| Neighborhood Etiquette: 6 Ways to Greet New Neighbors Posted: If you see this sign, new neighbors may be on the way! Greeting new neighbors is always a nice gesture to make a great first impression and possibly begin a solid relationship that will set you in good stead for years to come. If you see that "For Sale" sign on the lawn next door marked with "Sold", you can expect your new neighbors to be on the way. Here are some helpful steps and tips on making your new neighbors feel welcome in the neighborhood! Steps - Find out who will be moving in. Is it a newlywed couple, a family with children, or an elderly twosome? This information is important to know so you can welcome them properly and have an idea of what needs they might have before they arrive. Find out by asking friends, other neighbors, or the real estate agent selling the home. It's fine to be curious, but avoid being nosy.
- Consider making or preparing something as a caring gesture for your new neighbors. Think about what it's like when you first move into a new house–sometimes you can't even find something to make a nice cup of coffee! The following ideas make nice welcome gifts to take around the first time you greet your new neighbors:
- Make a fresh batch of cookies. You can always offer to make a cup of coffee too, if needed! If they seem uncomfortable about coming over for a drink at first, offer a spare kettle until they can locate their own.
- Make a hot meal for them to eat on the spot. Consider giving this with disposable plates and utensils in case your new neighbors cannot find their own yet. If you're concerned about their dietary preferences, ask in advance.
- Make a welcome basket. A basket full of hand-picked goodies is a lovely gesture that will be remembered by the new residents. Buy a suitably sized basket from any local crafts store, or use your own, and fill it with a variety of suitable goods (see "Tips"), and a card with a welcoming greeting. Finish by wrapping it in cellophane. Deliver the welcome basket in person shortly after your new neighbors move in (although it is best to avoid doing so the day they are busy moving into the house, as they'll already have enough things to deal with.)
- Give them a plant for their garden, or better still, a herb garden in a pot. This will help them to have fresh herbs well before they've had time to establish their own garden.
Even a sand pie can help open the conversation!
- Meet your new neighbors in person. A day or two after the new neighbors have moved in (once the moving van has left), walk over to their house with your family, knock on the door and introduce yourselves. Tell them you're there to welcome them to the neighborhood and can offer any assistance or answer questions about the area (if they are from out of town). When starting up a conversation, point out simple things that you've noticed, without making it seem like you've done a thorough investigation or you'll spook them. Things you might like to mention include:
- You've noticed some toys - ask how many children or grandchildren they have, and explain how many you have, etc.;
- You've noticed their gardening equipment - let them know if you're a keen gardener too, or that you have a spare gardening tool they're free to borrow if needed, etc.;
- You've noticed their dogs or other pets - mention if they're a shared love! You might even offer to go walking dogs together; and
- You've noticed sports or hobby equipment outside - let them know it's an interest of yours too, or if you know where they can join a local club.
- Keep the first conversation short and to the point. Moving is stressful enough without having neighbors standing on your porch looking for a long yarn. Let them know who you are, that you're available to help, and that you've spotted a shared interest. You can gauge their willingness to keep talking from there, erring on the side of giving them space.
- Offer to host a welcome dinner or barbecue for them. Invite them to your house for a nice, hot meal and get to know each other. Be sure to let them know that it's casual and that there's no need to bring anything.
- Continue to greet your new neighbors. It is important to maintain the connection well beyond the first knock on their door. Smile and say hello every time you see them; if you continue to acknowledge them, it will make them feel valued and welcomed well beyond their arrival and helps create a bond between you. Before you know it, you might be creating a long-lasting friendship between your new neighbors and your family!
Video Tips - Give your new neighbors a call if you cannot introduce yourself in person. If you've found out their phone number, call and leave a nice message greeting.
- There are some really useful things that you can let new neighbors know about, such as:
- Garbage collection dates and any special recycling arrangements;
- If they have kids, where the local schools are, and where gym/sports/art/ballet, etc., lessons can be found; as well as any shared children's activities in your area, or even regular meet-ups in your home;
- Neighborhood Watch, Crime Watch, or similar neighbor safety programs;
- Regular/traditional neighborhood special events during the year, such as shared yard sales or street parties;
- Carpooling options;
- Any issues concerning easements, rights of way, shared utilities, etc. Don't bombard them with this information straight away - let them settle in first!
- Ideas for things to add to a welcome basket for new neighbors include:
- Food items: coffee/tea bags, snacks, fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread, cookies, perhaps some durable food basics such as pasta, rice, ready-meals in packages, etc.;
- Toys if you have noticed children (crayons, sidewalk chalk, stickers, etc.);
- Map of the suburb or area;
- A magnet or chart with local emergency contact numbers for their fridge (collect from your local municipality);
- Gift certificate to a local restaurant, hair dressing salon, or children's play center;
- Face washers and hand towel (embroidered ones are best).
- One alternative to the gift basket is a picnic hamper. It already comes stocked with plates and utensils, and all you need to do is add food.
- If giving your neighbors something, try not to give anything that they need to return to you, such as a basket, or a plate. It is often difficult to keep track of having to return something when you're in the middle of unpacking your new home.
Warnings - Avoid being too nice or nosy. Your neighbors will appreciate a small welcome, but don't go overboard and get underfoot while they're settling in; doing this might leave a negative impression upon them.
- If you don't instantly click with your neighbors, keep an open mind. It's not essential to be best buddies but it is important to maintain good relations and a good-willed friendliness to ensure that you cooperate and get along when needed.
- Avoid going on about how bad or good the last neighbors were. It displays a tendency on your behalf to judge and compare and can worry the new neighbors that they won't meet your pre-imposed and possibly high standards.
Things You'll Need - Basket or hamper plus goodies if making a welcome basket, plus the suggested items as listed under "Tips"
- Ingredients for freshly baked goods
- Dinner party or barbecue essentials
Related wikiHows |
No comments:
Post a Comment