15 Things Every Good Neighbor Does
Being on good terms with your neighbors can come in seriously handy — like when you're out of sugar, but need to make cookies for the bake sale at your kid's school tomorrow. Not sure how to put your best foot forward? Here's how to become the best neighbor on the block.
Deliver a welcome basket.
Has a new family moved to the neighborhood? Drop off a basket filled treats, cooking ingredients, a bottle of wine, important phone numbers, and any other little trinkets they might need for their new home.
Start a school carpool.
If another family on your street has kids that attend the same school as yours, set up a carpool routine that will help you and your neighbor out.
Help carry in groceries.
If you see your neighbor pull up with a car full of groceries, spend five minutes helping them unload. This gesture will go a long way. Then give them your insider knowledge on the cheapest day to go grocery shopping to earn even more brownie points.
Plan a neighborhood event.
Bring the whole neighborhood together and throw a block party to celebrate an upcoming holiday, a month of birthdays, or simply use it as an excuse get to know one another.
Clean up the sidewalks.
Take your whole family out on a Sunday afternoon with a few trash bags and clean up your block. Your entire neighborhood will notice the difference, and they might even chip in. Make sure to bring more than one bag, so you can recycle too.
Host a game night.
Round up a few of the adults for an evening of fun — and bonding! Have everyone BYOB and bring their own game. You might learn a few new games as a result.
Plant a community garden.
Gather everyone together to plant a mix of trees, vegetables, and herbs. Then have everyone pitch in to maintain and nurture your shared garden throughout the year. When your veggies are ready to pick, have a neighborhood feast.
Help with holiday lights.
Nothing is more satisfying than a neighborhood full of colorful lights come the holidays. But the worst part? Actually hanging them. Help your neighbor out by handing them lights while they're on their roof or lend a hand to keep their ladder steady.
Watch their house.
If your next-door neighbors are going out of town, offer to watch over their house by watering their plants, feeding their pets, and keeping an eye on things while they're away. It doesn't take much time and they'll probably offer to do the same for you.
Start a neighborhood watch program.
Make your neighborhood a safe place for everyone by starting a neighborhood watch program. This way, when someone sees something, they'll know who to go to if they want to say something.
Tend to their yard.
It's not only courteous to make sure your lawn is in tip-top-shape, but if you're out mowing your front yard, offer to do the same for the family next door. They'll appreciate the hour of chores you just took off their to-do list.
Sign for their packages.
When your neighbor isn't home, don't be afraid to sign for their packages. Just leave a note on their door letting them know you're keeping it in your home for safekeeping.
Shovel their walkway.
Everyone knows that driving in the winter is the worst. While you're out clearing your walkway, pop next door and do the same for your neighbor. They'll come out in the morning for work happy not to slip on their way to their car.
Take their dog for a stroll.
Even if you don't have a dog, don't be afraid to ask your neighbors if you can take theirs for a walk in the morning or afternoon. Your neighbor and their pups will appreciate the gesture and you'll have fun too.
Give their car a rinse.
No one likes a dirty car. So the next time you notice dust drawings on your neighbors' car (sigh, kids), ask them if you can help them out by giving their wheels a soak while you're tackling your own.
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