Don’t be shy, people do still want to meet their new neighbors face to face! It is a nicety that is always appreciated by those just moving in. And we’ve got some treat tags that can help break the ice to say hello! (And some that will help you say good-bye, too.) Let’s get out there and meet new neighbors the old-fashioned way!
Meet the New Neighbors!
I think dropping by with a treat to meet the new neighbors is a fading tradition. But I’m not going to let it die with me! Sure, there is the slight risk the new neighbors have gluten sensitivities or food allergies to whatever you brought. (Homemade, 3-ingredient Rice Krispies treats are gluten free and I always skip adding nuts to anything for new move-ins, just in case.) Chances are not everyone in the family has an allergy and your treats can always be given to moving helpers, which is still appreciated.
It’s Hard Being New
We moved in during a sizzling Texas July, mere days before the 4th, which fell in the middle of the week. People were understandably busy with travel and family but I can’t tell you how much it meant when our new next door neighbors brought over sliced watermelon and vanilla ice cream! The sliced watermelon was especially thoughtful, as my kitchen knives were still in boxes. It made us feel like we had someone we could ask for help, or at least ask which restaurant would deliver pizza to our little country area. That connection was a really important lifeline and feeling of safety during our first few days here. We felt so lucky to have wonderful people right next door!
Transplant Shock
Moving is emotionally draining because it is usually preceded by saying bittersweet good-byes to beloved old friends and neighbors. It is common for most to have silent, aching hearts quietly hidden by the mountains of boxes and stress. Don’t let the exciting flurry of come-and-go activity at the recently sold house fool you; people are very much hoping the new neighbors will come to say hello! Whip up a crowd-pleasing recipe, tie on a tag that has your cell phone number and head on over! The new folks will be forever grateful for your kindness.
How About Some Cute Tags?
I love making little printable things and this tag set should have everything you need to say hello – or good-bye – to those around you who are moving. A few of them are a tad cheeky to hopefully bring a smile to the recipient’s face!
Download the Treat Tags Here:
What to Do When zero Neighbors Show Up
If you’ve moved in during a holiday like we did, or the weather has people sheltering inside (also what we experienced), then don’t hesitate to get out and meet the neighbors yourself!
We had been in our home for a couple weeks without seeing another child our son’s age. The heat had driven everyone into backyard pools and we hardly knew a soul. Unsure of what else to do, I designed a tag that had our family member names and cell phone numbers with the address of the house we had just moved in to. I baked up dozens of little cookies, packaged them in clear cellophane bags, tied on the big tag with raffia and set out as a family to meet the people on our street.
It Worked!
Our gesture was well-received! Everyone was so kind and seemed thrilled that we had stopped by. In a single Sunday afternoon we met almost a dozen neighbors who quickly put us in touch with families who had children our son’s age.
If You Find Yourself in the Same Situation
I can help! Below is a large free printable tag with ample room to write your names, cell number & email. (It’s an editable PDF so you can type these items in if you’d like!) It can be affixed to a treat, box of movie candy or simply handed over like a business card so neighbors can text you their contact information. This design works wonderfully whether you are the new neighbor or are greeting those who just moved in!
Download the new neighbor treat tag here
Pssst. Want to use the same font to type in your contact info? The font is called Life Savers, which you should be able to download for free.
Don’t Be Shy!
I was recently that new neighbor myself. I wanted people to drop in to say hello, no matter what kind of wreck my house looked like! It feels uncomfortable to have people staring at you from a distance, seeming to not want to talk. And it does not require treats; that part is to help you feel like you have an excuse for ringing the doorbell but I promise, you are not bothering them. They have wondered what the new doorbell sounds like anyways! Of course if you see the new folks outside you can simply smile, wave and trot over to say howdy. However you choose to introduce yourself, they will be so glad that you did!
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