It's October, which means it's officially spooky season! (But it's not holiday season yet. Are you listening, my neighbors who just put up your Christmas lights?) This also means that it's the perfect time to start planning some Halloween events for your residents. And, sure, you could just put out a bowl of Reese's peanut butter cups and call it a day, and everyone would be happy. Ecstatic, even. But why not take the time to try something different, have a some fun and be a little extra, in the best way? Plus, you'd be helping with resident retention and getting great content for your social media pages, which you can use in future marketing campaigns. And did I mention, candy?

Here are a few new suggestions for Halloween apartment events for your residents:

• Host a themed costume contest. This year, there are only three acceptable choices, as listed below. I will be taking no further questions at this time.
  • Barbies (and Kens)—Barbies can be from the movie, but bonus points for more obscure dolls. (I'm looking at you, Rappin' Rockin' Barbie and Butterfly Art Ken!)
  • Taylor Swift eras
  • Characters from Wednesday, especially if you incorporate Thing
• Host a themed costume contest for the onsite team. Residents can vote on the winner. Again, the theme must be one of the ones listed above. I don't make the rules.