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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

So annoyed with my neighbours what should I do when I see them?

281 replies

geekygardener · 27/10/2025 13:36

Every week I’m taking in parcels for a neighbour. I don’t mind the occasional one, but it can fluctuate between a couple a week to a few daily. They order a lot of stuff and are never in to receive it. I don’t know why they don’t order it to their family who live on the next street or to one of their work places. This has been going on for a number of years.
I wouldn’t mind if I’m in just pottering at home, but I often work from home and my office is next to my front door. This means delivery drivers can see I’m in sat at my desk. They will continue to knock and wait even if I don’t initially answer because I’m in a meeting or call. People on the other end of my calls can clearly hear the knocking and dog barking, so I have to cut off. It’s unprofessional, especially because I take calls from people in distress. It’s unfair to cut them off.

I have told multiple delivery drivers that I am working and can no longer take in parcels for neighbours but that seems to have made little difference.
I work nights too and I’m woken up at least three times a week by deliveries for the same neighbours and it really affects my mood.

Today I was resting after a night shift and knocking woke me. Teen dd opened the door but then came running up telling me it was a large delivery for the neighbours and the delivery driver said he needed an adult to take it. Plus it was too large and heavy for dd to take in alone. This is not the first time we have taken in packages that have been large and heavy. I had one neighbour’s wardrobe and bedside table blocking my hallway for over a week while they were on holiday.
I just lost my temper because of being woken and I gabbed the parcel said “fine” and slammed the door. The delivery driver looked shocked, I do feel guilty about that but I was just fed up. I then just sat back down and no more than 2 minutes later another delivery driver knocked with another parcel for neighbours. Dd answered again and shouted out to me that he required an adult again, I couldn’t believe it. It was a different delivery company and driver but I shouted back for her to tell them no. They handed it to her anyway and she brought it to the hallway.

I can honestly say if it was the odd occasion that’s fine and I’d be a good neighbour and take them in happily. But this is multiple times a week, often multiple times a day and is disturbing my work and rest,

I did mention it to neighbour, who is the main culprit, he just laughs and says he understands it’s annoying, but it keeps happening.

Im now left with a large heavy box in my tiny hallway. I also feel like I can’t relax because soon neighbour will come knocking on my door to collect it. So if I wanted to go back to sleep I would be woken again. I looked across and the neighbour is actually in ! Both cars are there and I can see the son playing outside. They just couldn’t be bothered to answer the door.

I have told dd not to answer the door again because she can’t deal with deliveries, which upset her a bit.

Anyway, I hate confrontation but I feel like this is taking the mick.

OP posts:
CatchTheWind1920 · 28/10/2025 06:54

This has been going on for years? I would've cracked after a few weeks. Op, put up a sign and refuse to take the parcels. They can't force you.

thecalmsea · 28/10/2025 06:55

Omg why are you still accepting this? Put a sign up, say no.

plumlipstick · 28/10/2025 06:55

Carodebalo · 28/10/2025 06:48

I have voted you are being unreasonable for accepting this for all this time and for not just saying no! Honestly you even accepted a whole wardrobe?? Just say no! Tell your neighbours. Put up a sign. And then say ‘No’!

I voted the same. OP- come on, passive aggressively screeching "fine" and taking in parcels when you dont want to and then secretly seething with resentment about it is ludicrous.

Just get a no parcels sticker and say no. Good grief, its not that hard to do.

Bagwyllydiart · 28/10/2025 07:21

What is the first rule of Mumsnet?

No, is a complete sentence.

Remember the first rule, use it wisely, use it often.

SinnerBoy · 28/10/2025 07:22

GardenGaff · 27/10/2025 13:41

Amazon sell door stickers that say “we do not accept parcels for the neighbours”.

As for the parcels you’ve currently got in your house, leave them outside your door. Raining? Aww too bad, they’ll just have to get wet.

100% this, along with a sign saying you don't accept packages for neighbours. Fuck the inconsiderate tosser.

Northernladdette · 28/10/2025 07:24

Delivery drivers knock the door?? 😳

YoudonemessedupAyAyRon · 28/10/2025 07:36

Last Christmas, an Amazon driver dumped (and ran) a huge pile of parcels on my doorstep for multiple addresses on multiple streets. I need one of those stickers!

Needtosoundoffandbreathe · 28/10/2025 07:39

Or the OP could say, "No" and put a note on her door. I honestly would not tolerate this. These neighbours are only doing this because the OP keeps accepting their parcels. Say no to parcels for anyone outside your household, shut the door. Tell your kids to do the same.

JennyWrenSeven · 28/10/2025 07:43

I just don’t answer the door now to delivery drivers, if I’ve seen them go to NDN first. In the past I’ve taken in many parcels for them, then I’d pass them in the supermarket or in town, and they’d almost look through me as if saying hello (being courteous) was beneath them, so fuck ‘em! Nowt strange as folk!

Sunshine99999 · 28/10/2025 07:47

Just say no, it’s not hard. I got sick of being disturbed to take in parcels for my neighbour who then never collected them so I refused to take in anymore.

TinyTeachr · 28/10/2025 07:52

Big sign on your door saying that you do not take parcels for neighbours. Do not knock.

Write in big letters on the parcel - I am working from home and can not take your parcels any longer. Please designate a safe place for your deliveries to be left. Then leave it outside their front door.

They are being selfish. Yes, occasionally parcels come when you are out but it shouldn't be hapenning regularly. If it is Amazon for example they should be picking a designated day for all their parcels to be delivered together, and then try to be in on that day. Or get a lock on to put outside their door for parcels.

Ladybridgerton25 · 28/10/2025 07:53

I had this with a neighbour. I worked from home with clients and I’d get knocks constantly. So I put a notice on my door that said “I DO NOT ACCEPT PARCELS ON BEHALF OF NEIGHBOURS”

A few delivery drivers still knocked at first but I’d open the door, confirm it wasn’t mine and say no please read the sign I’m busy working. After a while they got it. Yours will too. Then just explain to the neighbour you’re often in netting’s when they knock and it’s not convenient to take parcels so you won’t be doing it in future, please can they take you off their “if I’m not in” option.

Ocelotfeet27 · 28/10/2025 08:01

Put a sign on the door saying no deliveries for neighbours will be accepted under any circumstances, drivers who continue to knock despite this will have complaints made to their company. Only parcels for 10 Willow Close (your house) accepted.

GAJLY · 28/10/2025 08:07

You could get a sticker for your door saying, only deliver parcels for here. Also a ring door bell would be good, so you don't open the door. Just ask is it for me? When they say no then refuse by saying, no thank you. It's already getting worse and will continue unless you stop taking them in. The neighbours don't care.

I had a cheeky neighbour who would have loads delivered but they were never in! Their immediate neighbours got fed up so started ignoring the door. Then they all started coming to me! It was all of the time and I didn't have much space to store them. In the end my husband took them all round.

I ignored the delivery driver no matter what and they stopped knocking. The neighbours parcels ended up on their step/behind their bin for a few weeks. Then they stopped ordering so many parcels. Until one day they'd ordered furniture and knocked on my day to ask me to take it in! I couldn't believe what she was asking, these parcels were huge flat packs. I'd just had a baby!. I asked her where these huge parcels of furniture were going to fit?! She just stared at me as if I was being unreasonable! In the end I said I'm sorry I can't help and closed the door. Not sure why people order stuff to be delivered when they're never home? Why not get it delivered to their parents? Or collect from store?

Autumvibes · 28/10/2025 08:08

It will require a bit of effort but this should stop the cycle (which your neighbour can’t stop either).

  1. sign up on the door (will not accept neighbours parcels)
  2. If they come to the door and try to give you parcel, point at sign. Close door, if they leave parcel outside move to step three
  3. Take parcel and move it to neighbours front door, if it gets lost it’s the couriers problem not yours

By following step 3, your neighbours parcels will get wet, get stolen or build up on their own property. This will cause the neighbour to be impacted by the couriers and potentially complain which will in turn probably mean they stop leaving them at your house.

Oh and if possible get a blind which filters light so they can’t see you in the office but you still enjoy the light. Eventually you won’t need to use it but it would be helpful for the above.

Thats what I would do.

Bigsigh24 · 28/10/2025 08:09

geekygardener · 27/10/2025 13:36

Every week I’m taking in parcels for a neighbour. I don’t mind the occasional one, but it can fluctuate between a couple a week to a few daily. They order a lot of stuff and are never in to receive it. I don’t know why they don’t order it to their family who live on the next street or to one of their work places. This has been going on for a number of years.
I wouldn’t mind if I’m in just pottering at home, but I often work from home and my office is next to my front door. This means delivery drivers can see I’m in sat at my desk. They will continue to knock and wait even if I don’t initially answer because I’m in a meeting or call. People on the other end of my calls can clearly hear the knocking and dog barking, so I have to cut off. It’s unprofessional, especially because I take calls from people in distress. It’s unfair to cut them off.

I have told multiple delivery drivers that I am working and can no longer take in parcels for neighbours but that seems to have made little difference.
I work nights too and I’m woken up at least three times a week by deliveries for the same neighbours and it really affects my mood.

Today I was resting after a night shift and knocking woke me. Teen dd opened the door but then came running up telling me it was a large delivery for the neighbours and the delivery driver said he needed an adult to take it. Plus it was too large and heavy for dd to take in alone. This is not the first time we have taken in packages that have been large and heavy. I had one neighbour’s wardrobe and bedside table blocking my hallway for over a week while they were on holiday.
I just lost my temper because of being woken and I gabbed the parcel said “fine” and slammed the door. The delivery driver looked shocked, I do feel guilty about that but I was just fed up. I then just sat back down and no more than 2 minutes later another delivery driver knocked with another parcel for neighbours. Dd answered again and shouted out to me that he required an adult again, I couldn’t believe it. It was a different delivery company and driver but I shouted back for her to tell them no. They handed it to her anyway and she brought it to the hallway.

I can honestly say if it was the odd occasion that’s fine and I’d be a good neighbour and take them in happily. But this is multiple times a week, often multiple times a day and is disturbing my work and rest,

I did mention it to neighbour, who is the main culprit, he just laughs and says he understands it’s annoying, but it keeps happening.

Im now left with a large heavy box in my tiny hallway. I also feel like I can’t relax because soon neighbour will come knocking on my door to collect it. So if I wanted to go back to sleep I would be woken again. I looked across and the neighbour is actually in ! Both cars are there and I can see the son playing outside. They just couldn’t be bothered to answer the door.

I have told dd not to answer the door again because she can’t deal with deliveries, which upset her a bit.

Anyway, I hate confrontation but I feel like this is taking the mick.

Not sure why this is difficult, sign on door ‘in meetings - please note I cannot take in parcels for neighbours, do not leave them or disturb, thank you ‘

no confrontation needed, if they leave them, leave them outside in rain , they will soon get message, people are so bloody rude (your neighbours) x

Invinoveritaz · 28/10/2025 08:12

Put a sign up saying ‘I am not taking delivery of neighbours parcels. Do not knock’. Also get some nets/ blinds/ window film for the room you work in so no one can see you.

Tigercrane · 28/10/2025 08:18

Bit mean of some posters to call you a doormat.I understand you a nice person/ neighbour but nobody is really grateful to you and they are using you.Are you afraid somehow of the negative reaction you will get from them when you say no, or you might find it unpleasant?
Try and work on that, there is no reason to take the parcels for neighbours.
Please do what's recommended big notice on your door no parcels not for your address.
Do not open the door no matter how long they knock.
Just put up with neighbours being annoyed you're not taking their post, you will be happier in the long run.
All the best

MikeRafone · 28/10/2025 08:18

Put a note on your door

Delivery driver

I do not under any circumstances take delivers for No xzy. Don't knock and set the dog off, you may see me in a meeting in my office - I'm not going to pause the entire meeting to take delivery, I may be on night duty and if you ring the bell and wake me - be prepared to send for help. Don't even think about leaving it on the doorstep, don't even think about knocking.
thank you for your understanding

Sismamsspam · 28/10/2025 08:20

I have a similar issue though it is less frequent. My next door neighbours have actually made a note in their Amazon account saying to try here if they are out, which they generally are. Then they NEVER come and knock to pick up the parcels from me so I have to watch out for them being in and take them round.

FagotsAndPeas · 28/10/2025 08:22

YABU to complain when you could have ended this years ago by refusing the deliveries!

Don't accept any more, they will soon get the message.

mullers1977 · 28/10/2025 08:24

MidnightPatrol · 27/10/2025 13:37

I’d put up a sign on your door saying you will not take parcels for other houses.

Then I would knock and say what you’ve said here - it’s too much, you work nights and it’s distributing your sleep
etc.

Definitely do this, if they continue to knock when you answer the door refuse to take delivery.

YourAmplePlumPoster · 28/10/2025 08:34

I only take parcels for one particular neighbour as he always collects them. The other neighbour has left parcels for days at a time and not bothered to pick them up until I make the effort to go round there so I just say no to the delivery person. You should tell your neighbour to avail himself of a drop off point or shop.

2ooTired2Care · 28/10/2025 08:37

geekygardener · 27/10/2025 13:36

Every week I’m taking in parcels for a neighbour. I don’t mind the occasional one, but it can fluctuate between a couple a week to a few daily. They order a lot of stuff and are never in to receive it. I don’t know why they don’t order it to their family who live on the next street or to one of their work places. This has been going on for a number of years.
I wouldn’t mind if I’m in just pottering at home, but I often work from home and my office is next to my front door. This means delivery drivers can see I’m in sat at my desk. They will continue to knock and wait even if I don’t initially answer because I’m in a meeting or call. People on the other end of my calls can clearly hear the knocking and dog barking, so I have to cut off. It’s unprofessional, especially because I take calls from people in distress. It’s unfair to cut them off.

I have told multiple delivery drivers that I am working and can no longer take in parcels for neighbours but that seems to have made little difference.
I work nights too and I’m woken up at least three times a week by deliveries for the same neighbours and it really affects my mood.

Today I was resting after a night shift and knocking woke me. Teen dd opened the door but then came running up telling me it was a large delivery for the neighbours and the delivery driver said he needed an adult to take it. Plus it was too large and heavy for dd to take in alone. This is not the first time we have taken in packages that have been large and heavy. I had one neighbour’s wardrobe and bedside table blocking my hallway for over a week while they were on holiday.
I just lost my temper because of being woken and I gabbed the parcel said “fine” and slammed the door. The delivery driver looked shocked, I do feel guilty about that but I was just fed up. I then just sat back down and no more than 2 minutes later another delivery driver knocked with another parcel for neighbours. Dd answered again and shouted out to me that he required an adult again, I couldn’t believe it. It was a different delivery company and driver but I shouted back for her to tell them no. They handed it to her anyway and she brought it to the hallway.

I can honestly say if it was the odd occasion that’s fine and I’d be a good neighbour and take them in happily. But this is multiple times a week, often multiple times a day and is disturbing my work and rest,

I did mention it to neighbour, who is the main culprit, he just laughs and says he understands it’s annoying, but it keeps happening.

Im now left with a large heavy box in my tiny hallway. I also feel like I can’t relax because soon neighbour will come knocking on my door to collect it. So if I wanted to go back to sleep I would be woken again. I looked across and the neighbour is actually in ! Both cars are there and I can see the son playing outside. They just couldn’t be bothered to answer the door.

I have told dd not to answer the door again because she can’t deal with deliveries, which upset her a bit.

Anyway, I hate confrontation but I feel like this is taking the mick.

mate honestly just stop answering the door. they’ve milked your patience long enough. next time you bump into them just say calm as anything, “can’t take parcels anymore, messes with work.” no big speech, just that. then walk off or change the subject. if drivers knock, let ‘em knock. you’re not the post office, you’re a neighbour who’s had enough.

NameChangedUnderstandingGained · 28/10/2025 08:40

MidnightPatrol · 27/10/2025 13:37

I’d put up a sign on your door saying you will not take parcels for other houses.

Then I would knock and say what you’ve said here - it’s too much, you work nights and it’s distributing your sleep
etc.

This. Large sign. Refuse to take. Tell neighbours you can no longer take parcels.

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