Summertime is often associated with moving season, which means it is the perfect time to evaluate your strategy for resident move-ins. This article will detail what you should do before, during and after a resident moves in!
Before Move-In
Be sure to reach out to your new residents about a week or two before they move in. Send them a helpful email with some key details about the big day. Among other important details, your email can include the following information:
1. Flexibility. Renters have a variety of schedules and for some it is difficult to get days off from work. Provide flexible move-in dates, perhaps a range of a few days.
2. Map of community. Send a pdf of your community’s map that includes the location of their apartment, the office and where moving trucks can park.
3. Schedule move-in hours. Moving can be a noisy process; make sure new residents know when they can move in during the day so that other residents are not disturbed.
Soon before your new residents move in, take a final look at the apartment to make sure it’s in tip top shape. Set the temperature to a comfortable setting. Set a plate of freshly baked cookies on their counter or leave behind a welcome bag full of goodies.
During Move-In
Sometimes less is more. Trying to make too much contact with your new residents on move-in today could stress them out even more. Do make some personal contact with them and let them know how and where to contact you if needed. If you have a few dollies or other moving tools, let your renters know that they are available. Keep in mind that your goal is to be a blessing, not a burden on this important day!
After Move-In
Within a day or two after move-in, personally check in with the new residents to see how they are adjusting. There’s a variety of things you could bring with you to help them acclimate to their new environment. As an example, let’s say you bring a welcome guide with you that includes the following information:
1. Welcome letter. This page could briefly describe your community and any important things they need to know, how and when to pay rent, services you provide, etc.
2. Highlight local area. In this section of your welcome guide, let the new renters know about nearby hikes, landmarks, or other attractions. Highlight close kid-friendly places such as the zoo, the aquarium, etc. Add a list of the top 5 restaurants in the area and any other unique features your local area offers.
3. Highlight amenities. In this section you could highlight some of the unique amenities your community has available. Write about the pool and the gym, adding details about the rules and hours of each.
4. Introduce staff. Help your residents to feel comfortable with staff by adding a page with pictures and a short bio of each staff member.
5. Keep a connection. Add a page that helps residents to find you on your various social media accounts and download your community app.
The key to making a welcome guide is to be both creative and helpful. The more you establish a meaningful, lasting connection with residents the more they will feel comfortable and at home.
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Taylor Fish
Taylor is a staff writer for Multihousing Friends and a student at Brigham Young University.