Of all the ‘to-do’ lists you ever make in your life, those you put together if and when you move to a new home will be among the longest. Including everything, from real estate agents, renovations, lawyers, new schools, house inspections, and paint colours, just to name a brief few, it can be almost impossible to imagine all the things you need to do for a successful move – until you have to do them.
But regardless of how long or complete moving lists can be, few if any of them will include ‘start being a good neighbour’.
One source of stress in any move is wondering what your new neighbourhood and neighbours will be like. Indeed, your overall happiness after any move can depend heavily on your relationship with the new neighbours. If it’s a good one, it can make other issues, like an unforeseen problem with the house, easier to accept and correct. But if your relationship with the people next door is not good, it can be an ongoing thorn in the side of even the perfect house.
With so much on the line, it makes sense to make the effort to start creating a healthy bond with your new neighbours even before you move in.
And here’s some of what you can do to make that happen:
1. Connect ASAP
if you have enough time before moving day, try to take a moment to knock on your neighbours’ doors to introduce yourself and let them know your general plans for move-in, including dates and times.
2. Re-Connect ASAP
It wouldn’t hurt to touch base with your neighbours when you arrive on move-in day. They worry about their new neighbours too and any effort you make to relieve those concerns will be appreciated.
3. Respect Their Property and Privacy
Whether or not you connect on moving day, talk to your moving company or anyone helping you move and ask them to stay on your property and not otherwise inconvenience the neighbours.
4. Make Plans
After you’re in, reaching out to your neighbours and making plans to get more acquainted once you’ve settled will help carry on the good relations you’ve started to build.
The value of good neighbours is immeasurable. Do everything you can to start the relationship off right.
