Keep in Touch with Neighbors After You Move

Selling a home is the start of a new chapter in life, but that doesn't mean you can't retain important elements of your previous life, such as your old friendships with neighbors. Even though you may not live close by, you should try to maintain and strengthen your relationships with those you care about. Use these five suggestions to keep in touch with your friends and neighbors after you relocate.

1. Social Media
   Social media has forever changed the way that we can stay in touch, communicate, and reconnect with those from our past and present. Because these applications are generally easy to use and are available on everything from smartphones and computers to televisions and gaming systems, it's never been easier to stay in the loop with what's going on in an old friend's life. Add your neighbors to your friends' list so you can keep up with their status updates and talk whenever you wish.
2. Texting & Phone Calls
   Similar to social media, text messaging is another rapid way to communicate with others casually. Though it may be considered a little more formal, a phone call is an equally easy way to reach out. Many people find a phone call to be a more personal and significant gesture. Setting the time aside to speak with someone over the phone is a great way to catch up and lend an emotional depth to your conversation that is often absent in text-based messaging.
3. Special Correspondence
   Phone calls and emails are effective, but that doesn't mean you need to limit your communication to these simple methods. Infrequent yet special ways of reaching out, such as writing a letter or sending a gift, are quite a meaningful gesture. Sending a handwritten letter or small package through traditional mail shows that you care enough to go the extra mile to make your old neighbors feel appreciated.
4. Schedule & Stick to Plans
   Although distance can create obstacles for frequent in-person communication, you can plan ahead and schedule dates to meet with your former neighbors. As you chat via social media or on the phone, schedule a time to get together for lunch or coffee. It could be to celebrate a special occasion or just any old weekday that you both have time available. Whichever you decide, make sure you make this meeting a priority — postponing or rescheduling will make time slip by before you know it.
5. Make a Sincere Effort
   Ultimately, the best way to stay in touch with your former neighbors is by communicating via a method and frequency that is meaningful to them. For instance, some individuals value friendships that have frequent communication regardless of form. Other individuals may be satisfied with not communicating for long periods of time, provided that the times that you two do speak or see each other are spent enjoying each other's company.

Staying in touch with your longtime friends and neighbors after selling a home doesn't need to be difficult. By using a variety of communication methods, going the extra mile to stay connected in-person, and understanding what makes your old friends feel appreciated, you can maintain and strengthen your relationships with your previous neighbors no matter how far away you've relocated after selling a home. 

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