Move-in day is sort of like your community's second chance at a first impression. While it's true that for most the "true" first impression comes during the visit, that move-in day is significant as well. The tour gives them the first impression as a visitor, the move-in gives them the first impression as an official member of your community. Some prospects may look at these two interactions differently, with the tour being more of a "salesy" experience, and the move-in as a "true" show of your community's commitment to an organic neighborhood feel.

Investing a little effort into the move-in day for new residents can make a bigger impact than you may think. This ensures that the second first impression goes well, and it provides a level of comfort and stress relief on what for some is an often stressful day. How can you improve the move-in day experience for new residents? A few ideas from us at OccupancySolutions.com include:

  • Provide a welcome packet -- The welcome packet lets them sit down at the end of their long move-in day and get all the information they need not just about the unit, but about the area, payment systems, amenities, and anything else they may need to know to settle into their new space and their new neighborhood. Included in the packet may be contact information for your community management team, menus to local restaurants or take-out spots, local maps, and brochures for fun things to do in the area.
  • Dinner on you -- Another simple but highly effective way to make a big impression on move-in day is to have dinner taken care of. Grab a gift certificate to a local pizza place or resident favorite take-out restaurant and leave a note welcoming your new residents into the community so you can let them know they're already a part of your community family.
  • Make sure the property is ready -- A slight dusty odor, a damp spot on the carpet, or marks on the walls don't really say "welcome home". To make a lasting impression on new residents, make sure their residence is move-in ready for their move-in day. Make sure paint is dry, carpets are cleaned and dry, and they get to settle into a fresh space they can't wait to call home.

At OccupancySolutions.com we recognize the importance of a first impression. To learn more about maximizing move-in days, contact us today.