Simple Ways to Welcome the New Neighbors

We have been in our new home for almost a month and we have met exactly one family. Didn’t it used to be protocol to come over and greet new neighbors. I think I even remember a Rugrats episode when Susie’s family moved into town, all the neighbors brought Jello molds to their house the mother couldn’t even find room in her fridge for another leaning tower of Jello. Thus far, we haven’t even gotten as much as a wave except for one family.

In my old neighborhood, I defined neighborhood very loosely. Neighborhood didn’t just mean the six houses on my cul-de-sac, but basically any house that I passed getting to the main road. Whenever we noticed a new family move in, a batch of brownies or muffins went in the oven. Within the first two weeks of their arrival, we would pop by and say hello. I personally think greeting new people in the neighborhood is not from etiquette books of past but an important role that we can all fulfill.

Some great ways to introduce yourself:

The old fashioned dessert hello – Like we did, bake a batch or cookies or brownies and bring them by.

When the moving truck pulls in, offer to give a hand. Maybe you’re not strong enough to carry their piano or they have professional movers, but perhaps you can offer to take their kids over to your swing set or watch them outside at their house to free up the new neighbors to move in.

Jot down information about the closest grocery store, vet, and movie theater. Give them information that they should know about their new neighborhood.

Have a reverse tea party. Boil some water at your house and bring it by in a carafe for a get to know you tea that the new neighbors don’t have to do any work for.

Invite them to something you have going on. If you already have a picnic or party planned, be sure to drop off an invitation. Maybe the guys have a regular card night or game day planned, why not invite the new man in town.

It really doesn’t matter how you do it, but take the time to do it. Moving is stressful and difficult especially if they have come a long way. Take a little of the stress out by welcoming them like long time friends.