--- title: Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Interstate Steps url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-checklist/ 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/) - Long-distance moving checklist # Long-distance moving checklist A long-distance checklist adds seven interstate steps to the everyday one: verify the carrier, get a surveyed written estimate, choose coverage, agree on dates, plan storage, prepare for weighing and plan your arrival. O'Brien's works these steps as a Bekins agent, and you can take any of them to the office at 775-359-6683. 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/) A move across state lines runs under federal rules, and the checklist is different from a move across town. The goods travel hundreds of miles, are weighed, and arrive during a delivery window rather than at a set hour. Use this list alongside the general [moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-checklist/). ## Before you book - Verify the carrier's U.S. DOT and MC numbers (see [how to check](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-check-a-movers-usdot-number/)). - Ask whether the company is the carrier, a broker or an agent (see [carrier vs broker](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/carrier-vs-broker/)). - Have the home surveyed and get a written estimate, binding or non-binding. - Receive the FMCSA Ready to Move brochure and the Rights and Responsibilities booklet. ## Coverage and paperwork - Choose between Full Value Protection and released value, in writing (see [valuation](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/)). - List high-value articles for written declaration. - Read the bill of lading and sign only completed sections. - Review the inventory page by page and keep your copies. ## Dates, storage and weight - Agree on pickup dates and a delivery window that will appear on the bill of lading (see [delivery spread](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/delivery-spread-explained/)). - Plan storage if the new home is not ready (see [storage in transit](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-storage-in-transit/)). - Decide whether you will watch the weighing, and ask for the weight tickets. - Learn about the 110 percent limit at delivery on a non-binding estimate (see [how weight sets the bill](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-cost/)). ## Your car, your pets and your route Decide whether your vehicles ride on a carrier, travel with a driver or move with a service such as [auto transport](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/auto-transport/). Check pet health papers if you cross state lines. If you drive over the Sierra between October and May, watch conditions at the NV Roads website (nvroads.com) before you leave. Plan hotel nights, fuel stops and a day for rest. ## Arrival - Be present, or appoint a representative, when the 24-hour delivery notice arrives. - Check each item off against the inventory and note damage before signing. - Begin any claim within 9 months of delivery (see [how to file a claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/)). - Register your vehicle and update your license as your new state requires. For Nevada, see [the new resident checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/new-resident-checklist/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [eCFR, 49 CFR Part 375](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) - [Nevada Department of Transportation, NV Roads](https://www.nvroads.com) ### 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 - [Long-distance moving as a Bekins agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/long-distance-moving/) - [How an interstate move works with a Bekins agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/long-distance-moving/how-interstate-moves-work/) - [The 8-week moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-checklist/) Moving guides ## Read next - [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/) 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/). ### Who does what on a Bekins move to Reno? The Bekins network carries the shipment, and O'Brien's handles the Reno end, including destination services, storage in Sparks and delivery. ### Is a move from Nevada to California interstate? Yes. It crosses a state line, so the federal household goods rules apply. ### How far ahead should I book? Early. Ask the office about your dates when you first plan the move. ## 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) M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. ## 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