How to say goodbye to your neighbours

The eMove Moving Places column

How to say goodbye to your neighbours

There’s an art to farewells. Robert A. Heinlein's science fiction character Lazarus Long said it best when he noted ‘Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending’.

And he’s right. Not done properly, your parting moment from your old neighbourhood could leave a sour taste in the mouths of all your former neighbours – and that’s not just the result of the lemon cake you baked them as a farewell gift.

Say it like you mean it

Saying proper goodbyes is as important a part of the moving process as packing up your possessions into a hundred small boxes. And the good news is that it doesn’t require anywhere near as much work. Just a friendly smile and a warm handshake.

Remember, too, that there are many benefits with saying goodbye properly. Never again will you have to tolerate the constant sound of crashing furniture from your neighbours in apartment number 25. Nor will you need to apologize incessantly to the old couple next door for the Foo Fighters blasting out of your home stereo every Friday night after a few at the pub.

But some of your former neighbours you’ll want to remember, and this is where the art of saying goodbye becomes important.

So how should you do it?

Make a list

Well, first step is to make a note on a piece of paper of everyone you want to visit. Keep the list short (there’s no point visiting that neighbour down the road, for instance, who you’ve had absolutely no contact with. Nor is it necessary to drop in on anyone you’ve had a dispute with. Unless of course it all ended amicably) and do it a week before the big moving day, so as not to add more tasks into that final busy period

Do the rounds of the neighbourhood

Once you have everyone down, do the rounds. Wait for a weekend, or a quiet weeknight, and go from place to place, wishing each household the best and leaving contact details with those whom you want to keep in touch with.

Give away unwanted items

If you think they could use them, offer any items you’re leaving behind to some of your favourite neighbours. If not, ask them if they know of anyone in the area who could. You could make a belated – and grateful – friend (and earn great karma points at the same time!) If you’re having a garage sale, suggest to certain neighbours that they might want to get involved. There’s nothing that brings a street together like the opportunity to flog a few unwanted items.

Keep the process short but sweet, but make it personal for those whose friendship you’ve appreciated.

Other services

As well as arranging your truck or van rental, eMove can also help you with:

Talk to us

If you have any questions about moving truck rentals, please speak to our friendly team here at emove on
TEL 1300 306 522
E: support@emove.com.au

How to say goodbye to your neighbours

The eMove Moving Places column