Hello! It has been a little over two months since moving into my apartment and I have so enjoyed the time spent in my “vacation home”. Apartment life is definitely different than being in your old neighborhood and, in the short while that I’ve been in mine, I feel like I have learned some important do’s and dont’s to make yourself the best neighbor and to fully enjoy your experience in your own place.

Whether you’re moving into a new neighborhood, condo, or San Jose apartments, these do’s and dont’s are good rules to live by. Read on to find out more!

Do: Introduce Yourself

First impressions are key everywhere in life so it shouldn’t be any different in your new digs. Introduce yourself to any of your neighbors that you might see in passing. It’s the polite thing to do and you might end up making a new friend or at least someone you could borrow a cup of sugar from, if need be!

I really like my neighbors and because of good first impressions, I can enjoy hanging out with them every so often for drinks or a chill sesh. This has been nice, especially since I live alone, because that can get a little lonely, for sure.

Don’t: Drive Recklessly

This applies to whenever you’re driving but please be extra careful when driving around the apartment property! Some people in my apartment neighborhood drive like goddamn maniacs and this is super dangerous because of the tight squeezes in the building parking lots and the winding roads to get to each building. You’re not going to get anywhere faster by straight whipping your car around and you could end up really hurting someone in the process. Je-sus!

Do: Be Quiet

A noisy neighbor can make or break the apartment experience for yourself or the people living next to you so keep it down! You are not the only one living in the space so no blasting the TV, music, or screaming matches with your roommate or partner. It is not hard to file a noise complaint, so don’t be surprised if this happens to you if you can’t keep it down. Remember, most apartment walls are paper thin.

Don’t: Forget Your Safety

The first thing that my dad told me when I moved was to always make sure that my doors are locked and I religiously abide by those rules. As well as for my car, too. Safety is key and my apartment community is not well lit so, if I’m coming home once it’s dark already I try to find a light to park under. But, carrying a flashlight isn’t a bad idea for these occasions, either.

It’s a scary world, so do what you can to keep your safety in mind when entering and exiting your apartment. This is also why it’s important to introduce yourself to your neighbors to let it be known that you’re there. That way, they become aware of you and your schedule and could help if something is not quite right. You’re always better safe than sorry!

Apartment life can be a really fun time if you let it be and you can help the cause by following the rules above to make it pleasant for both yourself and your neighbors!

What are some of your apartment do’s and dont’s? Do you have any advice for apartment life? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah