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Guide · Renting and leases

Your First Week in a New Home

A friendly, practical guide to the first seven days in a new home, from safety checks and shutoffs to the move-in report, settling in and meeting the neighbors.

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Where to start

The short version

The first week sets the tone for everything that follows, and a few calm steps keep everyone safe and give you a clear record of the home's condition.

On day one, test smoke and CO alarms, check the locks, find the shutoffs and plan two ways out of every bedroom.

Complete the move-in report early, before unpacking if you can, with a comment on every item and photos.

Confirm utilities, mail and renters insurance, unpack the essentials first, and say hello to a neighbor.

Move-in rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.

Four simple rules

  1. 1
    Safety on day one

    Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the locks and know two ways out before the first night.

  2. 2
    Find the shutoffs

    Learn where the main water shutoff, electrical panel and gas shutoff are before you need them.

  3. 3
    Document everything

    Complete the move-in report early, with a comment on every item and photos to match.

  4. 4
    Be gentle with yourself

    Moving is hard. Unpack the essentials first and let the rest come together.

Try it

Your first week checklist

From the guide’s own first week steps. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

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A simple week plan

  1. Day one: alarms, locks, shutoffs and beds.
  2. Days two and three: the move in report.
  3. Days four and five: utilities, mail, kitchen and bath.
  4. Days six and seven: explore the neighborhood.

Take your move in photos before you unpack. Empty rooms are much easier to document, and every scuff and stain is easy to see.

If something isn’t working

  1. Take a breath. Small surprises are normal in a new home.
  2. For urgent issues, like no heat, no water, a gas smell, a leak or a lock that won’t secure, reach out right away.
  3. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company or 911 from outside.
  4. For everything else, write it down with a photo and include it on your move in report.
  5. Share it with the owner or manager in writing, and keep a copy.
  6. Follow up kindly if you haven’t heard back in a reasonable time.

You did exactly the right thing.

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Move-In Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving in: the move in walk, moving day, your first week, utilities, keys and more.

See The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookAll books in The Perfect Series

Keep the full guide handy

The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.

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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or safety-code advice. Bunklow does not inspect properties or decide deposits.

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