Photograph Everything on Move-In Day

Why this helps

If a scratch was already there, your photos will show it. Sending them the same day gives you and your landlord one shared record, so nobody has to rely on memory.

Do this

1. Take the photos before your furniture arrives. Empty rooms show the walls and floors clearly.
2. Shoot every room from each corner. That way nothing hides behind a door.
3. Get close photos of scratches, stains, and chips. Close shots show the detail a wide photo misses.
4. Open every appliance and look under the sink. Those are the places people forget to check.
5. Email the photos to yourself and your landlord the same day. The email gives you a dated record.
6. If you want a walkthrough file, the room tour tool at bunklow.com/make-a-video.html turns up to 12 photos into an MP4 in your browser. It's a neat way to keep everything in one file.

Next step

Set your phone by the door so you remember to snap the rooms first. Then send the photos off and start unpacking in peace!

More like this

• The 3 Spots a Later Walk Looks At
• Count the Keys on Move-In Day
• Hand Out the Move-Out Checklist Early