Neighboring Tip of the Week – Ask a neighbor you trust to watch over your house while you are away.

Christmas is quickly approaching! This is not only a time of great celebration and joyful festivities; it is also a time off from both work and school. What does this mean? Over the next few weeks, many people will be traveling to visit family, friends, or simply to take a vacation.

In response, the tip we propose is this: Ask a neighbor you trust to watch over your house while you are away. This tip may look very different for each person. Maybe this looks like having your neighbor simply keep an eye on your house. Maybe this looks like having your neighbor feed your cat. Maybe this looks like having your neighbor come water your indoor plants a couple of times. You get the point.

Two important things to keep in mind: First, we suggest asking a neighbor to do this only if you know them well enough for it to be a natural ask. And second, keep respectfulness in mind; don’t force your neighbor to take your dog out four times a day or to do anything else that might become a burden for them. This should not be a super time-intensive commitment for your neighbor.

While seemingly simple, think of the implications of such an action! This is an exercise of humility, and think of what this displays to your neighbor in terms of trust. The simple action of asking your neighbor for help tells them that you trust them!

Happy neighboring!