By Jenna Weinerman

Published Aug 15, 2024

Updated Aug 15, 2024

An Updater study from 2023 revealed that 70% of renters believe “settling in quickly” is the most vital element for a happy move.

Drawing on over a decade of research into the psychology of moving, we’ve identified several strategies for leasing agents and management companies to help residents feel settled:

1. Security and safety first: The foundation of feeling settled is rooted in a sense of security. Ensure your communities have essential safety features like low crime rates, secure access points, and working smoke detectors. Communicating these features can significantly impact a renter’s comfort level.
2. Personalization matters: For many renters, making a space feel like home requires creativity. Unlike homeowners, renters often face restrictions on renovations. Provide options for personalization, such as peel-and-stick wallpaper or allowing residents to choose their decor. This fosters a sense of ownership and permanence.
3. Create a comfortable environment: The process of settling in involves setting up living spaces to promote comfort. Encourage residents to declutter and create inviting areas for relaxation. Providing resources, such as tips for unpacking efficiently, can help ease this transition.
4. Establish routines: Familiarity breeds comfort. Help residents establish their routines by offering guidance on local amenities and services. Providing a list of nearby coffee shops, gyms, or parks can make a new area feel more like home.

Here’s some tactical advice for leasing agents to help residents feel settled:

• Educate residents about the security features and ensure they’re aware of how to utilize security systems in their apartments.
• Provide essentials like a temporary shower curtain or other necessities if they forget items during their move.
• Check in on their internet needs early, especially for remote workers. Make sure they’re connected from day one.
• Offer a clear list of what’s allowed to be customized in their new home, along with personalization suggestions. For example, can you hang peel & stick wallpaper or paint?
• Recommend local services like babysitters or community events to foster connections.
• Encourage residents to host gatherings, helping to build their social network and feel at home faster. Let them know where, exactly, within the community they can do this.
• You can also play a big role in fostering neighborly connections – create opportunities for new residents to meet their neighbors.

By focusing on these key factors, leasing agents can greatly improve the settling-in experience for residents, fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction that leads to happier, more content residents (who want to renew for years to come).

If you’re interested in more data and practical advice related to move-ins, check out The Move-In Effect, a report that details the impact of move-ins on the property management industry. And, if you’d like to learn more about how Updater can help improve your move-in process, explore our multifamily solutions here.

Jenna Weinerman

Jenna is Updater’s VP of Marketing and a published ReloTech expert. She’s an endless seeker of knowledge, a lover of craft brews, and a huge Philadelphia sports fan. Follow her on X here.