Neighbours Need Each Other – get to know yours!

Neighbours don’t need to be best buddies, but they do need to get along. Whether it’s taking in the mail when you’re away from home, or being first on your phone list in an emergency, they’re an important part of your life, and vice versa. Whether you’re new on the block, or welcoming a neighbour to the street, the following tips can help establish this all-important relationship.

Downsize

Downsizing is a great opportunity to share. As you set aside items you won’t be needing, take the best of the bunch to your neighbours to see if there’s anything among them they can use.

Mini garage sale

Quit unwanted belongings with a mini garage sale, and invite neighbours to add anything to the collection they would like to sell, too. Make a flask of coffee to share while the sale’s going on – a neighbourhood garage sale makes for a fun, social, Saturday morning!

Contact details

Write you contact details on a pretty card, and pop it over to your neighbour “in case they need to contact you about anything.” It’s a simple way to introduce yourself, and the card (rather than a slip of paper) means it’s more likely you won’t be forgotten.

Logistics

A great excuse to say ‘hi’ to new neighbours is to enquire about or offer information on everyday routines such as:‘when its rubbish day’ or ‘do you mow the verge, or the council?”

Garden by the gate

The more you’re on the street, the more likely you are to run into your neighbours. So, head out to the gate, and do a little gardening. Trim the hedge, paint the fence or mailbox, or weed the drive. When you spot your neighbour, wave a cherry hello, and have an open-ended question at the ready.

Invite

Invite your neighbour over, but be diplomatic. Pop the invitation into their mailbox so you don’t put them on the spot. Keep it casual such as, “I’m having coffee and cake at 11 tomorrow morning. You’re welcome to join me if you’re free.” That way, they won’t feel they have to formally respond. If you’re new in the street, ask only one neighbour at a time (just in case your neighbours don’t get on with each other!).

Look for connections

Be an observer and see if you can spot anything that might allow you to connect you with your neighbour (do you each have dogs, enjoy gardening, go for a daily walk, catch the bus?). If so, make it a conversation point next time you see them.

Share bounty

Whether it’s produce from your own garden, or seasonal excess from a friend’s orchard or greenhouse, offer your neighbour some of the bounty. Better still, take them a jar of jam or pickle you’ve made from it. Little kindnesses won’t be forgotten.

Ask for help

Most people like to help, and asking for help is a great way to get to know someone. But whatever task you need a hand with, make sure it’s small and undemanding (such as changing a light bulb or checking a smoke alarm). Follow up the kindness with a small gift (some flowers from the garden or some pieces of fresh fruit).

Grand time!

If your neighbour has children of a similar age to your grandchildren, let your grandies out in the back yard. They’ll soon make friends with the neighbouring children, and you’ll get to know their parents!

Remember – neighbourly relationships don’t have to be demanding. Breaking the ice should be your main objective.