New Home Move-In Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before You Unpack

You made it through closing. The keys are in your hand. Before you move a single box in, do one more walkthrough — this time with fresh eyes and this checklist in hand.

A move-in inspection isn't about finding deal-breakers (that's what your pre-purchase home inspection was for). It's about documenting the condition of your home before occupancy so you have a baseline if anything surfaces later. It's also your last chance to catch issues that should be the seller's responsibility before they become yours.

Why a Move-In Inspection Matters

• Documents pre-existing damage: Protects you from being blamed for damage that was there before you moved in
• Catches things the home inspector missed: A second pair of eyes at a different time often spots different things
• Establishes your maintenance baseline: You'll know your HVAC filter's starting condition, which outlets work, and where the quirks are
• Gives you leverage: If you discover something that violates the purchase agreement (seller agreed to fix something and didn't), you can act before closing funds are fully disbursed

Bring your phone to photograph everything. Create a dated photo log organized by room.

Before You Walk Through: Systems Check

At the electrical panel:

• Every breaker should be labeled
• No breakers tripped or double-tapped
• Photograph the full panel

At the water meter:

• Note the reading and date (useful if you dispute a first water bill)
• Verify the shutoff valve location

At the HVAC unit:

• Note the age, model, and serial number
• Check the filter — note its condition (and replace immediately if dirty)
• Verify the unit powers on and responds to the thermostat

Room-by-Room Move-In Inspection Checklist

Exterior

• [ ] Walk the full perimeter — note any cracks, holes, or damage to siding, stucco, or brick
• [ ] Inspect the foundation visible above grade — cracks, efflorescence (white mineral deposits), or water staining
• [ ] Check gutters — attached securely, draining away from foundation, no debris
• [ ] Inspect all exterior doors: open, close, lock, and deadbolt function
• [ ] Examine window seals from the outside — fogging or separation means failed insulation
• [ ] Check driveway and walkways for cracks or settling
• [ ] Inspect any fences, gates, and outbuildings agreed to in the sale

Roof (from the ground and any accessible areas)

• [ ] Missing, curling, or cracked shingles
• [ ] Flashing at chimney, vents, and skylights — visible rust or separation
• [ ] Fascia and soffit condition — rot, holes, or animal entry points

Garage

• [ ] Garage door opener: operates on all modes (remote, keypad, wall switch)
• [ ] Auto-reverse safety feature: place a 2x4 in the door's path — it should stop and reverse
• [ ] All outlets functional (many garages have GFCI protection — find and test)
• [ ] Water supply and drain if there's a utility sink
• [ ] Walls and ceiling for water stains — indicates roof or plumbing leak

Attic (if accessible)

• [ ] Visible daylight through the roof deck (bad sign)
• [ ] Insulation present and not disturbed
• [ ] Evidence of moisture — staining, mold, or wet insulation
• [ ] Active ventilation — soffit and ridge vents or powered ventilator
• [ ] Signs of pest activity — droppings, nesting, or chewed wood

Kitchen

• [ ] All appliances left by seller operate: oven, range, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator
• [ ] Garbage disposal runs and doesn't leak
• [ ] All cabinets open, close, and latch
• [ ] Drawers operate smoothly
• [ ] Faucet — hot and cold function, no drips, water pressure adequate
• [ ] Under-sink cabinet: check for water stains, moisture, or active drips
• [ ] GFCI outlets present near sink — test with the test/reset buttons
• [ ] Exhaust fan operates and vents to exterior (not into attic)

Bathrooms (each)

• [ ] Toilet flushes, fills, and doesn't run continuously
• [ ] Lift the toilet tank lid — flapper and fill valve condition
• [ ] Faucet pressure and temperature
• [ ] Shower/tub — hot water pressure, drain speed
• [ ] Exhaust fan operates (hold tissue near it — should draw toward the grille)
• [ ] GFCI outlets functional
• [ ] Under-sink: check for water damage or past leaks
• [ ] Grout and caulk around tub/shower — cracks or gaps allow water penetration
• [ ] Check for soft spots in floor near toilet — indicates past leak damage

Bedrooms

• [ ] All outlets functional (bring a outlet tester or phone charger)
• [ ] Ceiling fan operates on all speeds
• [ ] Windows open, close, lock, and screens are present
• [ ] Closet doors operate and light switches work
• [ ] Check corners and exterior walls for water staining or mold

Living Areas

• [ ] Fireplace: damper opens and closes, firebox clear, no visible deterioration
• [ ] All outlets functional
• [ ] Any built-ins or shelving secure to wall
• [ ] Flooring condition — note scratches, soft spots, or gaps

Basement / Crawlspace

• [ ] Water intrusion signs: efflorescence, water stains, or active moisture
• [ ] Sump pump present and operational (pour water in the pit to trigger it)
• [ ] Visible framing — no rot, insect damage, or serious cracks
• [ ] Exposed pipes — any drips or corrosion

Mechanical Systems

• [ ] HVAC: runs in both heat and cool modes; note temperature differential
• [ ] Water heater: check age (on the label), look for rust or leaks at base and connections
• [ ] Main water shutoff location documented
• [ ] Gas shutoff location documented (if applicable)
• [ ] Electrical panel: all breakers labeled, no obvious issues

What to Do If You Find Problems

Seller's responsibility: If the seller agreed to complete repairs and they haven't been done, contact your real estate agent immediately. If you haven't closed yet, this is leverage. If you have, you may have remedies depending on your purchase contract and state law.

Document everything: Date-stamped photos before you move in protect you against claims that damage occurred after your occupancy.

Start a home maintenance log: Record what you found, its condition, and what you do. This log becomes valuable when you sell.

The Difference Between a Move-In Inspection and a Pre-Purchase Inspection

A pre-purchase home inspection happens before closing and evaluates the home's overall condition to inform your buying decision. A licensed inspector does this.

A move-in inspection happens right before or at the moment of your occupancy, done by you (or with a contractor). Its purpose is to document baseline condition and catch anything that's changed since the pre-purchase inspection.

Both are valuable. Neither replaces the other.

Get the Full First-Time Buyer Toolkit

If you're moving into your first home, you're juggling a lot: closing cost paperwork, utility transfers, insurance policies, and now a move-in checklist. Our Closing Cost Guide is designed to handle the financial side of your purchase — including a Closing Disclosure review checklist and fee negotiation scripts that save money before you even get to move-in day.

Download the Closing Cost Guide →