Congratulations! You’ve made the exciting decision to move to Las Vegas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and a great place to live, work and play. As you prepare for relocation, the stress of planning and the daunting task of making the move might become overwhelming. This section of the Las Vegas Relocation Guide is designed to make your move a relatively effortless and enjoyable undertaking.
On the following pages you’ll find information about everything needed for relocation, from selecting a moving company and packing your belongings, to transferring your medical records and hooking up utilities at your new home.
(Note: While this section is designed to help you develop a comprehensive, step-by-step process, to ensure a stress-free move, you may find additional information related to settling into the community in the “Living in Las Vegas,” and “Neighborhoods + Communities” sections of this guide.)
A number of options are available when it comes to planning the big move. You can do it yourself by renting a moving truck and packing and loading your own belongings, or you can hire a moving company to do the work for you. It’s important to consider how far you’re moving, how much you’re bringing with you, and the time and costs associated with each option.
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If you plan to interview moving companies, ask questions, request references and get everything in writing.
Information to have on-hand when interviewing moving companies:
Every moving company has different pricing, policies and procedures. Make sure you get a written estimate before signing a contract.
A binding estimate details, in writing, any and all services the moving company is agreeing to provide for you. This type of estimate ensures you will only be billed for the prestated amount. A nonbinding estimate is simply an approximation of your total moving costs and will vary based on the total packed weight of your belonging, movers’ ease-of-access to your property and your packing needs.
Make sure you interview at least three companies and get everything in writing before you sign an agreement or make a deposit. Many companies allow you to estimate your moving costs online by completing inventory lists and selecting “add on” services.
If you’re planning to move yourself, start by calling moving companies, getting price estimates and asking about the services the company offers. Make sure you know what you need before you start contacting movers. Make a list that includes information related to the following:
Timing a move is of crucial importance. Many moving companies will require a “window” of time availability for completing your move, and, oftentimes, DYI moving companies require several weeks notice for reserving a truck.
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, you’ll want to ensure all of your possessions make it to your new home in good shape. Consider these tips:
Remember that children, older travelers and pets will need extra attention and frequent stops along the way:
Portions of your move may be tax deductible, especially if the move is related to a new job offer. While you should check with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or your own accountant to determine what can be deducted, keep careful track of expenses and save receipts for the following:
You may want to store some or all of your belongings when you first arrive in Las Vegas. Consider these tips:
In selecting a storage company, consider the following:
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Many new residents need temporary housing upon arrival in Las Vegas. Maybe you haven’t decided what part of the valley you’d like to live in, or perhaps you’re waiting for a new home to be built. In any case, you have many options.
Even if you’re looking to rent, rather than buy, a qualified real estate agent may be able to help you find the perfect starter home. Additional information on qualified real estate agents and housing options can be found in the “Real Estate” and “Neighborhoods and Communities” sections of this guide.
Many newcomers opt to use “all inclusive” short-term rental properties that provide everything from furniture to dishes and linens to utilities and phone service. While these properties typically charge a higher rate, they can often be more flexible than individual landlords. With this approach, you’re free to place the majority of your belongings in storage and keep only personal possessions with you at your rental.
If you need housing for a relatively short period of time, a stay in one of our local hotels or motels might fit the bill. Depending on your budget, you can check in to an extended-stay neighborhood property or take a mini-vacation and enjoy the star-studded amenities of any one of the city’s resort hotel/casinos. Some properties offer special weekly rates for guests who are in need of short-term housing. Ask about fees, availability for the dates you anticipate needing and short-term storage options.
Just as you want your possessions to arrive safely in Las Vegas, you’ll want to make sure your mail follows you as well.
Mail forwarding is a very important step in the moving process. To begin, go to your local post office for a “change of address” kit a few weeks prior to your move. In addition to forwarding mail, the kit will help you notify all interested parties of your new address, from credit card companies and magazines to family, friends and colleagues.
Once you’ve forwarded your mail, keep close track of things such as credit billing statements and other personal information that could put you at risk for identity theft. Pay attention to what arrives at your new address. If you’re missing a credit card statement, make contact with the issuing company right away. It’s also a good idea to monitor your credit report during your relocation to ensure no one has confiscated your personal data at any point during your move.
If you’re not quite sure what your immediate housing situation will be upon arrival in Las Vegas, consider renting a post office box. You can do this at a post office branch or at one of the many mail centers located throughout the valley. This approach ensures your mail will follow you to Las Vegas and not get lost in the shuffle as you make permanent housing arrangements.
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Before you leave:
Whether you’re driving a moving truck across the country or simply following one in your personal vehicle, a major move can be both exhilarating and frustrating if you’re not prepared. A little careful planning can make your move an exciting adventure for the whole family.
While you’re getting acclimated to our local highway and street systems, keep a map handy and listen to local traffic reports for road closures and slow-downs. Driving in a desert climate can take a little getting used to (see the “Living in Las Vegas” section of this guide for tips on desert living). Plan your driving routes to work, school and other regularly traveled destinations to ensure you get the best gas mileage and encounter the least amount of traffic. Side streets are often the best alternative when highway construction is under way or when a heavy tourist weekend is upon us.
AAA Nevada has customized patrol vans on the streets and highways to provide free assistance to motorists 24 hours a day, seven days a week (1-800-AAA-HELP). Most major local radio and television stations also provide regular, daily traffic reports during the morning and evening commute (see “Media” section). Typical updates include reported wrecks, road closures, lane restrictions, slow-downs and “areas to avoid.”
Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you have 30 days to obtain a Nevada driver’s license. For specifics on what documents you’ll need to present, see information provided on page 70.
Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you have 60 days to register your vehicle. The fine for failing to register is $250 to $500. With so many people relocating to Las Vegas, this is a law the state takes seriously.
In order to register your vehicle, you must be able to show proof of liability insurance from a Nevada-licensed carrier. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted. According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), drivers who fail to obtain Nevada insurance may have registration suspended and be subject to a reinstatement fee.
The Nevada DMV requires that you bring the following documentation with you for registration:
Visit the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles at www.dmvnv.com to download the New Resident Guide. The site also provides information on vehicles leased to a business and watercraft registration. If you choose, you can register to vote at your local DMV office as well.
Getting Connected
Whether you’re moving into a brand-new home or a short-term rental, chances are you’ll have to establish utility service. While it may seem like a hassle to turn on service for a short-term location, all services are easily transferred once you find permanent housing.
Most local utility service providers allow online bill pay and specialized payment plans. Before you begin hook-up, make sure you have the following information on hand:
NV Energy has served customers in Northern Nevada and northeastern California for more than 150 years, and Southern Nevada since 1906. Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific Power and Sierra Pacific Resources merged in July 1999 to create one of the fastest-growing energy companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2008, both subsidiaries changed their names to NV Energy signaling a new commitment to serving Nevada’s energy needs. The service area covers 54,500 square miles of the fastest growing state in the U.S.
The following services are offered to NV Energy customers free of charge:
The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) has been supplying Southern Nevada with water since 1954. The company currently serves more than 1 million customers.
A precious commodity in the desert, water conservation is encouraged for all residents of Southern Nevada. In recent years, various levels of drought restriction have been in place to ensure a stable future water supply. The LVVWD currently provides rebates to homeowners who convert turf to desert landscape or replace turf with artificial ground cover. The district issues regular watering schedules (see chart) for different areas of the valley. Noncomplying residents are subject to fines. Certain types of private water features (including swimming pools and spas) are permitted.
According to the LVVWD, during a “drought watch,” residential fountains and water features with a surface area of 200 square feet or less are allowed. During a “drought alert,” fountains and water features with a surface area of 25 square feet or less are allowed. Fountains are permitted to maintain a recirculating water pool to sustain pumps, pond liners, surface coatings and ancillary equipment, though under drought conditions, the features may run only between the hours of 1- 4 a.m., or whenever freezing conditions require system preservation.
- Public and private swimming pools and recreational water parks
- Fountains and water features supplied by privately owned water rights or by water rights obtained by means of a state-issued permit
The Water District is the operating agency for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), a regional organization that works to secure water resources for the valley. SNWA also provides conservation programs for customers of member agencies.
Southwest Gas Corp. has been providing the Las Vegas Valley with safe and reliable natural gas service for more than 50 years. The corporation offers a number of special assistance programs, including:
Las Vegas residents have a number of options when it comes to telephone service. Many providers of multiple services will package or “bundle” several services into one lower package price. Ask about new subscriber specials.
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More Chamber: 
6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 641-5822 Info Center (702) 735-1616 Fax: (702) 735-0406