Moving can be a jarring experience in a lot of different ways. Not only are you in a new house, but more likely than not, you’re probably in a new neighborhood as well, with new surroundings and of course, new neighbors.
Each of your new neighbors is going to be different, so it may take a little time to gauge which ones you and your family will get along with. Still, there are a few things you can do to when you first move in to help you get through the stage of being the “new neighbor.” Here are our favorites.
Know the rules.
You don’t want to get off on the wrong foot by being the neighbor who doesn’t know when trash day is, or the neighborhood rules for parking your cars in the street. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, take some time to review the rules to make sure you have a good understanding of these basics. If you’re in a community without an HOA, ask a neighbor.
Introduce yourselves early.
It might seem like this is just one more thing to add to your already long to-do list, but it will serve you well in the long run. It’s always awkward to go meet a new neighbor, only to admit that you’ve actually lived next door for the past six months without introducing yourself. Take just a minute on your first day in your new home to walk down your street and meet a few neighbors.
Try to remember names.
Don’t be embarrassed if you have to make a list! Jot down the house number with the names of the people living there. It will go a long way when you have to go borrow that cup of sugar/screwdriver/flashlight.
Use community areas.
Utilize your community areas—parks, swimming pools, greenbelts, basketball courts, etc.—as a way to meet your neighbors and incorporate yourself into community activities.
Invite people over.
Hosting a housewarming party for family and friends? Include your neighbors in on the fun. This would be a great way to get to know them better and get these new relationships started off right.
Host a neighborhood event.
This works especially well if there are several new people in your neighborhood (maybe a new build neighborhood?). Pull together a casual event at a neighborhood park and let everyone mingle. Consider making it a potluck to keep the food situation simple.
It’s not always easy being the new family on the block. But by following these easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to being an important part of a tight-knit community.
If you need a self-storage solution for your Gilbert area move, contact Arizona Storage Centers at 480-386-6022. We have storage facilities all around the Valley—Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler—for reliable, secure storage when you need it most.
