Nevada appeared on the United Van Lines top inbound list for the first time in 2025, having spent 2022 and 2023 as a “balanced” state with nearly equal inbound and outbound moves. The shift reflects growing affordability-driven migration into the Las Vegas metro from California, which has been a consistent outbound state. The Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metro accounts for roughly 75% of Nevada’s population and drives the overwhelming majority of the state’s move volume; Reno-Sparks in the north generates most of the remainder. Because Nevada’s two major metros are separated by 440 miles of desert via I-80 and US-95, moves between Las Vegas and Reno are always priced as long-distance relocations regardless of the fact that both cities are in the same state.
Within Las Vegas, the moving market has several distinctive features. High-rise and mid-rise residential towers in and near the Strip corridor require movers to coordinate elevator reservations, loading dock windows, and building management approvals in advance. Las Vegas Valley’s grid of master-planned communities in Henderson, Summerlin, and the northwest suburbs generates steady intrastate move traffic between neighborhoods. The metro’s hospitality and construction sectors support a transient workforce, contributing to consistent year-round demand rather than the sharp summer peaks seen in colder states. Peak season still runs May through September, with summer heat — Las Vegas averages over 105°F in July — a practical concern for movers and customers alike; most professional crews begin early morning to avoid midday temperatures.
California, Utah, and Arizona are Nevada’s primary cross-border move partners, with I-15 (Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and Los Angeles) and I-80 (Reno to Sacramento and San Francisco) defining the heaviest interstate corridors.
Nevada regulates intrastate household goods movers through the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). All companies moving household goods exclusively within Nevada must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the NTA, carry minimum liability insurance of $300,000 to $750,000 depending on truck weight, and maintain cargo insurance of at least $15,000 per vehicle. CPCN numbers must appear on all vehicles, advertisements, and contracts. Operating without a CPCN is a misdemeanor under NRS 706.758, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation and possible vehicle impoundment. Consumers can verify a mover’s CPCN status through the NTA’s Active Certificates Database at nta.nv.gov. Interstate moves require a separate FMCSA USDOT number.
Top-Rated Movers in Nevada
Champion Movers
Address: 4420 Andrews St, Suite C, North Las Vegas, NV 89081
Website: https://www.championmovers1.com
USDOT: #1415523
NTA CPCN: 3337.3
Founded in 2002 and locally owned, Champion Movers has been operating in the Las Vegas Valley for over two decades. The company handles local and long-distance residential and commercial moves, full packing and unpacking, storage, and specialty item handling including pianos, antiques, safes, and grandfather clocks. Champion serves the greater Las Vegas Valley including Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas, with interstate service available across the country. The company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and accepts credit cards with no deposit required.
Move 4 Less
Address: 6630 Arroyo Springs St, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89113 (also Reno, NV)
Website: https://move4lessmoving.com
USDOT: #1251663
NTA CPCN: 3344.7
Founded in Las Vegas and locally owned, Move 4 Less has completed over 51,000 relocations across more than 21 years of operation. The company maintains offices in both Las Vegas and Reno, making it one of the few locally headquartered movers with genuine two-market reach across Nevada’s two major metros. Services include local residential and commercial moves, long-distance and interstate relocation, full packing and unpacking, storage, and specialty moves to Hawaii. Move 4 Less considers any move under 200 miles local for pricing purposes. The company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association and acknowledged by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
Colonial Van & Storage
Address: Sparks, NV (exact street address not publicly listed)
Website: https://www.colonialvanlines.com
Founded in 1971, Colonial Van & Storage is one of Nevada’s longest continuously operating moving companies, based in the Reno-Sparks metro for over 50 years. The company specializes in long-distance and interstate relocations in addition to local Reno-area moves, with particular expertise in handling high-value and specialty items including artwork, pianos, antiques, and custom crating. Colonial also handles office and commercial moves and offers storage. The company’s Reno location positions it to serve moves along the I-80 corridor between northern Nevada, northern California, and the Pacific Northwest.
Moving Companies in Nevada: Common Questions
Is a moving company required to be licensed in Nevada?
Yes. All for-hire household goods movers conducting intrastate moves within Nevada must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). The CPCN number must appear on every vehicle, website, contract, and advertisement. You can verify a mover’s active certificate through the NTA’s online database at nta.nv.gov. For interstate moves crossing into California, Utah, Arizona, or any other state, verify the company’s USDOT number through the FMCSA at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Operating without an NTA CPCN is a misdemeanor with fines up to $10,000 per violation.
How much does a local move typically cost in Nevada?
According to MoveBuddha data, the average hourly rate for a professional moving crew in Nevada is approximately $112, which is below the national average of $137. For Las Vegas metro moves specifically, hourly rates per mover average around $90, with total local move costs ranging from roughly $345 to $3,629 depending on home size and services. A two-bedroom move typically involves three movers for five hours. Nevada’s below-average rates reflect lower labor costs compared to California — a factor that makes Nevada an affordable destination for movers crossing the state line from the west.
How does Nevada’s geography and climate affect moving costs and timing?
Las Vegas and Reno are 440 miles apart by the most direct route, meaning any move between Nevada’s two major metros is billed as a long-distance relocation using weight-and-distance pricing rather than hourly rates. Within Las Vegas, moves involving high-rise residential buildings require advance coordination of elevator access and building loading dock reservations, which can affect scheduling and cost. Summer heat — Las Vegas averages over 105°F in July — means professional movers typically schedule early-morning start times from May through September; customers planning summer moves should book four to six weeks in advance for best crew availability.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Nevada?
For intrastate moves within Nevada, file complaints with the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA), which regulates household goods movers and investigates complaints under NAC 706.3974-706.3976. Movers are required to inform customers of their right to file a complaint with the NTA and provide contact information. For interstate moves, file complaints with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at fmcsa.dot.gov or call (855) 368-4200. Before filing, gather your bill of lading, written estimate, and any communications with the mover.
What should I know about moving during Nevada’s peak season?
Peak moving season in Nevada runs May through September. In Las Vegas, July temperatures regularly exceed 105°F, making early-morning start times — typically 7 to 8 AM — standard practice for professional crews during summer moves. High-rise buildings in the Las Vegas Valley often restrict move-in and move-out times to morning windows to reduce elevator congestion; check with building management before booking your movers. Off-peak months (October through April) typically offer better crew availability and lower rates, and cooler temperatures make the physical work of loading and unloading easier for both movers and customers.