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Moving In5 min read
Before You Move In: A Room-by-Room Checklist
The empty-house window before your furniture arrives is the easiest time all year to fix these — use it.
Kitchen
- Run every appliance once — dishwasher, oven, garbage disposal, fridge/freezer — before it's full of your food.
- Check under the sink for leaks or old water damage.
- Test every outlet, especially GFCI outlets near water.
Bathrooms
- Flush every toilet and run every faucet and shower to check pressure and drainage.
- Look for soft spots around tubs and toilets — a sign of hidden leaks.
- Check the exhaust fan actually vents outside, not into the attic.
Bedrooms and living spaces
- Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, and replace batteries regardless of what the seller says.
- Open and close every window to check they seal and lock properly.
- Check closets and corners for signs of moisture, pests, or mold with the lights off and a flashlight — easier without furniture in the way.
Exterior and utilities
- Locate your main water shutoff and breaker panel before you need them in an emergency.
- Change every exterior door lock — you don't know who else has a key.
- Confirm utilities (electric, water, gas, internet) are transferred and active before moving day, not on it.
This list is part of our free interactive moving checklist — check items off and pick up right where you left off.
Track it all in one place