Move-in checklist

The first month is when you establish the baseline you will measure everything against later, and when small problems are cheapest to fix. Work through the home deliberately rather than only unpacking.

Assemble and store your documents in one place: title or deed, lien discharges, the bill of sale, the lease and community rules, the setup and anchoring inspection, insurance policy, warranty documents, the data plate details and HUD label numbers, and the inspection report. You will need these for insurance, for any future refinancing, and for your eventual sale. Photograph them and keep a copy off-site.

Then walk the home with a list. Test every window and door for smooth operation, which is your first indication of levelling problems. Run every tap and check under every sink for leaks. Test the HVAC in both heating and cooling modes. Check that skirting vents are open and unobstructed. Look into the crawl space for moisture or standing water. Locate and label the water shut-off, the electrical panel, and the gas shut-off if applicable.

Finally, set up maintenance as a schedule rather than a reaction. Roof inspection and coating on its cycle, HVAC service annually, anchoring checked periodically, skirting and vents checked each season, and the crawl space looked at after heavy rain. Manufactured homes reward routine maintenance and punish deferral more sharply than site-built houses do.