Moving to a new home is exciting and a little lonely. Everything is unfamiliar: which day the bins go out, where the good pizza is, who lives next door. A simple welcome from a neighbour makes an enormous difference, and it is the start of a friendship that can last for years. This door hanger is a kind, practical welcome: a little house with a heart above it, a handwritten-style note introducing you, and a table of local tips that new arrivals genuinely need. Hang it on their door with a plate of cookies, and you have made their week.
A House, a Heart and a Handwritten Note
This single-sided hanger measures 4.25 x 11 inches on a warm cream background. Under the door hole, a small coral house with a dark roof and a cream door sits below a soft orange heart. Welcome to is written in dark Caveat handwriting, with the neighbourhood! in coral underneath. A white note card with a soft shadow holds a handwritten-style message: We’re the Hendersons at #31, the blue house with the porch swing.Knock any time you need a cup of sugar, a ladder, or a local tip! Below, Local Tips introduces a small table: trash and recycling day, the best pizza, the nearest park, and the school bus stop. Your names and phone number sit at the bottom in sage green.
Writing Your Welcome Note
Your note should sound like you. Mention your names, which house is yours, how long you have lived there, and a genuine offer of help. Light humour works well. Keep it short so it fits the card. Some ideas: We’ve been here 12 years and still love it; our kids are 6 and 9 and always looking for playmates; or we have a pickup truck if you need help moving anything.
Local Tips New Neighbours Need
The tips table is a real table; select it and use Edit Table Data to change rows, or Add Row for more. Practical information is the most valuable thing you can share with someone new:
| Tip | Example |
|---|---|
| Trash and recycling | Tuesday mornings, bins out the night before |
| Best takeout | Tony’s on Main for pizza, Lotus for Thai |
| Parks and walks | Cedar Park, 5-minute walk, great playground |
| School bus stop | Corner of Elm and 4th, 7:40 am |
| Trusted services | Our plumber, vet and babysitter |
| Neighbourhood group | Online group name or link |
Pairing the Hanger With a Gift
A small gift makes the welcome memorable: homemade cookies, a loaf of bread, a potted herb, a bottle of wine or a gift card to a local café. Hang the card on the door and leave the gift on the step, or knock and hand both over. Avoid anything that needs immediate attention, like ice cream, if they might not be home.
Changing Colours and the House
The house, roof, door and heart are simple shapes. Recolour the house to match your own front door, which is a sweet touch that helps neighbours find you. The coral and sage palette is warm and friendly; change it to soft blue or yellow if you prefer.
For Communities and HOAs
Neighbourhood associations and welcome committees can use this design for every new household. Replace the personal note with a welcome from the association, and use the tips table for association information: pool hours, the HOA website, the clubhouse booking, and the next community event.
Welcoming Renters and Apartment Neighbours
Renters move more often and are often overlooked by neighbourhood groups. A welcome hanger is just as meaningful for someone renting a unit down the hall. In apartment buildings, change the tips to building information: laundry room hours, where packages are delivered, and which neighbour waters plants during holidays.
Cutting a Single Welcome Hanger
A dashed circle at the top marks where to cut the doorknob hole, and a dashed slit marks the cut to the edge. With a circle punch and scissors, cutting one welcome hanger takes a minute.
Printing a Single Welcome Card
You may only need one copy at a time. Download as a PDF or PNG and print on heavy cardstock at home. A matte card feels warm and lets you add a real handwritten line, such as Welcome, Priya and Sam!, which makes the card even more personal.
Timing Your Welcome
Give your new neighbours a few days to settle in, then hang the welcome when the moving truck has gone. Within the first two weeks is ideal, while they are still learning the area and grateful for tips.
Starting Real Friendships
The hanger opens the door; follow up by saying hello in person, inviting them to a barbecue or introducing them to other neighbours. Communities where neighbours know each other are friendlier, safer and more fun to live in, and it often starts with one small welcome.
Introducing Them to the Street
New neighbours often want to meet people but feel shy about knocking on doors. Offer to introduce them: invite a few neighbours over for coffee, add them to the street group chat with their permission, or walk them over to the family with children the same age. A personal introduction turns a welcome card into a real welcome.
Respecting Privacy
Some people prefer a quiet life. A welcome note with your number lets them reach out when they are ready, without pressure. Avoid sharing their details with others until they have said it is fine, and let them set the pace of the friendship.
Welcome Hanger FAQ
Can I use this for a new colleague or new student?
Yes. Change the headline and tips to the office or campus.
Is the handwritten font editable?
Yes. It is Caveat, a Google Font; change the text or switch to another font.
What size is it?
4.25 x 11 inches, single-sided.
Can I add a photo of my family?
Yes. A small family photo helps new neighbours recognise you; add it beside the note card.
When should I hang it?
A few days after they move in, once the boxes are mostly unpacked.
