If we are helping well over a 100 people move into our community over the course of the year, there is a very good chance that we stop remembering how difficult the move can actually be for our residents.  While it is an everyday checklist for us, it is a major life change for them.  I came across this letter today that is surprisingly from a fellow neighbor who "gets it".  He obviously understands how difficult the move is, and amazingly offers to help.  It was personal, and it showed he cared.  So when things are busy and we have a ton of move-ins happening, are we taking the time to act like Chris?

When this image was shared on Reddit, here was a great response:

Thing is, it doesn't take much.

Back in the days when people came in as neighbours people would give them a lasagna, cookies, and whatnot. It doesn't cost much, it doesn't take much time. But in the context where nobody does it, actions such as Chris' strike the imagination of people because they are not ordinary, they are not the "usual".

A simple gesture such as Chris or anything else can mean the world to new neighbours without the time to cook or to get familiar with the neighbourhood. I wish we came back to a time where such behaviours were the norm, not the exception.

That is so very true.  Think about those simple Stouffer's lasagnas.  What are they, $10?  If I had just moved in and the leasing consultant dropped off one of those before he/she left for the day, I would be so blown away that I would be a fan for life.  All for spending a whopping $10 and an hour to cook.

We talk so much about marketing our apartments, but this is what I think property management should be about.