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Hey All - meeting with my staff weekly, and tomorrow's topic will be best practices for move-in day. What do you do to make move-in day memorable (in a good way) for your residents?

Jon Espy We give a move in basket that has basic move in necessities that you always forget. Roll of tp, paper towels, sponge, dish soap, hand soap and a bunch of other goodies

Karen Mallinger Jon Espy we do this too. I found tiny dish soap bottles & single use laundry soaps. We also add some snacks and bottled water, to, and also take out menus for nearby places while they get the kitchen set up

Guest Insider Jon Espy I am a firm believer in a welcome home basket of essentials, bottled water and a couple of snacks! Then, always follow up on day 2 to answer questions and just check in.

Guest Insider Move in gifts. A hand written letter showing your appreciation. Showing them you're excited they're there. Having all their stuff done when they get there, instead of scrambling to get their keys, etc.

Karen Mallinger Love the handwritten note idea! Nice touch!

Guest Insider Hit the nail on the head with excitement and actually being prepared. We print address labels ( 55+ community so they still use checks and envelopes and send cards), 4 post cards with their new address saying they moved, water with office made lable welcoming them from the staff with all our names on it, and fish crackers with a note that says you are O Fish ally home! Leave it all on the kitchen counter for when they walk in. Corny but effective.

Karen Mallinger So many great ideas!

Guest Insider I agree with some of answers above that essentials are always so helpful like toilet paper, batteries, Clorox wipes, etc. If you want to do a gift I love ideas that make the resident laugh. Move in day is so stressful even if it goes perfect. I think something small that brings a smile to their face could go a long way. I attached some pics.

Guest Insider Overview of important stuff like how to reach after hours maintenance , Courtesy, gate codes,etc.

Guest Insider Yes! We put it on a magnet business card so it's right on their fridge.

Guest Insider Also, to the above a 24 hr follow up to ensure all is well.

Lisa Ward Walk the path to the apartment and make sure it is clear of trash, pet waste, etc. When walking the apartment before move-in check “everything”. Does the toilet rock? Is the seat loose? Do the doors squeak when opened? Do all the keys or door codes work? You get the jest. Eliminate any annoyances before they take possession.

Alex Mann It’s so easy to smile sign paperwork, and hand keys over. Don’t do that. Walk them to their apartment, show them exactly where their parking spot is located, offer a re-tour of the community. Lots of hand holding goes a long way!!

Donje Putnam Reserve a spot for their truck for a few hours.

Guest Insider We start the move in process at least 2 weeks before hand, with a letter of helpful hints to make their move in day easier with a checklist requesting an appointment to pick up keys.
A phone call is made 3 days beforehand to welcome them and see if they have any questions or last-minute concerns. On move in day their home is ready with a setup of decorated TP in each bathroom and in the kitchen soaps and other items related to that resident. For instance, if they have a pet we provide them with a set of bags and hanger for their leashes or a bowl for feeding.

Since 2020 when we did drive up move ins, we have provided their move in day with bags that have their keys, remotes, trash and pest control schedules and other goodies.

Most items are purchased at the dollar store so the average cost per unit ranges from $6-$11

Guest Insider Some of our communities make move-in an event by decorating the apartment door and cutting a ribbon to welcome them during the walk-through. Also reserve a parking spot in front of the building for easier access. Amazing how excited people get.

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