(#245) FOUNDATIONAL GUIDE: WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS

WHY MAKE AN EFFORT TO WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS?

In a recent survey of 2,000 people, 61% listed moving as their number one life stressor, over getting a divorce and starting a new job.

Every one of us in multifamily housing should take note of this statistic. Getting a divorce is no picnic, yet some people think moving is worse! Can you imagine?

Every day at our communities, people are moving in and out. In other words, dealing with one of life's biggest stressor. So what can we do to ease that burden?

THE WHY BEHIND THE MOVE

We can be empathetic and treat them like humans. Get to know why they are moving before they move in. Someone that is moving because of a recent divorce or loss of a spouse is going to feel differently than someone who is moving into their first apartment or moving in because their family is expanding. It's important that we take a personal interest in our new residents and treat them according to their circumstances.

Look for opportunities to delight in unexpected ways. When we are stressed, the smallest of gestures can go a long way. Think about when you've had a rough day where you just really want to go home, put on your stretchy pants and melt into your couch with a tub of ice cream. (C'mon, we've all had those days!) You walk in the door, and you're greeted with a surprise bouquet of flowers from your honey. Immediately, the scowl on your face is replaced with a happy, sheepish grin. A small gesture goes a long way.

Lily is moving into her first apartment after graduating. She is SUPER excited! How can you help her celebrate her move?

Barbara is moving into her apartment after undergoing a divorce. She is nervous and apprehensive. What could you do to alleviate her fears?

INVOLVE YOUR TEAM

As part of your weekly team meeting, discuss who your new move-ins are that week. Share with your entire meeting a quick recap about your soon-to-be new residents.

Example: The Gonzalez family is moving into apartment #212 on Tuesday. They are a family of four. Mr. Gonzalez recently got a new job so the family is relocating from Houston. They have two children (boy and girl) in elementary school. Let’s keep in mind how stressful moving will be for the parents. The kids will be going to a new school and Mr. Gonzalez will have to get used to a new job. We can make them feel welcome by introducing ourselves, wishing them the best in their new adventure and asking what we can do to make their move easier.

This makes the ENTIRE team aware of what this family is experiencing. Our maintenance team may be more motivated to give their new home a double check to lessen any additional stressors. Let’s say on move-in day the family is a little short or irritated, our team will have a little more patience because we know the circumstances. We’ll make it a point as a team in the next few weeks to ask how the transition is going.

SMALL GESTURES MAKE A BIG IMPACT

Want to welcome all of your new residents at one time?

Stage a welcome center in your leasing office with a framed welcome design, fresh flowers, and some sweet treats! Invite all new residents to stop by for a treat and to meet their neighbors.

Post a welcome message on your social media channels.

Want to make your welcome a little more personal?

Select a Sprout Welcome Home Design. Pair your welcome design with a stylish candle. We picked this one up at Target for $3. Leave it on a countertop or bookshelf prior for a pleasant move-in surprise! Elevate your gift with a few fresh flowers. We always find the best deals for fresh flowers at Trader Joe's.