This is your full move-in week checklist. Follow it in order so nothing gets missed.

7 DAYS BEFORE MOVE-IN

  • Confirm your move-in date and time with us
  • Make sure electric and gas are active in your name starting that day
  • Schedule internet installation
  • Set up mail forwarding with USPS
  • Confirm your renter’s insurance start date matches move-in
  • Start packing essentials separately (things you need right away)

3 DAYS BEFORE MOVE-IN

  • Re-check that utilities are confirmed and active
  • Confirm payment method is working correctly
  • Gather:
    • ID
    • lease copy
    • insurance confirmation
  • Pack a “first night” bag:
    • toiletries
    • chargers
    • basic tools
    • paper towels and trash bags

MOVE-IN DAY

  • Attend the walkthrough and condition check

  • Go slowly and write down everything you see

  • Take photos of every room, wall, and appliance

  • Test basic systems:
    • lights
    • outlets
    • faucets
    • toilet flush
    • appliances
  • Locate:
    • circuit breaker panel
    • water shut-off (if accessible)
    • trash and recycling area
  • Receive keys and confirm locks work

WITHIN 24–48 HOURS AFTER MOVE-IN

This is one of the most important steps.

  • Submit your full condition notes in writing
  • Include anything you noticed:
    • damage
    • wear
    • things not working properly

This protects you later. If it is not reported now, it may be treated as your responsibility

DAY 2–3 AFTER MOVE-IN

  • Unpack essentials first (kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area)

  • Check again for:
    • slow leaks
    • drainage issues
    • anything missed during walkthrough
  • Submit any new maintenance requests clearly:
    • what the issue is
    • where it is
    • when you noticed it

DAY 4–5

  • Break down boxes and remove trash properly

  • Confirm:
    • internet is working
    • all utilities are running correctly
  • Test:
    • heating or cooling system
    • hot water consistency

DAY 6–7

  • Do a final check of the unit:

    Look for:

    • anything still not working
    • anything getting worse
  • Make sure:
    • no unauthorized changes were made
    • unit is clean and organized
  • Save:
    • your photos
    • your condition checklist
    • any emails or maintenance requests

SIMPLE RULES TO FOLLOW DURING THIS WEEK

  • Report problems early, not later
  • Do not attempt repairs yourself
  • Keep everything documented
  • Use the unit normally, but pay attention to how it functions

BOTTOM LINE

This first week sets your baseline.

  • The walkthrough + your notes = your protection
  • Early reporting = faster and cleaner fixes
  • Clear records = fewer issues at move-out

If you want, we can turn this into a one-page checklist you can keep on your phone during move-in day.