You are a neighbour, too
In apartment buildings we live very close to each other. The building's atmosphere and everyone's comfort levels are affected considerably by how smoothly everyday life runs between the neighbours.
Borrowing something like sugar from a neighbour may be an awkward thing to do if you have never said hello to the neighbour before. However, anyone can become a great neighbour who people like living next door to and who everyone says hi to around the building. There are also situations where a neighbour may be a source of invaluable help.
Survey data on neighbourly relations
We asked a thousand people over the age of 18 what they thought was the most natural way of spending time with their neighbours. The survey revealed that, for more than half of those living in an apartment building or a terraced property, it is communal work gatherings, but 35% of the respondents also wanted communal events such as barbecues. One in four of the youngest respondents, i.e. those aged 18–24, and of the oldest, i.e. those aged 65 or over, hoped to meet their neighbours more thanks to shared, communal areas.
Well over half of those living in an apartment building or a terraced property think you do not need to personally buy or own everything. Not only items but also competencies could be shared with neighbours. The highest interest was reported in an items-sharing system, a communal flea market, and cleaning services. One in three hope to get neighbourly help for childminding or small renovations, for example.
Common rules and simple ways to make things smooth
To make things smooth for everyone, SATO buildings have Building Rules and Regulations, residents have the opportunity to organise nice events at their home building, and help in solving trickier situations is available from the service manager or building manager through, for example, the OmaSATO service. But the simplest way, however, is to say hello to your neighbours!
Greet your neighbours in the way that feels natural to you
A quick smile, saying hello or waving your hand are all excellent ways of taking other people into account. Greeting your neighbour does not mean you have to stop and have a chat with them, but it has a big impact on the atmosphere. The lift is a place where it is particularly polite to say hello as you will spend a little while in the same space.
Take part in activities or organise an event of your own
A great way to get to know people in your home building is to take part in doing things together in contexts such as the residents’ committee. If you are good at baking or fixing things, you could offer your skills for others to enjoy, too. You could organise a baking session or a bike-fixing afternoon with your neighbours.
If you want to organise a communal tidying-up or other work event, a flea market or some other larger event at your home building, get in touch with the service manager. An easy way to contact them is online via OmaSATO. Ask the service manager for a permission to hold the event and also ask if the home building budget might cover some of the costs such as items needed for the communal work event.
Everyone will have fun at the building tidying-up event: the areas outside will get tidied up and you get to know your neighbors. You can also arrange a flea market.
Tidying-up events involve valuable work, but the most important thing is the nice atmosphere and doing things together. These events provide an excellent opportunity to get to know your neighbors and brainstorm for communal activities. Remember that the events are always organised on a voluntary basis, but it is a good idea to appoint those in charge of preparations.
Agree on things in advance
Think how much work will be needed, what tools will be needed, when the event will take place and what the schedule will be. Contact the Service Manager and maintenance company via OmaSATO, and agree on the work to be done and the practical arrangements. This is also when you can agree on any purchases needed and any extra needs relating to issues such as waste transport. Write an invitation for the notice boards.
Get ready
Get all the tools, plants, garden soil and other things needed in advance. Check before the tidying-up day that all those participating are covered by a valid insurance policy or arrange with the building manager for a communal work insurance policy ('talkoovakuutus'). Provide some food such as drinks and sausages for the barbecue for the day.
Do things together
Assign the tasks and responsibilities for each task on the day. Have fun doing things together. Finish the day by enjoying each other's company after the day's work.
In SATO buildings it is ok to organise a flea market. This is a nice way to get rid of things you do not need any more and a great way to get to know your neighbors.
The idea is that you can set up tables outside the building and sell perhaps only a few things or a whole load of stuff and you do not have to worry about paying a fee for a flea market stall, transport or other costs. The more neighbors you get to join in the merrier it will be.
You do not need a separate permit from SATO to organize a flea market, but make sure you notify the Service Manager of your building in advance about the event.
To spread the word and attract plenty of buyers, you can advertise your flea market for example at www.pihakirppis.fi. The site also provides advice and ready-made posters to advertise your event.
Take others into account in staircases and corridors
We all know that sounds echo easily in staircases and corridors. Remember to take your neighbours into account, especially if leaving early in the morning or coming back late in the evening. Slamming doors can often be heard from many floors above and below. Please also make sure not to have loud discussions anywhere other than your home or the outdoor areas.
Keep everywhere tidy
Overflowing waste containers annoy people, and so does laundry left in the drying room for too long. Make sure you flatten cardboard boxes and hang your laundry neatly on the washing line. It is nicer for everyone when no-one has to spend their time moving other people’s laundry or flattening cardboard boxes at waste containers.
Help each other out
You can get to know your neighbours through shared interests. Organise a play date for your kids in the play area or offer to water your neighbour’s plants when they go away on holiday. Friendly gestures may also prove to be invaluable to yourself at some point when you need help.