Whether you interact a little or a lot, your neighbours make an impact on your day to day life. You always want good ones -- whatever that looks like to you personally. The door goes both ways, so here are 5 ways to be a better neighbour in an apartment community.
Keep it down
No one wants to hear you blare music or tv shows, no matter how awesome your taste may be. Be respectful of those around you who may be able to hear far more than you think through the walls, floors and ceiling. If you do listen to things loudly (music, tv etc), try to be respectful of the time of day. Keep it down in the late evening and early morning as you may disrupt your neighbours’ sleep. It’s also polite (and hygienic) to avoid wearing shoes inside your home -- especially if you have hardwood or creaky floors. Don’t yell or shout if you can avoid it.
Be mindful about pets
Have a furry best friend? Pets are amazing but can be a bit of a nuisance from a neighbour’s perspective. It’s worthwhile to train your dog not to bark all day when you are away from home. It’s also important to keep your dog(s) leashed in public spaces of your apartment building to ensure you don’t scare pet-timid neighbours. When you pass people in the hall, keep your dog close by your side so they don’t jump on your neighbours or worse, attack them.
Be kind
Courtesy can go a long way in an apartment community. Little kind gestures like saying hello to your neighbours, holding doors open for them and pausing elevators for them as they race down the hall -- it all adds up and creates a positive impression on those around you.
Be mindful in the laundry room
If you have a shared laundry area, it’s important to be considerate of your neighbours there. That can mean many things but here are a few key tips:
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Time your laundry so you don’t leave your items in the machines for long.
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Don’t tamper with your neighbours’ laundry, even if you’re in a rush to use a machine they have left items in.
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Consider going fragrance free. Not everyone wants to smell April fresh, so consider using unscented detergents for your laundry so your smells don’t become their smells.
Get organised
A great way to be a better neighbour is to be welcoming to those around you. Consider organising neighbourly get togethers and parties, either in your apartment or in the party room of your building (if applicable). It’s a great way to break the ice and get social with those around you and may help your neighbours feel much more at home in the building.
We hope that these tips help you become a better neighbour in an apartment community!
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