Each year about 20% of American families move to a new home. It is comforting to newcomers to know they are welcome.

It says a lot about a neighborhood when people don’t just peek out their windows at the moving vans, but they actually walk over to say hello. It would be especially neighborly if you had something in hand to offer. Here are a few ideas for what to include...

• Bake a batch of zucchini bread with veggies from your garden. Wrap in foil and a ribbon for a friendly offering and a great conversation starter.
• A map of local hiking and biking trails and a brochure from the local recreation center.
• A map of neighbors on your block.
• A handmade gift certificate to redeem for a weekend brunch at your house, redeemable when they get settled.
• A list of tools that others on the block have offered to lend.
• A vase of flowers from your garden, or a collection of flowers from several gardens on the block.
• Include a list of the nearest emergency room, veterinarians, libraries, post offices, theaters, parks, playgrounds, grocery stores, and other hard-to-discover neighborhood “secrets.”
• If they have children, give them a list of parents on the block whose kids are in the same school.
• If you are the new neighbor, introduce your self. Taking the first step can get you started off on the right foot.
• Nothing says welcome like a homemade pie. Deliver it to the newcomer’s house with the kids in tow and share your recipe.
• Collect coupons from area businesses and present them to the new neighbors.
• Help connect new neighbors to local groups, social clubs, or community organizations.