--- title: Moving Checklist: From Eight Weeks Out to Unpacking url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/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/) - The 8-week moving checklist # Moving checklist for a Reno-Sparks move Start your moving checklist about eight weeks out with estimates and decisions, pack in the middle weeks, confirm everything in the last week and unpack room by room afterward. This list follows that arc for a local move and ends with the first week in the new home. 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 checklist works because moves fail in small ways: a forgotten utility call, a missing key, an unlabeled box. Work through this list in order, check items off and adjust the timing to your own date. If you are leaving the state, the [long-distance checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-checklist/) adds the interstate steps. ## Eight to six weeks out - Decide what moves and what goes: sell, donate or recycle the rest. - Set a rough budget and a target date, with a back-up date. - Book a free in-home estimate and show the estimator every room, the garage and storage areas. - Compare estimates using the [questions to ask movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/). - Ask about storage if there is a gap between homes (see [vault storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/full-service-storage/vault-storage/)). - Start a folder for estimates, contracts and receipts. ## Five to three weeks out - Confirm your mover, the date and the written estimate. - Collect boxes: O'Brien's leaves 10 free heavy-duty boxes with the in-home estimate, and more boxes and supplies are sold at the Sparks office. The [packing calculator](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/packing-calculator/) helps you plan the count. - Pack rarely used rooms first: books, off-season clothes, decor. - Notify your landlord or arrange the closing and key handoff. - Schedule utilities to stop at the old home and start at the new one (see [transferring utilities](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/transferring-utilities/)). - File a change of address with USPS and update banks, insurers and employers (see [change of address checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/change-of-address-checklist/)). ## The last two weeks - Finish packing everything except daily essentials. - Label every box with its room and a short list of contents. - Defrost the freezer, empty and clean appliances that move with you. - Separate items you will carry: documents, medicines, valuables and electronics. - Arrange parking and elevator access at both ends. - Pack a first-night box with sheets, toiletries, chargers and tools. ## Moving day - Be present to meet the crew, walk through the home and answer questions. - Review the inventory and condition notes before you sign. - Point out fragile items and anything that needs special handling. - Do a final walk through every room, closet and the garage. - Keep the paperwork with you, not on the truck, and confirm the delivery address. ## The first week in your new home - Check each box off against the inventory and note any damage right away. - Set up beds and the kitchen first, then work room by room. - Register your vehicle and update your license on the schedule your state sets (see [driver's license](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/) and [vehicle registration](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/)). - Look for the nearest smog, utility and trash arrangements. - Keep the move folder until every claim window has passed. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Ready to Move? Tips for a Successful Interstate Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [USPS, Change of Address](https://moversguide.usps.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 - [Moving checklist generator](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/moving-checklist/) - [A moving timeline that works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-timeline/) - [Long-distance moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-checklist/) - [Professional packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) Moving guides ## Read next - [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/) 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 early should I start planning? About eight weeks is a comfortable runway for a household. Shorter notice works with a tighter list. ### Do I need to pack everything myself? No. O'Brien's offers full, partial and box-packing services, as listed on the [packing page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/). ### Is there a printable version? The [moving checklist tool](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/moving-checklist/) turns these steps into a list you can tick off. ## 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) 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. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 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. ### Owner's reply 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. ## 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