By Leigh Wood Landry
Several considerations come to mind when you move into a new home, from practical details, such as the protocol for garbage, recycling and compost, to how to connect with new people and deal with disputes.
Luckily, there are lots of ways to get settled in and stay informed…
- Visit community websites and social media accounts
- Read local newspapers and bulletin boards
- Whenever possible, walk around. Discover nearby schools, parks, gyms, pools, stores, bus stops and other amenities, and get a feel for the general “vibe” of your area. Does it seem quiet, or is there a lot of social activity? Are people often out and about, or do they keep to themselves?
- Notice what you have in common with your new neighbours. You might be raising children of a similar age, caring for older parents in your home, gardening, or walking your dog every evening.
It’s also important to remember strategies for building and maintaining good relationships with your neighbours.
- Introduce yourself, and show that you’re trustworthy. Respecting and looking out for neighbours often influences them to be honest and reliable in return.
- Be attentive to your pets, clean up after them, and be considerate of others’ preferences – don’t bring pets too close to someone who is uncomfortable around animals.
- Despite the potentially beautiful results, landscaping and house renovations can be noisy, messy and time-consuming. Keep your neighbours informed if you’re planning large projects around your home. Ensure that nothing on your property is likely to cause damage to your neighbour’s property.
- Let guests know where to park while visiting you, so no one else’s driveway or parking spot is blocked.
If you have a dispute, solve it fairly:
- Talk to the person involved! Avoid gossiping, or posting about the incident on social media.
- Don’t yell, or try to provoke one another. If your neighbour becomes abusive, let them know you’ll be willing to resume the discussion once they feel calmer – then walk away.
- Show a willingness to work together and find a mutually beneficial solution. Whenever possible, find an area that you can agree on – this can be a good starting point for a constructive discussion.
- Often people simply need validation to approach a situation more calmly and rationally. Saying something like “I can understand your point” (even if you’re not in total agreement with that point) is often enough to defuse a tense scenario.
Moving into a new neighbourhood means new opportunities, new friendships and a new you. Getting involved with your community will make your integration much easier.