House-moving etiquette

[donna123]

We used to have a mad old lady next door who kept herself to herself. She died and the family tarted up the house to sell it. Finally, a year later, it has sold. So, I am about 20 years out of date on being a good neighbour.

When the new family move in, what is the correct etiquette? Is it up to me to welcome them to the area? Or is it up to them to come over to introduce themselves?
Don't want to appear stand-offish nor overly pushy: MN, advise me on what to do please!

Go round and welcome them.

Or, if you're around on moving-in day, do it then!

Our neighbour popped a welcome card through our door on the first night. We thought this was really nice as it showed she was friendly without being in our faces.

Yes, card very good idea.

Please don't do what our neighbours did to us when we were moving in (removal men lifting everything over a skip left right in the driveway, in teeming rain), which was to see us out the front when they were coming and going, but said nothing. Obviously, it could be argued that we should have called out to them, but we were brand new to the city and feeling a little bit overwhelmed at the time.

I do now know the woman's name, but the only conversation I've had with her was collecting a parcel that they had taken in for us.

I took flowers round to our new neighbours .I did wait a day or so until they had moved in , partly cos I was working and they had massive trucks there for days.

we moved in last summer to our new hosue and were v grateful when all our neighbours (we have 3 next door neighbours which sounds strange but is true) and they all came in the late afternoon on moving day with a card/ wine. it as soooo kind and they gave phone numbers and said if they can be of any assistance etc. all v v v v welcome from our point of view...

Oh yes, do take a card that has your name and house number in it. We moved house last year and a few people said hello passing by our door etc but I really struggled to remember their names and where they lived but felt a bit awkward asking again.

There is a family who live behind us with very similar aged dc's to us and they are so staggeringly unfriendly. We've tried quite a few times to chat and they so clearly don't think they need to show any courtesy to us. I have vowed to now always be nice to new people moving in! I think its up to both sides to put some effort in, but it is hard when you're new!

When we moved in we got a homemade cake and card from one side, and a house present from my friend who lives on the other side.

A foody pres is often good if you do it on moving in day - eating is oft forgotten on moving day.....plate of sarnies at lunchtime would have been brilliant!!

Thanks all. The welcome card is a great idea, especially when signed by us all to help them remember our names.

My wonderful neighbour saved my life by appearing with tea and chocolate biscuits for me and all the removal men - the removal men had packed the box that had all that stuff in it. I am endlessly grateful.