3 minute read

As a property manager, move-ins are probably a very mundane event. With residents coming and going so frequently, it’s easy to forget how big of a deal moving really is. For your new residents, moving could be a huge milestone and a day for celebration. For that reason, it’s important to wow your residents on move-in day by showing them you care and by supporting them through this change.

Below are a few simple ideas that will wow your residents and show that the property management team will always go the extra mile to make residents happy.

1.Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

For a simple yet impactful move-in tradition, tape a red ribbon across your new resident’s front door. Provide some scissors, so when your guests arrive, they can have a miniature ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate this day. While this simple gesture only takes a couple minutes to set up, your residents are sure to remember it for their entire stay, establishing a great first impression of the property management team.

2. Welcome Basket

Many property management companies choose to leave a welcome basket for new residents. Although this is a slightly costlier option, your residents will benefit greatly from it and are sure to be very grateful for the effort.

There are lots of options for what to include in this welcome package. Basic essentials are always a good idea, such as toilet paper, soap, and toothbrushes. Simple groceries, such as a box of cereal or some fresh fruit, are also a great choice, as residents are likely hungry and tired from a long day of travel.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can include some gift cards to local restaurants. This allows residents to explore their area and discover some neighborhood spots. Plus, people usually have a strong memory associated with their first meal after moving. By attaching yourself to that memory, you can ensure that the good impression you’ve established is long-lasting as well. Alternatively, you could provide some locally-sourced products to give them a taste of the local culture while supporting small businesses.

3. Personal Message from the Property Management Team

Before your new resident’s move-in day, gather some team members to record a quick welcome video. Have everyone say “Welcome to (Apartment Community Name),” followed by the resident’s name. This gesture is completely free and very low effort, yet your residents are sure to remember it for a long time.

4. Anticipate Needs

Personalizing your residents’ move-in is a great way to show residents that you care. If the new resident has children, consider providing some coloring books or crafts. If your resident mentioned something specific that they enjoy, such as a specific brand of cereal or a favorite snack, write it down and give it to them on move-in day. This attention to detail will not go unnoticed, and your residents are sure to be thrilled by the surprise. 

5. Champagne Flutes and Sparkling Cider

To emphasize the celebration of the move-in, provide some plastic champagne flutes and a bottle of sparkling cider. Both are super inexpensive and are available at most grocery stores. This gesture reminds residents that they should be celebrating after their move, and they will greatly appreciate this treat after spending the last day travelling and moving boxes. 

6. Movie Night Package

For a super creative gift package, provide a bag of popcorn, some movie-sized boxes of candy, and sodas, along with a Redbox coupon. To go the extra mile, place all of these items in a branded tote bag. People tend to remember experiences better than material possessions, so a movie night is the perfect gift. It also gives your new residents a reason to relax after a stressful period of time.

Establishing a good first impression by wowing residents on move-in day has a number of benefits to both you and the resident, so it’s important to pay special attention to this time. According to a study published by Kingsley Associates, residents who were satisfied at move-in remained satisfied throughout their entire stay1. Those with unsatisfactory move-ins were likely to remain unsatisfied until renewal. So, to drive retention and renewal, go the extra mile during the move-in by showing residents you care.

Sources:

https://updater.com/blog/positive-resident-move-in-increases-renewal-rates