You’ve just moved into your new home and want to get to know your neighbours. Most people just can’t seem to find the time to go over and introduce themselves, especially with all the work still left to do after moving, like unpacking. We’ve put together a few ideas on how to go about meeting the new neighbours.
Spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether you’re sitting on the porch in the morning with your tea reading the paper, or whether you’re doing some gardening and lawn work, spending time outside is a great way to meet the neighbours in a natural, casual setting, especially in the warmer months.
Offer to help. If you see a neighbour’s lawn that needs mowing or a driveway that needs some snow plowing, offering to help during your first few weeks in your new home will cement yourself in their minds as a friendly face and a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.
Go to neighbourhood events. Ask around and see if there are any backyard barbeques or holiday get-togethers. This is a great chance to meet everyone in one place. Just don’t forget everyone’s names when meeting them for the first time!
Host your own party. If there are no neighbourhood events, plan your own! Host a party and invite over a few people you’d like to get to know better. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A simple sit down meal or even after work beverages is enough to get to know your neighbours.
Extra Tip: If you have time on moving day, keep on eye out for heads popping over the fence. A moving truck tends to bring out the neighbourhood in full force. You might not even have to come to them – your neighbours will most likely come to you!
Do you have any tips for meeting the new neighbours after a move? Leave them in the comments!
image credit: sierrams via flickr
James Harrison says
It is very important to know your neighbours because they are the only friends of your in a new place who will helps you there. Try to organise a party & invite them so that you can know them easily.
sarah says
having a party at your place is a great idea. Another idea I like to do is bake up something and bring it over to your neighbours. Its always good to be proactive and start off on the right foot with neighbours just in case any issues arise (ie: their dog wandering over onto your property) open lines of communication help to cut down on potential misunderstandings or arguments.
TwoMenCanada says
Thanks for the comment Sarah! You’re definitely right, food is one of the best icebreakers.
TwoMenCanada says
You’re quite right, parties are great way to get to know the neighbours.
Alex says
If you want to feel close enough to your neighbours to be able to nip round for some sugar then it might be worth introducing yourself as soon as you arrive. If you feel that it would be too confrontational to knock on the door and introduce yourself face to face then perhaps you could stick a card through the door in your first couple of days as a neighbour just introducing yourself. Alex