A big part of moving to a new home is getting acquainted with your new surroundings and learning about your new neighbourhood. To do that, one of the most important things to do is get to know your neighbours.

While the days of everyone on the average British street knowing each other have passed, having a good relationship with your neighbours can make a big difference to your quality of life. Becoming friends with the people you share a street with can have other benefits too – it’s been shown that close-knit communities tend to be more secure, as all of the residents take care of their neighbours and look out for each other.

When moving to a new home, it can be daunting to approach your new neighbours for the first time, so we’re sharing five simple ways to get to know your neighbours.

1         Choose the right time for introductions

Sometimes, the best approach is to meet the neighbours the old fashioned way – by simply knocking on the door and introducing yourself and your family. If you decide to go with this tried and true approach, be sure to exercise a bit of common sense and choose the right time to ring the bell.

If there are lots of cars outside, it’s possible they may have guests and don’t want to be interrupted. It’s also a good idea to avoid introducing yourself around evening meals; as we all know, no one is happy to receive guests in the middle of dinner.

2       Bring a gift

The best way to make a great impression on your new neighbours is to bring a small gift to the home when you introduce yourself.

If you have any culinary skills, this is the perfect time to show them off. Who wouldn’t appreciate a visitor who arrives with delicious baked muffins or cake, or a hearty one-pot dish that the whole family can enjoy? We suggest turning up with one of the delicious dishes from the Good Neighbour Cookbook. (http://thegoodneighborcookbook.com/)

3       Send an invitation

It’s likely you’ll be hosting a housewarming for friends and family at your home – so why not extend the invitation to neighbours too?

Inviting the neighbours to your housewarming gives you a chance to get to know them in the kind of relaxed, social setting that puts everyone at ease. And even if they can’t make it, they’ll appreciate the offer and the courtesy of informing them that there might be a bit of noise or music coming from your home that night.

4       Let the kids handle it

Children are social and curious by nature, and as soon as you move in they’ll be really keen to go out and play with new friends on their street.

Once you know which neighbours have children the same age as your own, get in touch to arrange a play date with the kids. You could even earn yourself some extra brownie points with the neighbours by offering to have the kids over at your home, which allows them to enjoy a bit of precious free time.

5        Have a drink in the “local”

The social heart of many communities, particularly in smaller towns and villages, is often the local public house.

Take a wander to the venue and find out if they have any social events coming up such as party or cabaret nights and pub quizzes. These events are usually well-attended and give you a great chance to meet people from the wider community, not just the families on your street. Take the plunge and attend one of these events – it’s the ideal atmosphere for being sociable and enjoying great conversation.

Moving to a new home in a modern development means that all residents have the opportunity to build a new neighbourhood together. Discover your new neighbourhood today, start the search for your new home:http://www.stewartmilnehomes.com/find-a-home-search.aspx