Moving boxes and packing supplies in Sparks

The pole sign outside the Sparks yard reads "See us for all your packing supplies," and it is accurate. Customers who pack their own homes can buy what they need from the same company that packs for others, with advice from people who handle cartons every day. Buying from a mover also means the boxes are the kind professional crews trust to stack in a truck.

What is on the shelf

The supply counter carries regular and specialty boxes, wrap, padding and tape. Regular cartons handle books, linens and kitchen goods. Specialty cartons are made for items with special shapes or needs. Wrap and padding protect furniture surfaces and fragile contents, and tape holds the whole system together.

Two price sheets exist, a standard one and a custom one, and both are available on request when you call 775-359-6683.

• Regular moving boxes
• Specialty boxes
• Wrap and padding
• Packing tape

How to get to the counter

Supplies are sold at the O'Brien's office, 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431, the same address as the warehouse and yard. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. It helps to call ahead with a list so the right quantity is ready when you arrive.

Directions and a map are on the contact page.

Your 10 free heavy-duty boxes

When an O'Brien's estimator visits your home, you receive 10 free heavy-duty boxes. They are yours to keep, with no obligation to book. Many customers start packing the same week, and the free boxes suit books and small heavy items, which are the ones that break cheap cartons.

To arrange the visit, see the free in-home estimate page.

Working out the right amount

The most common mistake is buying too many large boxes. Heavy items belong in small cartons and light items in large ones. The packing calculator estimates how many boxes of each size a home needs, and the guide how many boxes do I need explains the logic. Your estimator can also check your count at the home visit.

When it is easier to hand the packing over

If packing starts eating your evenings, a crew can take over part or all of the job. See partial packing for a few rooms, or full packing for the whole home. Boxes you have already bought can be used by the crew.