How to Make New Residents Feel Like Family with Simple Welcome Home Ideas
It’s all about welcoming new residents to your apartment community!
If you’re in the multifamily industry, then you need to pay close attention to this next sentence.
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 stressors. So what can we do to ease that burden?
Sprout Members, log on and search “welcome” to find more welcome home digital graphics like these below.
Here are some ways you can help new residents deal with the stress of moving:
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 crucial 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.
It’s essential to involve your whole team in training for handling move-ins.
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 bit 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.
Remember that small gestures make a BIG impact on resident retention.
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 or some fresh flowers. (Target has super cute candles for any budget, and Trader Joe’s has flowers for only a few dollars. 🙌🏼) Leave it on a countertop or bookshelf before their arrival for a charming move-in surprise!
No time to run to the store for some goodies? We have you covered with our done-for-you welcome bundles that are just plum adorable.
"Cake in a Mug" Welcome Home Bundle
$2.75
“Welcome. Thanks for being a sweet addition to our community.”
This ultra-sweet and delicious Welcome Home gift is sure to make an impression. Go a step further and pair it with one of your community branded coffee mugs.
This bundle comes with a Duncan Hines "Cake In a Mug" packet and a flyer packaged with crinkle paper in a cellophane bag. (Decor Not Included)
MEMBERS: Order on the Members-Only Site and receive 25% off your order! OR Search ‘573’ when you log in to check out the Daily Dose and grab all your resources.
"Bloom" Outreach, Follow-Up and/or Welcome Bundle
$2.25
“Bloom in Your New Home”
This bundle comes with a seed packet and a marketing flyer packaged with crinkle paper in a cellophane bag. Just staple your business card to the top, and you're ready to go! (Decor not included)
MEMBERS: Order on the Members-Only Site and receive 25% off your order! OR Search ‘577’ to check out the Daily Dose, plus grab some social media graphics to match!
Here are 4 Ways You Can Use These marketing Bundles to WOW Your new Residents
Hand it to them with their new set of keys!
Personally deliver to them a week after they move in and check to see how they are doing.
Leave it on the counter of their new home with a coffee or tea mug.
Hide it inside of a cabinet for a real surprise!
