Move-in worksheet: buy now, can wait, check first

Measure before you buy, and ask the seller the questions on the second page while you still can. No product recommendations, no affiliate links, and nothing here tells you to replace a working item because of its age.

Buy now, can wait, check first

Item	Verdict	Why	Measure or confirm before buying
Working smoke and CO alarms in every required location	Buy now	Protection has to work from night one.	Count locations; note each existing alarm's type and manufacture date.
Basic hand tools, torch, step ladder	Buy now	You cannot check anything you cannot reach or open.	Ceiling height for ladder reach.
Correct heating/cooling filters	Buy now	Wrong size is money wasted and can restrict airflow.	Exact filter size from the equipment or existing filter; confirm the type and change interval against the manual.
Gas meter shut-off equipment	Check first	Equipment, access and local rules vary, and this is not something to practise on.	Contact your gas utility for the equipment and instructions that apply to your meter. Do not practise shutting off or restarting gas yourself.
Washer / dryer or fridge	Check first	Fit and connections vary, and returns are painful.	Doorway and hallway widths, alcove width/height/depth, hookup type, power and vent location.
Window coverings	Check first	Every opening is slightly different.	Width and drop of each opening, inside and outside mount.
Router or Wi-Fi equipment	Check first	What you already have may be fine once it is set up properly.	Existing router model and the security options it supports. Set a strong, unique router administrator password and Wi-Fi password, and use WPA3 where supported, otherwise WPA2 (FTC guidance).
Rugs, lighting, wall fixings	Can wait	Cheaper and better once furniture is actually placed.	Room dimensions after layout is settled.
Paint and finishes	Can wait	Wait until you have lived with the light in each room.	Wall areas; note existing paint codes if the seller left them.
Water treatment or filtration	Check first	Only worth buying against a known result.	Water test result; existing equipment make and model.

Questions for the seller

Question	Answer + date
Which appliances and fixtures are staying, and do you have the manuals or model numbers?
Who last serviced the heating, cooling and water heating equipment, and when?
Where are the main water, gas and electrical shut-offs, and is anything unlabelled?
Is there a survey or plat for the property, and do you know where the boundaries actually run?
Is there anything about this house that needs explaining to whoever lives here next?
Do you have paint codes, warranties, permits or receipts for recent work?

If you ever suspect a gas leak, leave the building and call your gas utility or emergency services from a safe place. Do not attempt to shut off or restart gas equipment yourself.

HomeScore printable worksheet · myhomescore.app/learn/moving-into-a-new-house-checklist · Guidance references: Federal Trade Commission, "How to secure your home Wi-Fi network"; state emergency management guidance on gas utility safety. Verdicts are editorial guidance, not product advice.