Etiquette expert shares ‘harmless’ things you’re doing that are driving neighbours mad

An etiquette expert has shared the eight things you do that might seem ‘harmless’ but are actually driving your neighbours up the wall – from parking to parcels

Let’s face it, almost all of us have been left feeling frustrated over something our neighbours have done at least once – whether it’s their decision to start a DIY job on your quiet Sunday afternoon, or a shoddy parking job which leaves you unable to park your own car.

But did you know that some of the seemingly harmless things you do on a daily basis could be making your neighbours pull their hair out too?

From not collecting parcels to using noisy appliances late at night and even letting your children play in the street near other houses, there’s a long list of innocent activities that might be making those you share a street with less than impressed.

But thankfully, etiquette expert Laura Akano, who is the head coach at etiquette school Polished Manners, has shared an easy-to-follow list of eight things you should stop doing if you want to get back in your neighbours’ good books.

She told The Sun that one of the most irritating things you can do as a neighbour is park poorly, especially if it results in your neighbours being unable to get out of their space.

“Parking on the street while leaving your own driveway empty is also horribly inconsiderate,” she added.

You could also be annoying your neighbours if you let your kids play out in the street.

While it’s acceptable and encouraged for children to play in gardens, some neighbours will be left fuming if they can hear your kids running up and down the road outside their front door.

Your neighbours could also be seething about your parcel deliveries – especially if you’re never at home to receive them. If your neighbours are always taking your parcels, they expect you to collect them as soon as possible, and if you don’t, you could be making an enemy without even realising it.

Laura explained: “They’ve done you a favour, so your neighbour should never have to come to you with a parcel they’ve taken in. Collect your package the same day unless there’s been an emergency.”

The etiquette expert also warned against misusing social media groups and apps for your local area, such as the neighbourhood app Nextdoor.

Laura stressed these apps and groups should never be used for “sharing opinions that could cause offence”, and urged those using them to “be polite” to their neighbours.

Noisy appliances and barking dogs could also be making your neighbours see red, as nobody likes to be disturbed by noises they can’t control – especially if they’re trying to work or relax in their home.

Equally, Laura says you should tell any guests who come over or leave late at night to keep their noise down to a minimum so they don’t risk waking up the rest of the street.

And while there’s an incentive to use your washing machine and tumble dryer at night in order to save money on your energy bills, it’s courteous to talk to your neighbours to make sure it’s not keeping them awake.

Finally, Laura says you could be annoying your neighbours if you leave your wheelie bin out on the street long after collection day – not to mention the £100 fine you could land from the council for it.

She said: “You’re being inconsiderate to pedestrians and neighbours. Take your bins in the minute you get home. The pavement’s for walking on. People don’t want to trip on your bins.”

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