Meet and Greet New Neighbors
If you are moving to a new neighborhood, especially one in a completely different town, then you are probably experiencing both excitement and stress all at the same time. You may be asking yourself, who are my neighbors, and what is the easiest way to get to know them? Are they going to be nice, helpful, and friendly? Will we have anything in common with them? Do they have school-age children and will our kids get along? These are all valid questions when you are the newest member of a neighborhood.
But what is the easiest way to meet and greet your new neighbors and is this where you need to be proactive, possibly step out of your comfort zone and start reaching out to them first. So, if your kids haven’t already made contact and the neighbors haven’t reached out to you, below are a few ways you can start to get to know your new neighbors without trying too hard.
Just Say Hello
As the old saying goes, “you can catch more flies with honey, than you can with vinegar” meaning, being sweet first is a start. Just by being nice, when you see someone in the neighborhood just try saying hello and introducing yourself. Don’t be shy or scared to smile and say hello. Also, if you want to make a good impression, try using an icebreaker like complimenting them about their yard, their home, or maybe even their car. This could open the door for some more dialog and possibly a way to reach some common ground.
Try Staying Outdoors
If you have a patio or a nice front yard, try staying outside for a period of time and catch people when they are walking or driving by. You will probably notice other neighbors who enjoy being outside too, socializing, drinking, or just talking. A great way to get accustomed to your surroundings and acquainted with your neighbors is to show yourself open, friendly, and visible. You may want to find out if there are any neighborhood functions or events that are coming up soon and you and the family can join in.
Try Getting Involved
Meeting new neighbors is one of the easiest ways to get used to your new surroundings, however, it might be just as important to also get involved in the local community. Try looking for volunteer opportunities close by, in gyms, local churches, neighborhood clubs, etc. In your neighborhood, you may be the catalyst they need to start a neighborhood watch program or book club. Maybe if you have brought along a lot of unwanted furniture or clothes, you might start a community-wide garage sale. These are several ways to get to know people.
Have Children and/or Animals
Many times, meeting people with children is the easiest way to get acquainted with the neighborhood and its owners. School-aged children or walking animals can also open the door wide open to meet your neighbors.
Don’t forget if you have moved to a brand-new neighborhood and have children they are starting from scratch too. It is always nice if children find friends they can play within the neighborhood. If you see children playing outside, go out and introduce your child to them. This might be the perfect time for you to introduce yourself to their parents. If everyone’s kids play well together this can further open the door to joint functions, play dates, barbecues, or even block parties. If you have a dog, take them for a walk and explore the neighborhood. This will definitely give you the opportunity to meet other animal lovers doing the same thing.
Try Making the First Move
Getting to know your new neighbors is a worthwhile pastime. At Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Hickory and Conover NC’s hometown mover, we typically recommend once you have moved in, to go to 3 homes to your right and left and introduce yourself. It might be uncomfortable at first, but the sooner you get to know those living around you, the faster you will get adjusted to your new surroundings. There are several ways to meet your new neighbors and these are just a few suggestions that can help break the ice.
For over 60 years, Tru-Pak Moving has been assisting clients move across town, the state, and even the nation. We pride ourselves on offering affordable moving services for residential, commercial, business, office relocations, and military moves. Give us a call at 1-800-659-1233 for a free, no-obligation moving quote.