step 3: compare estimates on equal terms Put the estimates side by side and check that each lists the same rooms, packing, storage, valuation level and estimate type. A binding estimate fixes the price for the services it lists; a non-binding one follows actual weight, with a 110 percent limit at delivery on interstate moves. The [questions to ask movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/) make the comparison easier. ## Step 4: read reviews with care Read recent reviews on Google and look for details about the crew, the care taken and how problems were handled. A pattern across many reviews says more than any single story. Read the reviews O'Brien's has received on the [reviews page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/), and compare them with those of any other company on your list. ## Step 5: meet the people and read the paperwork - Ask who will estimate, who will load and who answers the phone on the day. - Ask how long the company has served your area. O'Brien's has been family owned since 1941. - Confirm that the estimate shows how storage, packing and delivery are handled. - Read the bill of lading and inventory before signing (see [bill of lading explained](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/)). ## Signs to slow down Slow down if a company asks for a large cash deposit before paperwork, will not name its carrier, cannot show a USDOT number, or pressures you to sign the same day. The FMCSA booklet advises keeping every receipt if cash is demanded and avoiding movers that refuse a physical survey. A reputable mover is comfortable with questions and gives answers in writing. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) - [FMCSA, SAFER Company Snapshot](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) - [O'Brien's Moving & Storage reviews (Google)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) - [Licenses and operating authority: USDOT 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) - [Questions to ask a mover before you book](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Questions to ask a mover before you book](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) - [Pickup and delivery spreads on long-distance moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/delivery-spread-explained/) - [What is storage in transit?](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-storage-in-transit/) - [What movers will not move (hazardous items)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) - [Are moving expenses tax deductible? (IRS)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-expenses-and-taxes/) - [The 8-week moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-checklist/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How many estimates should I get? Enough to see the pattern, usually two or three. More matters less than making sure each is based on a survey of your home. ### Is the cheapest estimate a warning sign? A low number is a prompt to read its details. Check that it covers the same services, coverage and estimate type as the others. ### Can I book O'Brien's without an in-home visit? You can begin with a phone ballpark or an online request, and the in-home estimate is free and carries no obligation. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. C Christy R. March 25, 2023 All of the above! Have used o'briens several times in the past and always had great timely service! ### Owner's reply Christy thank you so much, not just for the 5 star review but also for continuing to stay a O'Brien's Customer. We appreciate your repeat business and you know we love talking with you anytime! You know where to find us when you need us! J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070