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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get a welcome package for neighbour moving in tomorrow?

331 replies

Imfinallyhappy1 · 17/04/2019 17:32

We have a new neighbour moving in tomorrow, I’ve never met them but I used to live in the house until it was sold about 8 months ago.

I moved next door as it came up for rent when our landlord gave us notice.

I have a small hamper basket and was going to write the bin collection times, useful info like posties name, some tea, coffee, biscuits etc. Just some bits for moving in day.

Is there anything else that would be good? Or helpful?

OP posts:
Crimebustersofthesea · 17/04/2019 17:51

I don't think it's creepy at all (even the loo roll!) and I'm someone who doesn't particularly want to be best friends with the neighbours. It's kind and welcoming.

smartcarnotsosmartdriver · 17/04/2019 17:51

I think this is a really sweet idea. One of our neighbours came to say hi while we were stripping off wall paper and it was nice to know someone.

Someoneonlyyouknow · 17/04/2019 17:52

Sounds lovely and friendly, even the toilet roll. I suppose it depends where you live but think it's sad that some people would be creeped out by a neighbour saying hello when they moved in.

Alsohuman · 17/04/2019 17:53

You probably wouldn’t answer the door @Likethebattle.

abcriskringle · 17/04/2019 17:53

I think it's nice! Our neighbours brought round a bottle of prosecco and a card the day we moved in which I thought was lovely.

4040vision · 17/04/2019 17:54

Condoms for the first shag in the new home? Grin

Jokes aside, I think it's a lovely idea. I think what you put in your first post and the takeaway menus would be enough. It's enough to show thought in the gesture without looking too keen.

Although, I would say, give it without expectations of becoming bestest friend neighbours. We had new neighbours, a young couple with kids move opposite in our little cul-de-sac last year. I took round a new home card and a bottle of bubbles to say hello and welcome. They looked really taken aback, mumbled a thank you and took them off me. One of their mums was hovering behind and was really lovely and vocal with her thanks. They looked a bit weirded out by my gesture though. Blush

Since then, they keep their head down and don't really interact with any of us in the street. I know that other neighbours popped round with cards too.

Some people aren't comfortable with being friendly with the neighbours, shame as it's a nice street and the neighbours are friendly without being in each other's pockets.

So I guess I'm saying the gesture is lovely and just keep it simple.

Boom45 · 17/04/2019 17:55

I'm pretty anti social but my neighbours gave me wine and coffee (i think) when we moved it and i thought it was lovley. They didn't invite themselves in or hang around so I wasnt worried they were going to be overbearing, just friendly.
Been neighbours 10 years now and we chat when we're both in our gardens or whatever but other than that not had much contact. Just the way i like it.

ILoveMaxiBondi · 17/04/2019 17:56

How do you know when they’re moving in if you’ve never spoken to them? Confused

Personally I find it cringey and try hard. They know they’re moving, they probably have biscuits and toilet roll packed handily. They may also be moving from a few streets away and already know the postman and best takeaway in town.

Also they may be cunts with barking dogs and a drum kit and you’ll feel like an idiot for spending a single penny on welcoming them.

Saying “hello, welcome to the street, my names janet” over the fence is sufficient and unobtrusive.

choosingchilli · 17/04/2019 17:56

Mmm I'm in the too much too soon camp. If my neighbour bought this over I'd worry they were going to be overfriendly/over involved but then I can be an antisocial git

If you really want to do something I'd leave it a few days then take something small over and introduce yourself.

Ifeelinclined · 17/04/2019 17:57

How kind! I would love to have you as a neighbor!

makingmammaries · 17/04/2019 17:57

I’d be freaked out. I like to size people up before committing to interaction.

Claw01 · 17/04/2019 17:57

Lovely idea. I knocked on my neighbours to introduce myself when I moved. I would have loved a hamper and wouldn’t have found it creepy!

I’ve lived here 10 years, don’t live in neighbours pockets! Just a good morning, when our paths cross.

thecatsthecats · 17/04/2019 17:57

I would find a helping hand and a cup of tea far more supportive than all that.

I think what tips it over the edge is that you used to live in their house - they might think you'll never be out of their hair!

I had a former work colleague who I hated call me out of the blue twice on my moving day - I was moving to her neighbourhood. I had my hands full when the calls came in, but her son (who still works at my company) told me she was 'looking to welcome us - he'd told her where we were moving to'. I spent the first couple of weeks dreading her turning up or bumping into her.

I'd really err on the side of caution - for first meetings I think the advice to 'be brief, be bright and be gone' is perfect!

Inadvertentlybrilliant · 17/04/2019 17:58

I'm selling a house and am planning on putting together info about bin day, local directory, colours of paints used on the walls, where to turn off water supply etc and a 'Welcome to your new home' card. Good idea about takeaway menus. I might buy some flowers but coffee, tea and biscuits? I'm pretty sure that they will have their own already.

I think it may depend on where you live. If it's a tiny village that might be okay but if it's in the suburbs or a city I"d be a bit worried to receive this. I'd be thinking my new NDNs were going to be busy bodies.

Bluntness100 · 17/04/2019 17:59

I think it's a lovely idea. Just reign it in a bit op. Don't give loo roll etc.

Our neighbours gave us a bottle of champagne and a list of useful things like bin collection, window cleaner etc,

I think if I'd got a full hamper inc menus, loo roll and hand soap I'd think it was a bit desperate and a bit much.

Keep it simple and you'll do fine.

Gottalovesummer · 17/04/2019 18:01

We usually buy a bottle of wine for any new neighbours, and drop it in a couple of days after they've moved in with just a quick hi, and a welcome to the road.

Always been gratefully received!

Livpool · 17/04/2019 18:01

I think that sounds lovely- all of it

Our new neighbour brought us a bottle of wine and I was super chuffed with that xx

MrsEricBana · 17/04/2019 18:01

"Hi, Welcome to the street, I'm Susan. Just in case you need a poo I brought you this!" 🧻🧻🧻

MrsEricBana · 17/04/2019 18:02

(Tea, bics and postie name perfect 😊)

ILoveMaxiBondi · 17/04/2019 18:04

Hi, Welcome to the street, I'm Susan. Just in case you need a poo I brought you this!"

😂😂😂

Why would they need to know the postman’s name? Confused he comes to them! Right to their door. They won’t need to go and hunt him down.

MightyAtlantic · 17/04/2019 18:05

I would absolutely hate this. Just say hello and be friendly when you happen to bump into them, there's no need to leave them anything. They might have dietary restrictions or food allergies for a start.

Bluntness100 · 17/04/2019 18:07

I also wouldn't go round on moving in day op, it's the last thing anyone wants, they will be busy, so you need to give it a day or two.

Also by then they won't need tea and coffee and toilet paper.

So useful info and a bottle of wine or something would probably go down way better.

Claw01 · 17/04/2019 18:07

MrsEric Grin

The key to cellar is in the basket. You can lower the lotion in the basket to the last neighbours! Grin

Inadvertentlybrilliant · 17/04/2019 18:09

The home I am selling is unoccupied and we have refurbished it throughout. There is a pack of loo roll there which we will leave but I wouldn't actually put one in a hamper.

SenecaFalls · 17/04/2019 18:16

It's usual to do this sort of thing in the U.S. South where I live. Baked goods often play a large role.

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