Don’t be a Stranger. Let’s Welcome Our Newest Neighbors!

Moving into a new home can be one of the most exciting events for you and your family. It’s a new beginning and with that fresh start comes new neighbors! There are two ways most people will go about addressing their neighbors: Stay hidden or Stay open. One may choose to respect thy neighbor but leave it at that and others may choose to love thy neighbor like they are family. Either way, you choose to view it, it’s important that you make your neighbors aware of who you are and that you welcome them into the community. It’s only neighborhood etiquette to do so!

Give them the 411

Introduce yourself to the new neighbors first and foremost so that you can exchange contact information. In the event of an emergency, you want to know that someone is looking out for not only your house but for the well being of your family. Get to know them by sharing information about your family and create small talk. This will help both of you form trust in your relationship so that you can have comfort knowing your new neighbor will look after your house while you’re away. So whether you are a “stay hidden” or “stay open” type of neighbor, exchanging contact information is always a must.

Welcome Gifts

A welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift will brighten the newcomer’s day and ease the hassle of settling in. Typically, gifts are simple and inexpensive like a plate of cookies, a bouquet of garden flowers, a stack of (new) local take-out menus, or an extra phone book. Other gift suggestions can be * Fresh-picked vegetables and fruit from your garden. * Blooming houseplants *Personalized stationary with the homeowners new address * Specialty spices for their new kitchen spice rack like Tony Chachere’s or Louisiana Hot Sauce *Local goodies such as a pack of Swamp Pop, Loaf of bread from Great Harvest, Sweets from Indulge, etc If gifts aren’t your thing, you can also offer to help them unload the truck while they’re moving in or invite them to dinner with a few other couples from the neighborhood. This will ensure that they feel welcome in their new place!

Be respectful

When welcoming your new neighbors, stray away from rushing over as soon as the truck pulls into their driveway presenting them with a basket of homemade goodies. This can easily be stressful for them and might put them in an uneasy position. Instead, allow them time to begin their move into their new place and see that they are settled before you go knocking. However, a polite wave and “Welcome to the neighborhood!” from your yard is certainly appreciated.  Regardless of the situation you're in, what matters most is that you’ve made the effort! It’s a much better feeling to be greeted and welcomed into a new environment, especially one where you call home. After all, if you’re the new neighbor moving in, wouldn’t you hope to receive the same experience?!