How to Not Annoy New Neighbors Right After a Move

Moving days (moving in or moving out) are usually loud, messy, stress-filled days that (thankfully) usually don’t last for days on end. And since it’s something that nearly everyone has to tackle at least once in their life, neighbors are usually pretty tolerant. But if you’ve just recently moved into (or will be moving soon) a new place and want to make an extra good impression on any new neighbors, follow these few guidelines.

Not only is it considerate to ask where the best place is to park the moving truck — you never know who you might be blocking in or if you’re stealing someone’s needed spot — they might actually have some great advice to give. And folks love to feel helpful.

This goes with the advice above. Again, probably no one is going to fault you for needing to set something outside for a bit while you figure out where to put it in your new home (or how to fit it through the door frame), but if you’re really intent on leaving a great impression with the new neighbors, making sure your stuff isn’t in the way as people leave and go about their day will go a long way in showing off how considerate you are.

Even when you try your hardest, moving makes a lot of trash. Before you start clearing out the inside of your new home and stuffing whichever cans you spot first, ask your landlord or inquire from your neighbors which cans are actually yours to use. Then check and see where they live when they’re pulled out to the curb and where they live when they’re off the road. Especially in some tight neighborhoods and complexes, the trashcan to parking space balance could be delicate, and it might take asking to learn it.

This is pretty obvious, but worth reminding, since as mentioned above, moving days can be loud, messy and stress-filled. But putting that extra effort in setting down whatever you’re carrying, wiping your hands off and returning a friendly handshake and introduction can set the stage for a friendly relationship with your neighbors.

This applies to those moving to a new apartment in a shared building. The first few days in a new place can be a marathon of housecleaning tasks and furniture and accessory arranging, but don’t get so caught up in your nesting that you don’t realize that you’re starting up the vacuum at 11:30 at night or trying to hang that last painting at midnight. Even though many know these are the short-lived sounds of someone settling into a new home (and not the sort of thing you might continue to do throughout the lease period), it still shows consideration for your new neighbors to stick to making noise at reasonable times.

What would you add to this list?