Neighboring guide: How to be a good neighbor

Being friendly with your neighbors is amazingly convenient for everyone; it allows people to have friends and family who live in close proximity. And even if you do not have a lot of spare time to socialize it is such a blessing to have a friendly greeting from your neighbors when they pass you by. That is why it is important to know how to be a good neighbor.

In the old days, when people lived in small blocks, neighborhoods were like huge families, everyone knew everyone else. The equivalent nowadays is residential compounds and towers with public areas where neighbors get to know each other around the swimming pool or while they finish their miles at the gym. The concept is the same, and if we make some effort, we can definitely create that big family vibe in our small communities.

So here is how to be a good neighbor and build great relationships with your neighbors.

The golden 9 to 9 rule of good neighbors

If you want to be a good neighbor, do not be a noisy neighbor, it is as simple as that!

This golden rule will endear you to your neighbors, it states that any unnecessary noise should be avoided between 9pm and 9am.

For example, any noisy home maintenance or such should be scheduled for day hours, or, if you are enjoying your home theatre for movie night try to keep the sound contained in your house. These small courtesies make you a quiet neighbor, which is always a good thing.

The sound level may vary according to where you live. If you happen to be dwelling in a noisy street for instance the sound of the TV may not bother your neighbors much. If you live in a very quiet area on the other hand, even the sound of your alarm clock may wake up the next door neighbor. So you have to adjust your noise level to your surroundings.

Announce special occasions in advance

Of course you cannot obey the no noise after 9pm rule when it’s your son’s first birthday, what you should do though is announce to your neighbors that you have a party that night and apologize in advance about any noise. This will make your neighbors much more forgiving when they have trouble sleeping.

If there is a notice board in your building just put a simple note, or if you have a whatsapp or facebook group make your announcement there, if you do not have a social media group with your neighbors you should start that right away.

Keep your doorstep clean and tidy

Good neighbors do not clutter the surrounding area, and they maintain curb appeal at all times. They make sure that the area around their houses is just as spotless as the inside of the house.

Do not let your kids leave their bikes and skateboards everywhere for instance, teach them to be good neighbors as well.

And if you have a garden or a front porch, keep it well maintained and pleasing to the eye, and same goes for balconies. Furthermore, make sure none of your plants creep into your neighbors garden, trim your trees regularly.

Make an effort to welcome new neighbors

Want to know how to be a good neighbor, simple, be nice to everyone, including new neighbors!

Make an effort to take a couple of minutes out of your time to introduce yourself and welcome the new neighbors. Better yet, ask them if they need any information about the area or any help adjusting.

Giving them some pointers about things like the best grocery shops in the area or how to call maintenance will be highly appreciated as well.

Check on your neighbors

This may sound basic, but in the hectic urban life many people simply forget to do these simple basic things.

If you happen to have an elderly neighbor who lives alone, make sure to check on them on regular basis, once a week or something just stop by, say hello and ask if they need help with anything. And do the same thing with elderly couples, sick neighbors, etc.

Being a good neighbor means being a caring neighbor, and being there for your neighbors when they need you.

Be courteous when handling conflicts

No matter how good of a neighbor you are, and how nice your neighbors are, conflicts happen sometimes. However, all conflicts must be handled with care.

First, you must address the matter personally with your neighbors if you have a problem with them, not over text or phone call. Second, be nice while discussing the matter.

For example, if one of your neighbors have a problem with your pet, or vice versa, talk to them personally and try to reach mutual understanding.