Neighborly Resolutions

Every year, people make New Year's resolutions aimed at self-improvement. If you've resolved to lose weight, stop smoking, or get in shape for 2011, hopefully you're making progress toward your goal.

But it's never too late to resolve to be a better neighbor, and you can start doing it at any time during the year. The folks at Rent.com offer six apartment etiquette tips to get you started:

1. "Package P's and Q's." If your building doesn't have a doorman and neighbors are often asked to sign packages for absent tenants, Rent.com suggests shipping orders to your work address.
   (Related: Options for Dealing With Your Mail When You Go Away)


2. "Don't Let These Walls Talk." If you're chatting with someone in the hallway, be considerate. Rent.com suggests inviting the person inside your apartment or keeping voices low, especially late at night and early in the morning.
   (Related: How to Deal With a Bad Neighbor)


3. "Party Permission Slip." Planning a party? Rent.com suggests giving your neighbors notice (if not inviting them), so they won't be unpleasantly surprised by any noise and can plan to run errands during that time.
   (Related: How to Practice Neighbor-Friendly Entertaining)


4. "Don't Trash Your Neighbors." It can be tempting to leave a trash bag outside your apartment door for a while before you get around to bringing it down the hallway or outside for removal. But Rent.com suggests going all the way or not at all. Garbage in the hallways isn't a pretty sight and it invites pests.
   (Related: Handling Garbage and Recycling in Your Apartment, Help Fight Pests in Common Areas)


5. "Control Your Critter." If you live with a pet and your building has no pet rules, don't forget common courtesy. Don't forget to put a leash on your dog before you leave your apartment. Rent.com points out that you never know when you'll be in a situation where it's important to control your pet, such as sharing the elevator with a neighbor.
   (Related: Check Apartment Lease Before Buying a Pet, Mention Pet at Start of Apartment Search)


6. "Parking Patrol." If you've got a car, don't forget to be mindful of neighbors when it comes to parking. Rent.com points out that doing your part to use street space effectively will save neighbors the long walk to their apartment late at night.
   (Related: Be Respectful When Approaching a Neighbor About a Problem)

What other apartment etiquette tips would you recommend? 

(Image © Ron Leshnower)