U-Haul Signs Exclusive Partnership with Moved to Support the Multifamily Industry and Renters

PHOENIX (Oct. 27, 2023) — U-Haul®, the industry leader in DIY moving and self-storage, today announced an exclusive partnership with resident technology company Moved™.

The agreement includes exclusive rights for both U-Haul and Moved’s business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) software, which streamlines the onboarding and offboarding process for tenants of multifamily communities.

It’s a first-of-its-kind commercial agreement for U-Haul, which has been providing movers with affordable mobility solutions since 1945. This also marks the first outside investment of U-Haul in a software firm.

The U-Haul Tenant Moving Services division is an ideal partner for Moved, which addresses the need of multifamily housing owner-operators to offer tenants an easy and efficient “one-stop shop” for move-in and move-out services.

Visit Moved.com to learn more, or book a demo here.

“Renters have been turning to U-Haul for 78 years, and we’ve been there with the expertise to help,” stated John “JT” Taylor, President of U-Haul International.

“This partnership is another way for us to reach renters and make their moving experience better. It puts the world’s largest DIY moving fleet at their fingertips, as well as U-Haul self-storage, U-Box portable moving containers, moving supplies, and localized access to 7,000 Moving Help Service Providers® and 23,000 U-Haul rental locations. Putting customers first is what U-Haul is about. Moved is another way to help us achieve that.”

Renters move every two years on average. As the multifamily housing landscape continues to change, owner-operators face challenges like increasing costs, lower occupancy rates, and evolving resident expectations.

When residents move in (or out) of apartments, they anticipate a smooth and user-friendly experience. Moved and U-Haul help alleviate stress and improve tenant satisfaction while providing the most cost-effective solutions.

Moved streamlines administrative tasks for management companies, reduces inefficiencies, and, most importantly, provides a better moving experience for tenants.

“Moved is on a mission to eliminate stress from moving – for multifamily owners and operators, as well as their residents,” stated Adam Pittenger, CEO of Moved. “Partnering with an iconic brand like U-Haul marks a significant milestone in our journey to achieving that goal and delivering a world-class moving experience.”

About U-HAUL 

Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 23,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The enhanced U-Haul app makes it easier for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and self-return options on their smartphones through our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 192,200 trucks, 138,500 trailers and 44,500 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America with 959,000 rentable units and 82.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. We were recently named one of America’s Best Large Employers (Forbes, 2023); a Best for Vets Employer (Military Times, 2022); and one of the Healthiest Workplaces in America (Healthiest Employers, 2022). Find careers at uhauljobs.com. Get the U-Haul app from the App Store or Google Play.

About Moved

Moved is a fully integrated, web-based software platform designed specifically for multifamily communities to create efficiency on-site by automating the move-in and out process, delivering an unforgettable experience for residents, and driving ancillary revenue. The interface guides residents through tasks required by the property they’re moving to or from – everything from uploading renters insurance, reserving elevators and loading docks to scheduling key pick-ups. This transparent, self-serve dashboard makes moving easy for residents while automating tasks for property management teams. Moved is an open platform that integrates easily with Yardi, RealPage, ResMan, Entrata, and more.

Asset Living Partners with Moved to Automate Resident Onboarding for Enhanced Efficiency and Experience

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Asset Living, an NMHC Top 3 Manager with over 200,000 units. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the industry, bringing together Asset Living’s expertise and Moved’s cutting-edge technology to revolutionize how residents are welcomed, optimize property operations, and drive revenue growth.

The partnership signifies a shared vision for fostering community and driving positive change in the multifamily onboarding and offboarding experience. By embracing innovation and leveraging advanced self-serve technology, this partnership establishes a new standard of excellence in property management.

This is an exciting moment for Moved as we continue our mission to redefine the resident experience in multifamily housing. By joining forces with Asset Living, a company known for its unwavering dedication to creating vibrant communities, we can make a substantial impact in improving the resident onboarding and offboarding process on a larger scale.

Welcome, Asset Living! We look forward to celebrating many more exciting milestones together!


Looking to learn more about how Moved can automate your resident move-in and move-outs? Get in touch with our team here.

Heading to OPTECH 2023? Stop by our booth from November 1-2nd at the Wynn, Las Vegas! Booth: 337

How to Find a Roommate for Your Apartment

Whether you’re moving to a new city or just looking for a new roommate in your current one, finding the right person to share your living space with can be challenging. After all, you want to ensure that you live harmoniously with your new roommate. Luckily, there are several effective strategies you can follow to find the perfect roommate for your apartment. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

1. Start by making a list of what you want in a roommate.

Every person is unique, and so is their ideal roommate. To kickstart your roommate search, begin by creating a roommate wish list. Consider the following factors:

-Personality traits: Do you prefer an introverted, laid-back roommate or someone outgoing and funny?

-Cleanliness: How important is it that your roommate keeps the shared space clean?

-Relationship: Are you looking for a close friend or merely someone to share expenses with?

-Number of roommates: Determine whether you’re comfortable with more than one roommate.

Additionally, think about your own qualities and preferences, such as your cleanliness habits and lifestyle. This self-reflection will help you identify what you truly value in a roommate.

2. Turn to friends, family, and coworkers to find a trustworthy roommate.

Your existing social network can be a valuable resource when searching for a roommate. Reach out to friends, family members, and coworkers to inquire if they know anyone who’s also in need of a roommate. While this approach can be convenient, remember that compatibility as friends doesn’t always translate to compatibility as roommates. Ensure that your prospective roommate aligns with your wish list and lifestyle.

3. Go online to find your new roomie.

If your personal connections don’t yield a suitable roommate, it’s time to explore online options. Leverage your social media networks to cast a wider net. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used to announce your roommate search to your network, and you may even find relevant groups and hashtags to join. This outreach can help you connect with potential roommates or those who can introduce you to potential candidates.

Additionally, consider using roommate finder apps like RoomieMatch and Circle, which are specifically designed to connect people seeking roommates. These apps often use algorithms to match you with individuals who share your schedule, interests, and preferences.

4. Ask the right questions when you find a potential roommate.

Once you identify a potential roommate, don’t rush into signing a lease together. Ask detailed questions to ensure compatibility:

-How often do you clean?
-Have you ever paid your rent late?
-How often do you have parties or invite friends over?
-What is your daily schedule like?
-Do you have pets or plan to get one?
-What is your preferred thermostat temperature?
-Do you smoke?

5. Decide what’s important to both roommates.

Open and honest communication is crucial when selecting a roommate. Discuss these key topics:

-Rent: Determine the amount each roommate is willing to contribute and how expenses will be divided.
-Apartment amenities: Decide on must-have amenities and preferences.
-Apartment size and room allocation: Agree on the apartment’s size, number of bedrooms, and how rooms will be assigned.

6. Write and sign a roommate agreement before taking the plunge.

Before signing a lease, create a roommate agreement between you and your potential roommate. This document outlines rules and expectations, helping prevent conflicts down the line. Key elements to include in the agreement are:

-Payment responsibilities for utilities and communal expenses.
-Cleaning schedules and chore assignments.
-Guidelines for noise levels and guests.
-A roommate agreement provides clarity and sets the foundation for a harmonious living arrangement.

7. Use Moved to coordinate your move-in details with your roommate.

Moved allows both you and your roommate to coordinate and complete all your move-in tasks in one place.

By following these steps and considering technologies to manage living and moving with a roommate like Moved, you can simplify the process and enjoy a living experience with your new roommate.

 

The Power of First Impressions: Resident Experience and Onboarding

When it comes to resident onboarding, the first impressions and experiences of new residents can set the tone for their entire tenure in a multifamily building. The significance of this initial period cannot be overstated. So, let’s delve into some experience metrics and uncover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of move-ins! 🔑🌟

1️⃣ The Timeline: Research shows that the first 90 days of a resident’s stay are critical for establishing a positive experience. During this period, residents form lasting impressions and decide whether they feel welcomed and supported within the community. It is essential to prioritize a seamless move-in during this crucial window.

2️⃣ The Power of Personalization: Personalized onboarding experiences can leave a lasting impact on new residents. A study found that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. Similarly, tailoring the move-in journey to individual residents’ needs and preferences can significantly enhance their satisfaction and sense of belonging.

3️⃣ Building Trust and Confidence: Trust is a vital component of any customer relationship, and onboarding is the foundation for building trust with new residents. The Harvard Business Journal indicates that 63% of consumers trust businesses more if they offer a positive onboarding experience. By establishing trust from the outset, multifamily can foster long-term resident loyalty.

4️⃣ Reducing Churn: The quality of the move-in process can directly impact resident retention rates. Similarly, teams that prioritize comprehensive move-ins can reduce resident turnover and minimize the associated costs.

5️⃣ Resident Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Engaging residents for feedback during the onboarding process can lead to valuable insights and continuous improvement. According to Forbes, 68% of consumers believe that a company’s willingness to listen to feedback is an indicator of good customer service. Actively seeking resident input allows apartment buildings to refine their welcome strategies and better meet residents’ evolving needs.

6️⃣ The Ripple Effect: Satisfied residents are more likely to become advocates for the multifamily building. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a powerful force, with 92% of consumers, on average, trusting recommendations from friends, family, and reviews. By delivering exceptional move-in experiences, leasing teams can encourage positive word-of-mouth and attract new residents.

7️⃣ The Cost of Missed Opportunities: Neglecting the onboarding process can be costly. It’s estimated that it can cost up to five times more to acquire a new resident than to retain an existing one (depending on your building type).

By prioritizing personalized experiences, building trust, seeking feedback, and delivering exceptional onboarding, buildings can create a solid foundation for long-lasting resident satisfaction, retention, and advocacy!

Ready to elevate your resident onboarding experience? Book time with our team here.

The Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Leasing Agent When Shopping for a New Apartment

So you’re looking for your next apartment. Whether it’s your very first rental or you’ve been around the block a few times, this is an exciting – albeit stressful – time. Moving is rarely the smooth process we all wish it were (although it absolutely can be), and there’s a lot to consider when picking your new home. 

No matter how go-with-the-flow you claim to be, it’s important to ask as many questions as possible while shopping around. A lease is a legal contract, after all, and you want to make sure you understand everything you’re getting yourself into to avoid any surprises down the road. Once you’ve determined the location, size, and budget of your next place, it’s time to schedule a few tours! Just don’t forget to ask the leasing agent these 5 important questions before signing a lease:

(Photo by Alena Darmel)

#1: What’s included in my rent?

Rental vets will know that the listing price almost never totals the full monthly cost you’ll pay. Aside from the base rent, your property manager may require you to pay for some, if not all, of your utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water. They may even charge for trash collection, maintenance, parking, or amenity fees. What exactly you’re responsible for will vary by property and location, so it’s important to ask upfront. If it’s not included in the listing price, be ready to tack those extra costs on each month.

#2: Are there any property rules?

An often overlooked factor in choosing an apartment, property rules can turn out to be a huge turnoff for many renters. Are your furry friends welcome (and at what cost)? Is smoking permitted everywhere, in some places, or not at all? Are there quiet hours you’ll have to abide by? Will you be allowed to sublet if you get that annual travel itch? You don’t want to be sneaking around your apartment complex, breaking the rules, and risking eviction because you found out too late that the property rules don’t align with your lifestyle.

(Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova)

#3: How is the property managed?

Before you sign a lease, it’s beneficial to know who you’ll be dealing with when it comes to your new apartment. Will you be interacting with a landlord or property management company, and what’s their management style? Is the landlord simply collecting your rent and then – *poof* – nowhere in sight when you have a maintenance issue? Or are there property managers attending to your every need? Do they provide any tools like a resident onboarding system or an online resident portal for you to interact with the property seamlessly? Every renter will prefer something different, so make sure your next apartment’s management style enhances, not diminishes, your experience. 

#4: When and how do I pay rent?

There are a lot of different ways property managers can accept rent, so make sure you find out how they’ll require it. Will you have to obtain a money order every month and hand-deliver it, or do they make it easy with an automatic mobile payment system? It seems like a small detail, but it’ll make a big difference in your experience as a resident – especially if remembering to pay rent on time isn’t your strong suit. And if that’s the case (hey, no judgment here), be sure to ask how long the grace period is before they’ll start charging you late fees.

#5: What move-in procedures are in place?

We hate to break it to you, but the stress doesn’t end once the lease is signed – the actual move might be just as stressful. Be sure to ask the leasing agent what procedures you can expect on move-in today to ease the anxieties of any unknowns. Where will you pick up your keys? Will you need to reserve an elevator? Is there a dedicated unloading area? Will you have to meet your property manager the day of, or is there an online system that automates the onboarding process for you? Knowing these logistics beforehand will set you up for a seamless moving experience and set the tone for your new home.

(Photo by Ketut Subiyanto)

As a prospective resident, property managers will be screening you, but don’t shrug off screening them and their property as well. At the end of the day, you’re picking out your next home – a place you’ll likely be spending a lot of time at. Make sure it suits you beyond the basics and that you’ll be happy there for the entirety of your lease. Happy hunting! 


About the Author:

Jess Nardo is a content marketer at ManageGo, which provides over 9000+ properties in the US with property management software. She spearheads digital content for the company’s marketing team, covering property management, multifamily housing, and real estate at the intersection of technology.

How to Garden in Your Apartment

Love growing your own herbs and vegetables, but also love the hustle and bustle that living in a big city has to offer? Well, while the two don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, just because you want one doesn’t mean you can’t have the other.

Here’s a quick guide on how to garden indoors:

Getting Started

There are 4 main things you’ll need to consider before starting your apartment garden. (1) the amount of space you have available, (2) what kind of light you will give your plants, (3) the temperature of your apartment, and (4) the level of humidity.

Space

An indoor garden can really be as big or as small as you want it to be. That just depends on how many plants you want to grow (and how much space you want to dedicate to your garden). People who want to have larger gardens or grow plants that require more space might want to consider specifically dedicating a table or bench to their garden — even a small room if you have it (which if you do, we as New Yorker’s envy you).

Pro Tip: Shelves can provide you with a ton of room for plants without taking up any floor space. Put a simple shelf by a window, or even use a window sill.

Light

Light is slightly more tricky. Ideally, your apartment has a big enough window to provide ample light for your plants to grow, but this isn’t always the case in small apartments surrounded by big buildings, especially in the winter months. More than likely, you are going to need some additional artificial light.

When choosing an artificial light source, there are certain options you need to consider:

  1. Plants can only absorb the same wavelengths of light that the sun gives off. Therefore, normal light bulbs won’t work. We’re not going to get into the science behind that, but just trust us.

  2. Incandescent Lamps are fairly inexpensive and can be bought at most hardware stores. They can work, but aren’t ideal. They get hot very quickly and aren’t very energy efficient.

  3. Fluorescent Lights are best for plants that don’t require a lot of light, like herbs (scroll down to see more about lighting requirements). They will not provide enough light for flowering or budding plants. You can also buy these at your local hardware store.

  4. Compact Fluorescent Systems, a newer version of fluorescent lights, are much brighter and more efficient than their older counterparts and can therefore be used for all plants. They produce less heat than the other options so they can be placed closest to the plants. These are probably your best bet if you want to light a garden with a variety of plants.

  5. HID (High Intensity Discharge) Bulbs are the brightest and most efficient lights available, but also the most expensive. They are the most complex lights to purchase as they come in several types with lots of different specifications. At Moved, we don’t really like complexity ;).


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**Check out this link for a guide on building your own grow light system.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for most plants is between 65°-75°F.

Plants grown in temperatures that are too warm will be small and weak. Plants that are too cold may have dry, yellow leaves that fall off.

Humidity

Too little humidity can be challenging for indoor gardeners, especially in the winter months when the air is dryer.

While humidity levels aren’t very easy to measure, three signs you have a humidity problem are if (1) the tips of the leaves are brown, (2) your plants look withered, or (3) the leaves are falling off your plants.

Some options to increase the humidity levels of your indoor garden are positioning the plants closer together, setting the plant containers over a bed of moist pebbles or spraying them with a misting bottle.

Types of Plants

So what can you grow in your indoor garden? Well theoretically, when provided with the right amount of light, water, and space, anything CAN grow indoors. That being said, certain plants lend themselves to growing indoors more easily. We recommend you try some of these, especially if this is your first time.

These plants (which generally consist of leafy greens, herbs, and root vegetables) include:

  • Lettuce

  • Spinach

  • Bok Choy

  • Herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley, oregano, chives, thyme, sage)

  • Raddish

  • Carrots

  • Microgreens (kale, pea shoots, cress)

Planting Your Garden

Once your gardening space and lights are in place, you’ve chosen your plants, and the conditions in your apartment are ideal for growing, you’re ready to plant! There’s things you’ll need: growing containers, soil, and seeds.

Growing Containers

For most greens, you’ll need containers that are about 4 inches deep. For carrots, you’ll need at least 6 inches. You don’t necessarily have to go to the store and buy new planters. Consider using things like recycled produce containers or window boxes. Get creative!

Whatever you use, you’ll want to put a plastic tray beneath the containers to prevent water from dripping.

Soil

Different people will recommend different things, but in general, you should buy an organic, all-purpose potting mix for your indoor garden.

Seeds

You can buy seeds for the plants of your choosing at your local nursery or home improvement store. If you’re less patient, you also have the options of buying seedlings (plants that have already started to grow). Herbs grow especially slow so you might want to consider seedlings for a quick harvest.


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Planting Procedure

With everything ready, it’s time to plant:

  1. Fill the growing containers with soil and plant your seeds or seedlings, following the instructions on the back of the package for each individual plant.

  2. If using seeds, keep the soil evenly moist until the plants germinate.

  3. Hang the grow lights approximately 2 inches above the plants. As your plants grow, you’ll have to adjust the light. Plants grown under artificial light will need 12–16 hours of light each day. You can purchase a timer to make this easier.

  4. Water twice weekly, or when the surface of the soil feels dry.

  5. If the leaves of the plants show signs of stress, fertilize them with a weak solution of fish emulsion.

  6. Enjoy your delicious plants!

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram!

Understanding Your Apartment Lease

Congrats! Your apartment application has been accepted!

Now here’s a giant legal document you must sign to live here… enjoy!

-All Property Managers

Signing a legally binding agreement is a daunting task. Especially when it looks something like this:


😳😳😳😳😳

😳😳😳😳😳

Unfortunately you can’t just look the other way and sign on the dotted line.

You MUST understand what you’re signing.

Here is what to look for when signing a new lease:

1) Make sure it’s all there.

You can’t assume that everything previously discussed or agreed upon is automatically in the lease. Notably — check the rent amount and lease term.

You should also review the answers they gave to the 7 questions you asked during your visit. Make sure it’s all there and accounted for. The last thing you’d want is to move in and find out your cat can’t come.


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Relax kitty. Your owner read the lease… right?

2) Paying & other fees.

The lease should have the property manager’s information on it, including how to contact them and how to pay them. If you need to physically mail a check, give yourself enough lead time so you aren’t charged a late fee.

Leases can sometimes include fees for things like parking, pets, amenities, utilities, and numerous other items. To reiterate — know what you’re signing.

3) Not sure? Just ask!

Don’t let the size and scope of this big agreement scare you. If something seems off, doesn’t look right, or is just confusing… ASK!

This is a legally-binding agreement so it’s perfectly reasonable to ask questions. You should be reviewing and signing with someone from the property management side so that the terms are clear and understood.

4) Have everybody sign.

Obviously you and your landlord need to sign. In certain cases, where you don’t meet the property manager’s income requirements, you’ll also need a guarantor to sign with you.

If others are living with you, they should also be signing the lease. If their name isn’t on the lease, they aren’t legally responsible to pay rent. Don’t get stuck with the entire lease in your name.

5) Sign and save.

After you agree to the terms and sign the lease, make sure you get a copy. It’s important to have this for your records so that you can reference the original agreement whenever you need to.

And that’s it!

You’ve got a new apartment. Time to party!


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The Apartment Application: What You Need to Know


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Finally… You visited an apartment and fell in love with it. It’s the place of your dreams!

So you’re done — right?

Wrong. It’s time to apply.

For those new to this process — it can be daunting and quite personal.

Have your paperwork prepared beforehand, so you can submit quickly and not lose out on that place you love.

What exactly is an apartment application?

Management companies don’t want just anyone living in their buildings. They want to know who you are and, of course — if you can pay.

While each company is different, most require the same things. So you should be able to plan ahead.

What do I need to provide?

Identification

A scanned copy or even a picture of your license should suffice. However you do it, make sure the front and back are clear and readable.


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This won’t pass for ID

You’ll also likely have to provide your Social Security Number. It’s personal, yes, but you won’t get the place without it.

Credit Check

This is one of the main criteria management companies will use to assess you as a potential tenant. Since this is always required, you can pre-empt it by printing a new credit report and sending it in with the application.

Bank Information

Often you’ll be asked to provide two recent bank statements, along with your account number. This, along with your credit check and employment info (below), will be used to gauge your ability to pay rent each month.


What applications feel like

What applications feel like

Proof of Employment

There’s a couple facets to this…

  1. Reference Letter. Your employer will provide this (on company letterhead), stating that you are employed by the company, for how long, and what your position and salary is.

  2. Income Requirements. Most management companies will require tenants to earn 40–50x the monthly rent (e.g. making $60,000 for a $1,500/month apartment). You’ll have to provide your last 2–3 pay stubs as proof of this income.

  3. If you don’t meet this requirement: You’ll need to have a guarantor who, outside of also going through the application process, earns 80–90x the monthly rent.

Tax Returns

This one is straighforward. You’ll be asked to provide your last two tax returns or W-2s. Have these ready when you start looking.

References

Management companies will often want to call your previous landlord to ask them about you as a tenant. Did you pay rent on time? Were you messy and troublesome? Or clean and friendly? These can go a long way, especially in big markets where you’re competing against other applicants.


These matter!

These matter!

The Application & Fees

Oh right… the application. Luckily, this isn’t too difficult. Applications are fairly standard, asking for some basic information about you.

Unfortunately, they also require an application fee. Expect to pay anywhere from $50–$100. The amount depends on the property manager, with some as low as $25 and others upwards of $200. This is non-refundable so make sure you have everything else in order before you pay to apply.

To take the apartment off the market while your app is processed, some management companies will have you put down a portion of your security deposit. If you love the place, it’s a recommended practice since you’ll have to provide that money anyway.

After the above, you must be thinking…

How does anyone actually get an apartment?

Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it looks.

Be prepared and carve out time dedicated to the administrative aspects of getting your new place. Then — you’re done!

Well… until it’s time to sign your lease and move. 😊

But we’ll save those for another time.

Until then, happy searching!

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please recommend or share it with others. 🙂

Want to talk? Connect with Moved on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!