Roommate Move-In Checklist Template

Before Move-In Day

Complete a thorough walk-through of the space with your roommates and landlord. Document every scratch, stain, and dent with photos and written notes. Check that all appliances work, faucets don't leak, lights turn on, and locks function properly. This protects your security deposit and prevents disputes about pre-existing damage. Share the documentation with all roommates and keep it stored digitally.

Day-One Essentials

On move-in day, prioritize: setting up utilities in the correct names (electricity, gas, water, internet), testing all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, changing the locks or ensuring previous tenants returned all keys, establishing where trash and recycling go, finding the water shutoff valve and circuit breaker, and exchanging emergency contact info with all roommates.

Household Setup

Within the first week, complete: setting up HomeCo for shared expense tracking and chore management, creating a roommate agreement, stocking shared essentials (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags), agreeing on shared grocery items versus personal items, setting up the kitchen with designated shelf or cabinet space for each person, and establishing the house rules together.

Ongoing Coordination

After the initial setup, establish routines: weekly house meetings for the first month, monthly expense settlements, quarterly roommate agreement reviews, and regular chore schedule rotations. The first month sets the tone — invest time upfront in communication and systems, and the rest of your lease will be dramatically smoother.

Ready to make shared living easier? Download the HomeCo app to split expenses, manage chores, and communicate with your roommates — all in one place. Available free on iOS and Android.