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Welcoming the New Neighbors

By Kamlyn Jurgensen May 1, 2015
The house across the street has finally sold and you are getting new neighbors. You're excited and the questions are running through your mind.

Will they have kids?
I wonder if they're military?
Will she want to join our Bunco group?
I wonder if they have dogs? Or teens? 
Will they fit in?

The best way to find out the answers to all these questions and to welcome the new neighbors is to just go and meet them! They are just as curious about you and the neighborhood they moved into. 

Going over empty-handed is fine, but who doesn't love a gift basket? Here are a few ideas of things to put in the basket that will help the new neighbors out tremendously.

Gift card to a local pizza place that delivers. Who wants to go out after unpacking boxes all day? Plus, if it's local they'll have their first taste of local flavor. (Pun intended)

Homemade dinner with disposable plates, cups and silverware. Lasagna and casseroles are great for this as they can be made in disposable pans, too. 

Breakfast is always appreciated. Drop off some coffee and doughnuts or make a batch of homemade muffins to help fuel them through the day. 

Household cleaners. Fill a bucket with your favorite cleaning products, paper towels, gloves, sponges and more to help the new family out. Most of these products are not allowed to be moved through commercial movers and will have to be replaced at the new home. 

Put together information that will be helpful to the newcomers. The local parks and recreation guides, a list of your favorite restaurants, the local library, fun places you like to take your family like the indoor bounce house or other local gem, maps, and a list of local websites that they might find helpful, like Macaroni Kid. 

Your information. Don't forget to give the neighbors a card with your names and contact information. Knowing they have someone in the area they can reach out to will be a comfort to them during this transition time. 

When the new neighbors seem to have settled in, why not invite a few neighbors over for a social meet-and-greet? They'll appreciate being included. 

We'd love to hear how you welcome new neighbors! Please share what you do in the comments below.