Good fences make good neighbours
Who doesn’t want to have good neighbours? But if you want great neighbours, it will help to first have to become one yourself.
You’ve just bought your dream house, moved into it with your family and anxious to get off to a good start with your neighbours, what do you do?
Best new neighbours bring cakes
Introduce yourself to your neighbours when you move in and establish a good relationship. If you’re moving into your new house, a visit to the door neighbour with a huge cake can be an optimal way to get acquainted with them. In fact, this can even begin a friendship. After all, a neighbour is the closest person physically located to your home.
Respect the quiet in the flat
While you’re on the inevitable step of furnishing your apartment, keep the limits of noise at the minimum. This good-neighbour etiquette holds especially true if you have little ones or live on any floor beyond the first. Avoid putting things on the floor with noise is a sign of respect. What you do inside your house is your own life, but this is a community after all.
Excessive noise of all types is always one of the biggest sources of complaints and grumbling about a particular neighbour. Imagine how you would like it if you were awoken at night to loud music being played next door. Inform your neighbours of any potential loud parties or events.
Remember people and their names
I keep a note on my smartphone for neighbourhood stuff so that when I meet someone new, I have a quick way to write down names. Listen when they’re talking and remember them. It communicates that you see and value them.
Put garbage out on the right day
Only put your garbage out on the day it’s due for collection. If you accidentally miss the collection, bring it back onto your property immediately and try to contain it well. Garbage can attract vermin, insects, and other pests, and is also unsightly.
Follow recycling collection schedules because your neighbours will notice how you maintain your property and belongings. Remember that the outside of your house is just an important as the inside. This will keep your neighbours happy and your neighbourhood looking pristine.
A good neighbour socialises
Get to know your house neighbours. Meet and talk with people inside your flat so you can begin the process of befriending them. Approach them to start a simple conversation while they’re out in their gardens, parking, etc. Host a home little party, or invite them in for a meal and drink at your home. That old “good fences make good neighbours” quote had to come up at some point, right?