Moving in Reno
Reno sits between the high desert of the western Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada, and the National Weather Service notes that its high-desert setting produces large temperature swings from day to night and from season to season. A moving day that starts cold can end warm, and the season you choose changes the plan.
Winter moves
Washoe County's residential design criteria use a 17°F winter design temperature. Moving in serious cold means icy steps and walkways, frozen hands, and belongings that don't like freezing. Clear and salt or sand every path the crew will use, at both homes, before they arrive. Protect floors with runners against wet, salty boots. Keep the heat on at both ends.
Things that shouldn't freeze
Some belongings can be damaged by freezing in an unheated truck: liquids in bottles, paints, some cleaning products, houseplants, electronics with batteries, and musical instruments. Move liquids and plants in your own car, and ask the mover to load sensitive items last and unload them first. Let electronics warm up to room temperature before switching them on, so condensation can dry.
Salted streets
The City of Reno's main ice-control material on its own streets is a mixture of salt and sand along with salt brine, and crews pre-treat priority streets, bridges and inclines with brine before storms. That's good for traction and hard on floors: salt and sand get tracked in. Ask the mover what floor protection they'll lay down, and plan to clean up after.
Storms and rescheduling
Ask the mover what happens if a winter storm hits on your move date. Can they reschedule, and is there a charge? Have a backup plan for your lease or closing dates if the weather turns.
Hot, dry summers
Summers are hot and dry, with strong sun. Start early, keep water on hand for everyone, and keep heat-sensitive belongings out of a parked truck. Dry air also makes wood furniture and pianos sensitive to sudden changes; avoid leaving them in a hot truck for long.
Hills and driveways
If your street or driveway is steep, tell the mover about slopes, steps and how close the truck can park, especially in winter.
Daylight in winter
Winter days are short, and cold settles in quickly once the sun goes down. Plan a winter move to finish in daylight: pack and label everything the day before, and keep paths lit at both homes in case the job runs late.
Choosing a mover
Ask for a walk-through, a written estimate and an explanation of how the price is calculated. Ask, in writing, what the mover is responsible for if something is damaged.