Homeowner Feels Like Unpaid Concierge as Neighbour Diverts All Parcels
An anonymous woman has expressed significant frustration after discovering her neighbour has been systematically taking advantage of her goodwill by redirecting all parcel deliveries to her property. The situation has escalated to the point where the resident feels like an unwilling concierge service, prompting her to seek advice from the online community platform Mumsnet.
The Daily Parcel Dilemma
The homeowner recently moved to a new address in a cul-de-sac shared with four other properties. One neighbour possesses what she describes as a "scary-looking gate" equipped with sophisticated security features and an intercom system. Despite this elaborate setup, the doorbell has been non-functional for years, according to the neighbour's own admission.
This malfunction has resulted in delivery drivers from services including DPD, Hermes, and Royal Mail regularly approaching the woman's home instead. Initially assuming the issue was temporary, she agreed to accept parcels, but the arrangement has become a daily burden.
The neighbour revealed they have no intention of repairing the doorbell, leaving the woman astonished during their brief interaction over the garden wall. With no practical way to notify the neighbours of deliveries—shouting or navigating a high wall with spiky hedges being unrealistic options—she finds herself in an increasingly awkward position.
Seeking Community Guidance
In her Mumsnet post titled "Am I being unreasonable to not want to be concierge service for new neighbours," the woman explained her dilemma. While she doesn't mind occasionally helping neighbours with parcels, the frequency has become excessive, and the favour is rarely reciprocated.
She expressed concern about maintaining friendly relations while addressing the problem, writing: "Am I being unreasonable to not want to take in all the parcels? And if I'm not being unreasonable how do I approach this with them, bearing in mind we really want to foster friendly relations with all neighbours."
Straightforward Solutions from Online Community
Fellow Mumsnet users responded with clear, practical advice, overwhelmingly suggesting she simply stop accepting parcels for her neighbour. Multiple commenters emphasized that the broken doorbell constitutes the neighbour's problem, not hers.
One user advised: "I just would refuse to take in the parcels. You don't need to speak to them just don't accept them. Not your problem."
Another added: "Just stop taking them. This is a problem for them, not you. They won't get it fixed because they know you'll do it. Once they start not getting deliveries, they'll get it fixed."
A third commenter noted: "I don't think it's passive aggressive to simply stop taking parcels for them."
The consensus among respondents was that setting boundaries represents a reasonable approach to neighbourly relations, rather than allowing the situation to continue indefinitely. The advice highlights how community platforms provide practical solutions for everyday interpersonal challenges in residential settings.
