Move-In Day Checklist.

Move-in day is chaotic — but the details you capture now protect your deposit later. Walk the unit with this open.

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Progress saves to this device automatically.

Schedule ahead

Confirm your move-in date and time with the leasing office.
Ask if you need a freight elevator reservation.
Confirm whether your movers need a Certificate of Insurance.
Confirm any deposit or fee for DIY moves.

Prep the move-in route

Walk from the loading area to your unit.
Photograph existing damage in hallways, stairwells, or elevators.Timestamp your photos here — anything already broken shouldn't come out of your deposit.
Store the photos as documentation.

Walk the unit

Faucets, toilets, and showerheads — run each one.
Every light switch and outlet.
Appliances: washer/dryer, stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave.
Smoke detectors and HVAC — verify they work.
Photograph anything damaged, missing, or worn.
Submit a service ticket for anything needing repair — even minor. It's how you learn their system.

Timestamped move-in photos

Take a photo of anything already damaged. Each capture is timestamped on this device so you have documentation if a deposit dispute ever comes up.

The report opens in a new tab as a printable / save-as-PDF page.

Save photos securely with Membership.

Photos live on this device only right now. Secure storage carries a real operational cost, so it's part of Membership — or unlock it by contributing to The Playbook.

Learn about Membership

Place a service request — even for something minor.

Even if nothing is broken, submitting one small ticket teaches you the community's service system so you're not learning it during an actual emergency.

Printable Move-In Day PDF

Optional printable version of this resource.

Related in the Playbook

Article

Move-In Survival Tips

Article

The Welcome Letter

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The Renter's Playbook

by Noon Knows · Renter guidance, not legal advice · noon@noonknows.com

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