How to Be a Good Neighbor

Being a good neighbor can make a world of difference. Plus, it has several mutual benefits. Therefore, it’s important to establish a good name for yourself around your apartment building. Luckily, it doesn’t require a huge investment, and it will help foster a pleasant living environment (and maybe even long-standing friendships). Here are a couple of simple ways to become a good neighbor.

Be Proactive and Introduce Yourself

Whether you’re welcoming a tenant or are the new one in the building, be sure to introduce yourself. You’ll learn a little bit about each other and can share information on the building, other tenants, and the neighborhood. If you’re just moving in, this also helps to develop a friendly environment from the start, and it will make transitioning to your new apartment easier.  Moreover, establishing a friendship early on will also make your neighbors more likely to help you out with any favors you need in the future.

Offer a Helping Hand

Offering a helping hand is another way of being a good neighbor. At some point, everyone needs help, and it’s good to show that you’re willing to be that person. Decide what you feel comfortable doing, and let your neighbor know your expectations and the extent of help you’ll be able to provide (you don’t want to get into a situation where you’re constantly pet sitting or become the frequent “go-to” person).

Common duties include bringing in the mail when your neighbor is on vacation, watching a pet, and making sure the apartment seems safe.

Sharing is Key

Sharing with neighbors helps develop a true community. Creating a communal space to exchange books and magazines is a great way to recycle and do something good for one another.  Sharing items like subscriptions, coupons, and even food is cost-effective as well. More recently, monthly food and wine delivery services have become popular as well as splitting online wireless costs. If you can partner with a neighbor, you can both save money.

Always be Respectful

It’s inevitable that your apartment may become noisy every now and then. It may come from loud guests, a great party that just won’t stop, or even from your pet making noise. Remember to always be respectful of your neighbor and their living environment. If you know that your going to have a party that may last all night long, give them a heads-up so it won’t come as a shock. If you have pets that get loud, tell them to let you know if the noise becomes bothersome. Creating an open dialogue shows that you respect them, and also lets them know that you deserve the same type of respect.

These are a few simple things you can do to become a good neighbor. With an open dialogue, a friendly demeanor, and some communal efforts, you’ll be on your way to a great living environment and be known as a good neighbor!