Maybe you live in a community where you can still borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor, maybe you don’t, or maybe you’re afraid to ask. In the modern world, we tend to live in our own little universe of walls and accumulated possessions. But there are still people down the street that could use a hello and might even need to borrow something once in a while. I encourage you to be bold enough to reach out beyond your front door and share with your neighbors. What better way to get to know each other a little better?
A Couple of Scenarios to Consider
Giving: Imagine, if you will, that your family has done a lot of camping over the years, so you have a ton of camping supplies stored in the basement. Then, imagine that your neighbor’s son has just joined the local scout troop and is preparing for his first campout. Do you remember how overwhelming it was to collect everything when you first started camping? He’ll need a tent, mess kit, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, first aid kit, flashlight, compass, and more. Well, his parents are going through the same thing now…and they don’t even know if their son is going to stick with scouting. Wouldn’t it feel great to let them borrow a few items for the weekend?
Receiving: What if a stray dog or cat found it’s way to your back porch and you didn’t know the owners? You don’t have pets yourself, but you want to make sure it has what it needs until you figure out what to do. How helpful would it be if a pet-owning neighbor gave you enough food and treats for a few days, and maybe even loaned you a pet crate or carrier to keep it safely contained? You might be surprised by how easy it is to source these items from neighbors, and how happy they’ll be to help out.
Serving: Think back to the last storm that came through your area. Were any tree limbs knocked down? Not everyone has the strength or mobility to manage the clean-up. If you are able, why not offer your neighbor a hand? Better yet, introduce yourself to your neighbors before something happens and let them know you are there if they ever need anything.
Reduce, Reuse, and Get to Know Your Neighbors
Your neighbors probably won’t knock on your door and ask to borrow a tent. And you may not be apt to knock on theirs to inquire about using their 32-foot extension ladder so you can clean the leaves out of your gutter. But why not? Sadly, we can get caught up in the idea that we might bother people. And, well, sometimes (not always or even usually) that may be the case.
Fortunately, the digital age has provided us with an alternative method for reaching out to neighbors. Buy Nothing and other community-based online groups were created for exactly this purpose…getting to know your neighbors through sharing. You can either share from your excess or source items you need from neighbors before buying something new. And you can make all the arrangements online!
When you start thinking about items you may have stashed away in your home, I am sure you will discover a long list of things that are:
• left over
• unused
• rarely used
• partially used
• don’t fit anymore
• not your current preference
You could share just about anything, but here are a few examples to help you reduce, reuse, and get to know your neighbors.
50 Household Items You Can Share With Your Neighbors
1. Baby or Toddler Items | 26. Halloween Costumes |
2. Batteries | 27. Hand Trucks |
3. Beach Supplies | 28. Holiday Decor |
4. Books | 29. Hygiene Products |
5. Camping Equipment | 30. Jewelry |
6. Candles and Air Fresheners | 31. Ladders |
7. Carpet Remnants | 32. Landscape Equipment |
8. Cleaning Products | 33. Moving Boxes and Supplies |
9. Clothes | 34. Organizing Containers |
10. Construction or Renovation Materials | 35. Paint and Painting Supplies |
11. Craft Supplies | 36. Paper Supplies |
12. Curtains | 37. Party Supplies |
13. Diapers | 38. Pet Supplies |
14. Electronics | 39. Plant Clippings and Plants |
15. Exercise Equipment | 40. Puzzles and Games |
16. Extra Chairs for Entertaining | 41. Recipes |
17. Firewood or Gas Logs | 42. School or Office Supplies |
18. Fishing Poles | 43. Service or Assistance |
19. Folding Tables | 44. Sewing Supplies or Equipment |
20. Food | 45. Small Appliances |
21. Formal Wear | 46. Special Skills You Want to Offer |
22. Furniture | 47. Sports Equipment |
23. Garden Produce | 48. Tools |
24. Gardening Supplies | 49. Vitamins or Supplements |
25. Grills or Firepits | 50. Wheelchairs, Walkers and Crutches |
If you are still hesitant to reach out to neighbors, remember that making connections through sharing can be a very positive experience that far exceeds a friendly wave across the lawn or courtyard. Not only are you making potential friends, but you are reducing the financial and clutter burden on each other. Plus, it’s an opportunity to show someone you care. You never know what you may find out when you have a neighborly chat over a borrowed fishing pole!
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