--- title: Moving Guides: Estimates, Packing, Storage | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/ 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 # Moving guides from a Sparks moving family This library holds more than 130 moving guides, grouped so you can find the one for your next decision in under a minute. Start with the paperwork guides if you are choosing a mover, or the packing guides if your move date is already set. 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/) ## Moving guides 122 - [How much to tip movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-much-to-tip-movers/) - [How much do movers cost? What drives the price](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-much-do-movers-cost/) - [What goes into a long-distance moving cost (weight, distance, services)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-cost/) - [Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) - [Released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/) - [Your rights and responsibilities when you move (FMCSA)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/your-rights-and-responsibilities/) - [The bill of lading, explained](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/) - [How to check a mover's USDOT and MC number](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-check-a-movers-usdot-number/) - [Mover vs moving broker: how to tell](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/carrier-vs-broker/) - [How to choose a moving company](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-moving-company/) - [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/) - [Long-distance moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-checklist/) - [Office relocation checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/office-moving-checklist/) - [Senior moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/senior-moving-checklist/) - [The best time of year to move in Northern Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/best-time-to-move/) - [How far ahead to book movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-far-ahead-to-book-movers/) - [A moving timeline that works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-timeline/) - [Change-of-address checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/change-of-address-checklist/) - [How to transfer utilities when you move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/transferring-utilities/) - [What goes in a first-night box](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-night-box/) - [Move-out cleaning checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/move-out-cleaning-checklist/) - [Moving-day tips from a family mover](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-tips/) - [Planning a move on short notice](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/last-minute-moves/) - [How big a truck does your move need?](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-truck-size/) - [How many boxes do I need?](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-many-boxes-do-i-need/) - [Portable containers vs full-service movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/pods-vs-full-service-movers/) - [Vault storage vs self storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/vault-storage-vs-self-storage/) - [How to prepare furniture for storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/preparing-furniture-for-storage/) - [Long-term storage tips](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-term-storage-tips/) - [How to pack for a move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-for-a-move/) - [How to pack dishes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-dishes/) - [How to pack glasses and stemware](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-glasses/) - [How to pack plates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-plates/) - [How to pack a TV](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-tv/) - [How to pack mirrors and picture frames](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-mirrors-and-pictures/) - [How to pack lamps](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-lamps/) - [How to pack shoes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-shoes/) - [How to pack clothes for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/) - [How to pack books](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-books/) - [How to pack artwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-artwork/) - [How to pack jewelry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-jewelry/) - [How to pack pots and pans](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-pots-and-pans/) - [How to pack and move a mattress](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/) - [How to pack a kitchen](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-kitchen/) - [How to pack a garage and tools](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-garage/) - [How to pack a bathroom](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-bathroom/) - [How to pack a home office and electronics](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-home-office/) - [How to pack a closet](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-closet/) - [How to pack kids' rooms](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-kids-rooms/) - [How to pack patio and outdoor furniture](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-patio-furniture/) - [What to do with food and the pantry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-pantry/) - [Packing room by room: the order that works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/packing-room-by-room/) - [How pianos are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-piano/) - [How pool tables are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-pool-table/) - [How hot tubs are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-hot-tub/) - [How to move a refrigerator](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-refrigerator/) - [How to move a washer and dryer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-washer-and-dryer/) - [How to move a grandfather clock](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-grandfather-clock/) - [How to move a chandelier](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-chandelier/) - [Moving antiques safely](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-antiques/) - [How gun safes are moved (and what to ask)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-gun-safe/) - [Shipping a car when you move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/shipping-a-car-when-you-move/) - [Moving a wine collection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-wine/) - [Moving with plants (and state plant rules)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-plants/) - [Moving with cats](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-cats/) - [Moving with dogs](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-dogs/) - [Moving with fish](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-fish/) - [Moving with kids](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-kids/) - [Moving in winter in the Sierra](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-winter/) - [Moving to high altitude](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-high-altitude/) - [Downsizing for seniors](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/downsizing-for-seniors/) - [Moving a parent to assisted living](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-a-parent-to-assisted-living/) - [Handling an estate move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/estate-moves/) - [Moving for a new job](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-for-a-new-job/) - [Moving into your first apartment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-apartment-move/) - [Getting furniture ready for home staging](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-and-home-staging/) - [What is FF&E?](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-ffe/) - [Hotel renovation FF&E logistics](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/hotel-renovation-ffe-logistics/) - [Planning a laboratory move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/planning-a-lab-move/) - [Moving office IT and equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/office-move-it-and-equipment/) - [Business records storage basics](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/records-retention-and-storage/) - [What white-glove delivery means](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/white-glove-delivery-meaning/) - [What to ask an FF&E installer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/choosing-an-ffe-installer/) - [How to pack a moving box properly](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-moving-box/) - [How to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/) - [How to take apart a bed frame for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/) - [How to move a couch](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-couch/) - [How to move a heavy dresser](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/) - [How to move a treadmill and exercise equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-treadmill/) - [How to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/) - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to move a fish tank or aquarium](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/) - [How to move a freezer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-freezer/) - [How to move a stove or range](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-stove/) - [How to move a dishwasher](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dishwasher/) - [How to pack vinyl records](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-records/) - [Moving with a newborn](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-a-newborn/) - [Moving after a divorce](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-after-divorce/) - [Moving in together](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-together/) - [Moving out of your parents' house](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-out-of-your-parents-house/) - [Moving while pregnant](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-while-pregnant/) - [Moving on a budget (without cutting corners)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-on-a-budget/) - [Moving by yourself: what to hand off](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-alone/) - [Moving to a new state checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-a-new-state-checklist/) - [Packing checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/packing-checklist/) - [Moving-day checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-checklist/) - [First-week-in-your-new-home checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/new-home-checklist/) - [Apartment moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/apartment-moving-checklist/) - [Hiring movers vs renting a truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/hiring-movers-vs-renting-a-truck/) - [Moving container vs moving truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-container-vs-moving-truck/) - [Full packing vs packing it yourself](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/full-service-vs-partial-packing/) - [Moving to Reno from another country](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-reno-from-abroad/) - [Moving to Canada from the US](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-canada-from-the-us/) - [Moving to Mexico from the US](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-mexico-from-the-us/) - [Moving overseas: how international household moves work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-overseas/) Every guide is written by a family that has moved Northern Nevada households since 1941, and each one points to the official federal or Nevada source behind it. Pick the group that matches where you are in the move, then open the guide. ## Guides for choosing a mover and reading the paperwork Start here if you are comparing movers or holding a written estimate. Federal rules decide what a mover must put on paper for an interstate move, and these guides translate those rules into things you can check yourself in a few minutes. The guide on [binding and non-binding estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) explains how each type of estimate works, and [how to check a mover's USDOT and MC number](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-check-a-movers-usdot-number/) shows you the public lookup anyone can use. Two more cover [released value and full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/) and [the bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/). - [How to choose a moving company](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-moving-company/) - [Questions to ask a mover before you book](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/) - [Mover vs moving broker: how to tell](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/carrier-vs-broker/) - [Your rights and responsibilities when you move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/your-rights-and-responsibilities/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) ## Guides for planning, timing and checklists A move goes smoothly when the work is spread over weeks instead of the last weekend. These guides give you the order of tasks, from the first phone call to the first week in the new home. The [8-week moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-checklist/) is the one most households print. [How far ahead to book movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-far-ahead-to-book-movers/) covers lead time, and [planning a move on short notice](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/last-minute-moves/) is for the weeks when the date arrived faster than expected. Northern Nevada has its own calendar. Winter storms on the Sierra, summer heat and the end-of-month rush all change how you plan, so there is a guide for [the best time of year to move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/best-time-to-move/), one for each month from [January](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-january/) through [December](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-december/), and four for Lake Tahoe and Truckee by season, starting with [winter at the lake](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-at-lake-tahoe-in-winter/). ## Guides for packing, boxes and heavy items The packing guides work item by item, so you can read only the page for the thing in front of you. Dishes, TVs, mirrors, books, artwork and a whole kitchen each have their own steps, and [packing room by room](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/packing-room-by-room/) gives the order that keeps the house usable until the last day. Heavy and awkward pieces have their own guides too, such as [how pianos are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-piano/), [pool tables](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-pool-table/), [hot tubs](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-hot-tub/) and [refrigerators](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-refrigerator/). If you would rather hand the work off, the [packing service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) page shows what our crews wrap and box, and [full packing vs packing it yourself](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/full-service-vs-partial-packing/) helps you decide. ## Guides for storage, long-distance moves and life changes Storage questions come up on almost every move that does not land on the same day the keys change hands. [Vault storage vs self storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/vault-storage-vs-self-storage/) explains the difference in plain terms, and [what storage in transit means](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-storage-in-transit/) covers goods held between pickup and delivery. For long moves, [what goes into a long-distance moving cost](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-cost/) and [pickup and delivery spreads](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/delivery-spread-explained/) show how weight, distance and scheduling fit together. Households in transition have their own set, including [downsizing for seniors](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/downsizing-for-seniors/), [estate moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/estate-moves/) and [moving for a new job](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-for-a-new-job/). Businesses are covered as well, with guides on [office IT and equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/office-move-it-and-equipment/), [FF&E](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-ffe/) and [laboratory moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/planning-a-lab-move/). ## When you would rather talk it through Reading helps, but an address and a floor plan answer questions faster than any article. O'Brien's offers a free, no-obligation in-home estimate with 10 free heavy-duty boxes yours to keep, or you can call the office at 775-359-6683 on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. You can also run the numbers yourself with the [moving tools](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/), or browse the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/) for short answers. Ask for the written estimate, read it against the guides above, and decide at your own pace. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA: Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [eCFR: 49 CFR Part 375, Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate Commerce](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) ### 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 - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/) - [Moving tools](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/) - [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) 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/). ### Where should I start if I have never hired movers? Start with the guide on how to choose a moving company, then read the one on estimate types. Together they take about ten minutes and tell you what to ask for before you let anyone into your home. ### Do the guides replace an estimate from O'Brien's? No. A guide explains how moving works in general. Your own estimate comes from an O'Brien's estimator who sees your home, and it is itemized and in writing. ### Are the rules in the guides the official ones? Each guide that touches a rule links to the agency that publishes it, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the Nevada Transportation Authority. Read the official page when a decision depends on exact wording. ### Is there a guide for moving in the winter? Yes. The library has a guide on moving in winter in the Sierra, a page for every month, and four Lake Tahoe and Truckee guides, one per season. ### Can I use the guides if I am moving a business? Yes. The business group covers office checklists, IT and equipment, records storage, laboratory moves and FF&E logistics for hotels, dormitories and similar projects. ### How do I reach a person when the guides do not cover my situation? Call 775-359-6683 on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm, or send the online estimate request. An estimator will answer your question and, if you want, visit the home. ## 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) N Nadine K. May 15, 2025 The guys were very friendly and hard working. Would definitely use them again! ### Owner's reply Nadine, We are pleased you chose us for your move, it was a pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy the move was a success. G Greg S. January 22, 2025 3 O'Brien movers came down from Reno to South Lake Tahoe to assist our company moving a lot of big furniture out of a large warehouse. They showed up on-time, were friendly, and were professional and got the job done quickly and diligently. Will definitely use them again. ### Owner's reply Thanks for the great review Greg! We really appreciate you taking the time to do that for us. We look forward to working with you again! B Bruce E. December 25, 2024 My family moved exclusively with Bekins when I was young and O'Brien's made it a pleasure to return to this fine local company. I would be pleased to have any members of O'Brien's as friends and highly recommend O'Brien's to anyone needing the services they provide! ### Owner's reply Bruce thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. It was an extreme pleasure to work for you, please do not hesitate to call us for any help you need in the future. ## 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