Truckee to Grass Valley is about 59 miles and 82 minutes of free-flow driving, with 29 miles on CA 20 and 25 on I-80. A move inside California runs under O'Brien's California authority, Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's).
This is the shortest route in the Northern California set, and the only one between two small towns in the Sierra and its foothills. Nevada County covers both ends, so many households stay close to family, work and a church or school while changing elevation and climate.
Winter mountain road, snow, chains
The drive: I-80 to CA 20
The truck leaves Truckee on I-80 and crosses Donner Summit, then exits for CA 20, which winds through forest and foothill towns into Grass Valley. About 25 miles are interstate and 29 are two-lane state highway, so average speed is lower than the mileage suggests.
CA 20 has curves and grades. Trucks take the lower, slower section carefully, and winter storms can change chain requirements at the summit. Caltrans QuickMap shows both roads.
Two small towns, two different markets
Census figures show how different the towns are. Truckee town has 17,066 residents, a median household income of $130,462, a median gross rent of $1,961 and a median home value of $947,900. Grass Valley city has 14,113 residents, a median household income of $51,764, a median gross rent of $1,458 and a median home value of $482,200.
The median age is 42 in Truckee and 49.6 in Grass Valley, and 59.8 percent of Grass Valley households rent, against 26.6 percent in Truckee. Many people make this move to downsize or retire to a milder, lower-cost home, and some of them are moving a lifetime of belongings into a smaller place.
How a short California move is handled
A move between two California addresses runs under O'Brien's California authority. The band above shows Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's). An estimator visits the Truckee home, itemizes the household and gives a written estimate.
The state's Bureau of Household Goods and Services publishes consumer rules for household goods moves in California.
If you sell in Truckee before the new home is ready, vault storage from $40 per month in Sparks holds the extra furniture. The free in-home estimate includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes, which is enough to start with the kitchen.
O'Brien's Moving & Storage moves households within California under its own authority: Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's). A move between Nevada and California crosses a state line, so it is an interstate move under our federal authority (U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375) instead.
We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future.
Owner's reply
Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity!
M
Mark S.
Great company and local. They take great care of your moving needs. They are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend them for your moving needs and storage needs. Thanks to the O'Brien team for doing a fantastic job.
D
Debbie G.
Both movers were courteous, efficient and very carful with my furniture. Also, talking with Janet over the phone was a pleasure.
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