I give my new move-ins the "move-in notebook" right after signing the lease. I go over the things that I think are important (if they have children, I go over school directions, etc.)...
After going through this notebook, I hand them the key and welcome them to the complex, and then I send them on their way to their new home.
Waiting for them is a gift bag. Inside this gift bag is a sample bottle of dish liquid, a small packet of dishwasher cleaner, a small box of laundry detergent and of dryer sheets, and two trash bags. Beside the gift bag, I have a regular size roll of paper towels and toilet paper. And sticking out of the bag is a "Welcome to your new home" letter that is signed by my entire staff.
These are just some small things that I can get in bulk through my maintenance supply company. The entire bag costs me under $5.00 and several new move-ins have written me thank you notes or come in and thanked me for their little gift bag. Some new residents have even gone out of their way to track down and thank my staff.
What other move-in gifts can you try?
- Gift card to the local grocery store with a note that says, "Enjoy your first meal in your new home on us"... or something like that...
- I know a manager who gives out a toilet plunger, with a roll of toilet paper to each move-in. She puts the roll of toilet paper over the plunger handle and ties a bow at the top, with a little note that says, "Thanks for taking the plunge with us."
- Or how about leaving them a roll of toilet paper, paper towel, some paper plates and paper cups with a note that says, "Let us take the paperwork out of moving"
- How about getting a pack of "We've moved" cards, stamps, and typed labels with their new address on them and put a note that says, "People need to know where to send your housewarming gifts."
- Some bottled water in the refrigerator will be a nice refreshing drink during/after their move. Just make sure you put a note on the counter so they know it is there.
A simple gift with a cute note, will make them smile and they will appreciate the fact that you took the time to think of them.
