Move-in checklist

Notice what is easy to miss during a busy move.

A checklist helps you notice conditions that are easy to miss during a busy move—and difficult to reconstruct months later. Free, private, and part of the DwellCapsule approach to renter-controlled documentation.

What to notice, and why

Categories connected to real starting-condition outcomes.

Floors and walls
Document existing marks, scratches, stains, holes, or damaged finishes so the starting condition is clearer later.
Appliances
Record missing parts, unusual sounds, visible wear, or existing malfunction before regular use changes the context.
Plumbing
Document leaks, staining, slow drainage, low pressure, and signs of water damage while the starting condition is observable.
Doors and windows
Record damaged locks, screens, frames, seals, glass, or hardware so existing conditions are not overlooked.

Functional-condition blind spots

Functional conditions can be easy to overlook during a busy move and may become harder to date or contextualize after regular use begins. A structured checklist helps the renter capture both visible and functional starting conditions.

  • slow drainage
  • intermittent leaks
  • unusual appliance sounds
  • weak heating or cooling
  • damaged locks or hardware
  • loose fixtures
  • intermittent electrical issues

Start with the most important areas and return to the checklist after the move.

What's inside

  • Room-by-room capture prompts
  • The details renters commonly miss
  • Neutral observation examples
  • A move-in day sequence you can actually follow
  • Print- and phone-friendly formats

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Optional. Helps us tailor future guides.

The checklist is free. We'll email it to you within one business day and may send occasional DwellCapsule updates. Unsubscribe anytime.