Moving and Your Neighbors - How to Be a Good Neighbor on Moving Day
How Your Move Impacts the Neighborhood
Just because you're moving from your old neighborhood, doesn't mean that your neighbors don't deserve a little moving courtesy. Most of us do not intend to neglect how our move impacts the rest of the neighborhood, it's just that we may be unaware of our move's effect. Equally, it's also important, and maybe more so, to ensure that our new neighbors see us in the best possible light. First impressions do count.
Moving Out and Old Neighbors
1. Timing is everything:If you can manage to move out of your old home after neighbors have gone to work. The hours after 9:00 am until 4:00 pm is the perfect time to move. Not only will your moving truck occupy much needed parking space, but also you may be blocking the sidewalk with movers, large pieces of furniture plus lots of activity.
2. Give notification: Most of your neighbors will already know about your move, but what about the people who live further down the block? While you might think that your move won't impact their lives at all, it's still a good idea to drop a card in their mailbox indicating your move date and the time that you'll be moving. Just like your neighbors who are unaware of your move, you may in turn be unaware that another family in your block is also moving on the same day; or perhaps they're throwing a large garden party and will need extra parking. Coordinating parking for the moving truck plus any additional cars for people who are helping you move is critical to a successful and stress-free day. Also, some neighbors may want the opportunity to say goodbye and wish you well.
3. Obtain permission: Before moving day, determine where the moving truck will park and if it will be blocking anyone's driveway, garage or if the truck will be parking in a back alley that may impede access. Most people are fine with you needing the space, however, if you end up making them late for work or an appointment, your good neighbor status will quickly dissipate. Also, if you can avoid blocking another person's access, do. Again, most people are okay if they're notified and if it's for a short time, but it's best to err on the side of caution. Besides, you think your move will only take a couple of hours, but remember, you should always allow for an extra hour or two just in case there are problems.
4. Keep the movers in line: Most movers are aware of your impact on the neighborhood, but just remember that shouting, loud music, improper disposal of garbage and blocking of sidewalks is not appropriate.
5. One last check: After the moving truck has left, before you close the door one last time, check the area for anything left behind. Garbage and debris should be picked up and disposed of properly to keep your (old) neighborhood clean.
6. Say goodbye: During one of our moves, I made sure we said a proper goodbye to those neighbors we were closest to. However, I hadn't taken the time to bid a fond farewell to neighbors who lived further away. The morning we moved, we were inundated by a swell of people. While it was a nice way to leave a neighborhood, it delayed our move by at least an hour or two. Give people time to say goodbye. And from your end, you also don't want to be rushing around the day of the move, scrambling from house to house in order to wish your neighbors well. Say your goodbyes the weekend before you move. Provide forwarding contact information to those you were close to.
Moving In and New Neighbors
Most of the above tips also apply to your new neighbors and neighborhood. While you may not know your new neighbors, it's still common courtesy to notify the closest home owners of any inconveniences that may impact their daily routines. Parking, moving activity and noise should all be part of your consideration.
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