5 Tips on How to Be the Best New Neighbor on the Block

Moving into a new neighborhood? Congrats!

A new home is a new beginning and with that come new neighbors.

Nothing is worse than a problem with the people who live next door. It can feel like you’re always walking on eggshells in your own house and even make you want to move again.

Avoid this situation by being the best new neighbor possible and bringing out the best of those around you.

Here are some tips for making a great first impression and ensuring things run smoothly at your new place.

Introduce Yourself

You’d be surprised how many new neighbors go out of their way to avoid an introduction.

If you’re just moving to the area, knock on your neighbor’s door at a reasonable time of day (not late at night or early in the morning) and introduce yourself.

Tell them where you’re moving from and disclose a little information about who you are. This always helps to make a connection and find commonalities off the bat.

Exchange your names and phone numbers. Having your neighbors names and numbers is a good idea in case of emergencies.

Greet your new neighbors when you see them out and about in the community. You’ll undoubtedly eat and shop in some of the same places, so be sure you connect with them and remind them you’re here.

Offer Your Help

People appreciate a helpful neighbor.

If you find there’s something you’re good at or that they could use assistance with, offer your expertise. This doesn’t have to be a significant commitment.

It could be as simple as letting them borrow your electric drill or giving them the name of your accountant when you hear they need help with their taxes.

These are all small gestures but show that you’ll be a positive addition to the neighborhood.

Ask Questions

You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbors, but you should get to know them a little.

Find out if they have children, pets,  and what kind of hours they work. This can help you be a good neighbor and also gives you an opportunity to share a bit about yourself and your family.

For example, maybe you’ll find out they don’t leave for work until mid-day, so you can offer to change the time your sprinklers go off, so they don’t drench their car.

This type of exchange can go a long way with maintaining the relationship with your neighbor, and they’ll appreciate the care.  

Be Considerate

The best way to be a great new neighbor is to be considerate.

Don’t play your music until all hours of the night. If you’re going to have a party, let your neighbors know in advance and even consider inviting them. Clean up after yourself and keep your home well-maintained.

Don’t park in their driveway and drive slowly on your block. In short, consider your new neighbors the way you’d want to be considered.

Be the Best New Neighbor

Nobody wants to have a problem with their new neighbor. Follow the tips above to be the biggest hit on the block and have things go well with the people on your street.

They’ll appreciate your effort, and you’ll get a terrific living experience in return.

Check out more tips on our blog and contact us today to help you plan your move!

Packing the Ultimate and Best Moving Essentials Kit

Are you are moving across town, the state or the country? No matter how far you are moving, packing is one of the most important parts of the moving process.

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving a long distance or a short one, packing an essentials kits is vital.

It’s challenging to get everything loaded, unloaded, and unpacked, in one day, particularly if you are moving any significant distance. An essential kit helps you keep all of your necessary items packed together so that when you arrive at your new home, you have immediate access to them.

Having things readily available like a phone charger, a toolkit, and cleaning supplies will help the process be less chaotic and more organized.

The essentials kit should be the last box on the truck and the first one off, or better yet, if possible, if you are traveling by car keep it with you.

Each family and situation is unique, but here are some moving essentials to consider packing separately to make your moving day a success!

1. Cleaning Supplies

Give the kitchen and bathroom a quick cleanup as soon as you arrive. Also, these supplies will help you clean other messes throughout the day.

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Paper towels
  • Dish soap
  • Garbage bags
  • Hand soap for each sink
  • Broom and dustpan

2. Tool Kit

You might not be hanging wall art immediately, but a few tools to help assemble furniture and open boxes will come in handy.

  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Boxcutter
  • Pliers
  • Flashlight
  • Scissors
  • Tape

3. Snacks and Eating Essentials

Moving day is hectic and can be exhausting. Make sure you pack some snacks and beverages to help get you through the day.

  • Bottled water
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Protein bars
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Paper plates
  • Napkins
  • Cutlery
  • Cups
  • Pet food and bowls

4. Personal and Comfort Items

It’s a good idea to keep your personal items available as well. You never know when you will have access to all of your belongings.

  • Medicine
  • Toiletries
  • Contact lens supplies
  • Pajamas
  • Change of clothes
  • Phone charger
  • Toilet paper
  • Bathroom towels
  • Toys for kids
  • Dog Leash

5. First Aid Supplies

Because accidents can happen, it is smart to have some basic first aid items on hand just in case.

  • Bandaids
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Antibacterial cream
  • Ibuprofen

6. Bedding

In case you aren’t finished unpacking everything by bedtime, you can still have your beds ready. Make your beds as soon as you can so that you will have a place to rest after your long moving day.

  • Clean bedding
  • Pillows

Completing the Essentials Kit

Once you have your essentials kit packed, label it clearly and make sure that it’s the last item loaded onto the moving truck, so that it will be first to come off. Or, keep your moving day essential kit with you, especially if you will arrive at your new house before the movers.

Packing an essentials kit is a great way to make sure you have all those small items that you will need throughout the day in one place, meaning less confusion and less time wasted searching for them.

Additional Moving Help

For other great tips, or better yet, help with your move; contact us. At Community Moving and Storage we want to make sure your next move is the easiest you’ve ever had!

Moving To Tampa? Check Out These Fun Dog Parks

Helping your dog settle into your new location is just as important as getting yourself and your family settled. Taking a dog for a walk is also a great way to meet new people and potentially form a social circle. Tampa has numerous dog parks scattered throughout the city.

Here are a few for you to check out to get you started walking your dog in your new home of Tampa, FL.

1. Logan Gate Dog Park

Logan Gate offers two fenced play areas so that dogs can enjoy being off the leash in a safe environment. This spacious five-acre dog park also has a separate small dog area.

There are additional facilities such as water for both dogs and humans, as well as a handy cleaning station so that your furry companion won’t bring unwanted dirt into your new home.

2. West Park Dog Park

Officially the first dog park in the Hillsborough counties it is worth noting that there is a child play area nearby. This site is a favorite for families playing with their dogs. In the summer months, your pet will be grateful for the cooling tubs and buckets of water readily available under the shade of the trees.

3. Gadsden Dog Park

This dog park features three separate fenced areas for various sized dogs. Also, there is a resting zone which works on rotation, so dogs feel comfortable enjoying the shade and water. There are water pools, kiddie pools,  lots of picnic tables and plenty of room for your pooch to run and roam. The park also provides a great watering and rinsing area.

4. Al Lopez Dog Park

Another excellent dog park is the Al Lopez Dog Park offering plenty of shade and human areas too. There is ample seating for humans to relax and the park is split into a small and a larger dog zone. The large dog area is 1.5 acres while the small dog zone is 0.1 acres.

5. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park

If your dog could tell you its favorite park to visit, this just might be the one! The Curtis Hixon Dog Park has artificial turf as well as agility equipment for your four-legged friend to play on. It is located on the waterfront and has a water fountain designed especially for dogs.

6. Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park

Another great park offering agility equipment alongside separate off-leash areas for both large and small dogs is the Kotfila Dog Park. Nestled under the Selmon Expressway this park is open from dawn until dusk. With top of the range artificial turf easy on your pup’s paws, you can also avoid mud during the rains. You will also find lots of fun obstacles like platforms and tunnels your dog will love.

Fun for all in Tampa

Your pooch deserves to enjoy your new area as much as you. Take him out to one of these Tampa area dog parks to enjoy the weather and beauty of the surroundings.

If you are still planning your move in the Tampa area, contact us today. We can help you make the transition easy!