Take a Photo of Utility Meters the Day You Move In and Move Out

Two timestamped photos — one on move-in day, one on move-out day — can save you from paying months of someone else's electricity, gas, or water bill. Disputes over meter readings are among the most common moving-related problems, and they're almost entirely avoidable. Without proof of your starting and ending readings, you're at the mercy of whatever the utility company or landlord claims.

Photograph each meter clearly, making sure the numbers are legible and the date is visible on your phone's metadata. Send the photos to your landlord or property manager by email on the same day — this creates a record with a timestamp that both parties can reference. It takes five minutes and can save you hundreds.