How To Deal With Nosy Neighbors (Do This!)

Elizabeth Yomantas
by Elizabeth Yomantas

The dictionary defines nosy as “showing too much curiosity about other people’s affairs.” Do you have neighbors that are showing too much curiosity about your life? If so, it may be time to take some action steps to reclaim some of your privacy and peace of mind.

There are two main ways to deal with your nosy neighbors. First, you can make changes to your space, which can include closing your windows and doors, changing your window treatments, planting trees or bushes, reimagining your space, creating a sound buffer, installing a fence, or installing privacy glass or a security system. You can also take action by extending kindness, talking to your neighbors, or getting support.

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Making Changes to your Space

The first way to deal with nosy neighbors is to make your space more private. If a non-nosy neighbor moves out and a nosy neighbor moves in, you may start feeling very exposed in your space. Making some of these changes may create more privacy in your space.

Keep your Windows and Doors Closed

First, you can always close the windows and the doors. This can create instantaneous privacy. You can close the curtains to be more alone in your space.

If you have a sliding glass door, you may consider adding some curtains or drapes that can be used to create more privacy in that room.

Change your Window Treatments

Thicker curtains can be installed to give you additional privacy. There are curtains available of every size and color; there are even soundproof curtains on the market.

If you have roller blinds or shades, you may opt to change them for blinds that tilt to control how much others are able to see into the room from the outside.

Plant Trees or Bushes

You can always plant some trees or bushes to create more privacy from your neighbor. To buy more mature trees or bushes may be more expensive, but it might be worth it in order to get the privacy you are craving.

Some and bushes that are good for privacy include lawson cypress, concolor fir, arborvitae, bamboo, skip laurel, privet, holly, boxwood, dogwood, and red cedar.

If budget limitations are standing in your way of purchasing a tree or more for privacy, join your local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook. You can ask if anyone is giving away bushes or trees. Everything on the site is a free neighborly exchange in your local community.

You could also purchase small trees or bushes and wait for them to grow. In the meantime, you can try some of the other suggested changes.

Reimagine your Space

Walk around your home and see if you can change where you spend your time. For example, if you are being watched when sitting on your front porch, can the front porch furniture be relocated to the backyard?

If you are being observed while reading in your backyard, can you move your reading chair to the side of the house? If you feel you are being watched in your bedroom, can you move the furniture around to create more privacy?

Making some of these small changes may make a difference in your peace and wellbeing. Plus, it’s always fun to reimagine a space to suit your changing needs.

Create a Sound Buffer

If you are concerned that your neighbors are listening to your conversation while outside, you may consider purchasing a garden fountain. This will create some noise in the yard that can muffle your conversations. This can also add a great element of peace and calming energy to your space.

You can also purchase some wind chimes to add another element of sound to your yard. Another idea is to purchase an essential oil diffuser. In addition to the health benefits of essential oils, the diffuser creates a relaxing and calming sound. This may create an additional noise barrier between you and your neighbors.

Adding elements of sound may add extra levels of privacy and make it harder for nosy neighbors to hear your conversations.

Install a Fence

If need be, you can install a fence on your property to create another element of privacy. There are many great types of fences that can yield a high level of privacy on your property.

Some types of fences that are great for privacy include pallet or slat wood fence, solid tiled wall, a rattan or bamboo fence, a brick wall, a stone wall, or a wood panel fence.

Install Privacy Glass

You can install some privacy glass that essentially tints your windows while still allowing natural light to come in. There are all different types of privacy glass to choose from. Some types include a self-adhesive film, a lamentation film, and plug and play kits.

Privacy glass can create the privacy you crave while keeping the same aesthetic to your room.

Install Security System

Today, there are so many great security systems on the market for reasonable price points. Consider installing a security system to let your neighbors know that they are being recorded. This might deter them from some of their normal nosiness.

It is a good idea to install security cameras in places where everyone can see them so they know they are being watched. Additionally, you can put up signs that indicate you have installed security cameras.

Taking Action

There may come a time when you have made changes to your space but you are still unhappy with your nosy neighbors. This may mean it’s time to take action. Some of the action steps could extending kindness, discussing the issue with the neighbor, or reaching out for help.

Extend Kindness

A question to consider is: why are the neighbors watching you? Is it because their lives are boring or lonely? You can always extend kindness to your neighbors. This can help remove the intrigue with you and your family and build a relationship.

Ways of extending kindness might include waving when you see them outside, inviting them over to your home for a cup of coffee or a meal, ringing their doorbell and dropping of a small gift, or baking them a dessert and leaving it on their doorstep.

Your kindness can go a long way, and it might defuse the tension between you and your nosy neighbor.

Discuss the Issue with the Neighbors

If possible, you can always bring this issue to your neighbors. While this may be a somewhat uncomfortable conversation, if you are a direct person, this may be your preferred method for resolving this issue.

Your neighbors may not even consider themselves nosy and may be shocked to find out that you are uncomfortable with their habits. Sometimes, a direct and yet friendly conversation can resolve the issue quickly.

Use “I” Statements

Rather than placing the blame on the neighbors, use “I Statements” to explain how you feel. This can be a more effective tactic to arrive at resolution.

For example, rather than accusing them of their nosiness, begin with how it makes you feel. “I feel ___ when I feel like I am being watched. “I value ___ so when I am being watched, it makes me feel ____.”

Reach out for Help

If you have tried a number of these remedies and you are still being watched all of the time, you might consider giving your local authorities a call to see what they recommend.

There is a difference between nosy and dangerous, and if you think your situation has escalated to a level of danger, reach out to your local law enforcement. They can advise you on steps to take to ensure your safety and privacy.


Related Questions

Can I just ignore them?

Yes, you can just ignore your nosy neighbors. Check out this article for some ideas and strategies for how to ignore your neighbors.


What if my neighbors are parking in front of my house?

If your neighbors are parking in front of your house, there are many solutions of how you can stop getting them to do so.


What states have the nosiest neighbors?

According to this study, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota, Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, Virginia, and Missouri are the states with nosiest neighbors.


Should I move if I have nosy neighbors?

There would be no guarantee that your new home would come without nosy neighbors again. Additionally, your nosy neighbors could move out. It’s best to first try remedying the situation without taking drastic measures such as moving. However, if the situation escalates to a point of safety concerns, moving may be worth considering.

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In Summary

Having nosy neighbors is a somewhat common experience. However, by making changes to your space and taking action steps, it is possible to remedy the situation and regain your peace and privacy. It is important to make changes to your space and take action steps when necessary.

Elizabeth Yomantas
Elizabeth Yomantas

Elizabeth Yomantas is an accomplished educator, researcher, and writer. She holds a Ph.D. in education. While she loves all things related to teaching and learning, she also has a passion for making every house feel like a home. She loves writing about ways to improve your space to create meaningful memories with friends and family.

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