Do you live in an apartment or unit? Are you dead tired of busybody neighbours who seem to be more invested in your life than you are? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Living in close quarters with others often means having to deal with a number of privacy concerns, from shared spaces to eavesdropping neighbours. While there is no instant remedy for eliminating nosey parkers, the good news is that there are a few measures you can take to ensure your privacy and peace of mind.
Here are 6 common privacy issues for unit dwellers and how you can easily rectify them.
1. Lack of Privacy and Screening
One of the most common complaints we hear from unit dwellers is the lack of privacy and screening in shared outdoor spaces. If you live in a unit with a small courtyard or outdoor space and find that your neighbours are constantly peeping into your space, you may want to install slat fencing for privacy. This is a modern style of fencing that consists of parallel boards, creating a sleek and minimalist look while offering excellent privacy.
Alternatively, if fencing is not an option, consider adding some privacy screens that are made from bamboo or wood. These screens are light, durable, and easy to move around, meaning you won’t have to ask for permission to install them. They also look amazing when combined with a variety of plants, creating a lush outdoor paradise that you can relax in, without having to worry about sticky beak Sally next door looking in. No offence to anyone named Sally!
2. Shared Entryway Issues
One of the most common privacy issues for unit dwellers are shared entryways. Whether you live in an apartment or a block of single-storey houses, chances are you have to share hallways or entryways to access your unit. While this may be perfectly fine in some situations, for others, a shared entryway can prove to be a little more challenging. Whether it’s nosey parkers who have a habit of looking into your windows or unwanted solicitors finding their way to your door, addressing privacy concerns in shared entryways is essential for creating a safe and comfortable living environment.
The good news is that this can be easily done in a variety of ways, including investing in blockout window coverings, installing a video doorbell or personalising your entryway to prevent strangers from mistaking your home for another. These small steps ensure that you keep prying eyes away and are able to monitor your entryway effectively.
3. Neighbours Listening In On Conversations
Does your next door neighbour have a habit of listening in on your conversations? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there at some point or another. While there is no magic pill that will stop nosy neighbours from eavesdropping entirely (oh how we wish there was), the good news is that there are a few measures you can take to eliminate this pesky problem. And no, none of them involve taking a vow of silence.
For starters, consider investing in soundproofing materials for your walls. Some examples include foam tiles, acoustic panels or fibreglass batts. These materials are designed to absorb and block out sound, creating a barrier between your conversations and your neighbour's ears. You can also look into replacing your window coverings with heavy curtains or blinds, as these are a great way of increasing both visual and acoustic privacy.
Sure, neither of these options will completely get rid of a busybody, but they certainly can help reduce the chances of anyone listening in on your private conversations.
4. Overlooking Balconies
If you’re living in an apartment building with a balcony, you may find that overlooking balconies pose a privacy concern for both you and your neighbours. Just as much as you don’t want anyone peering into your home, your neighbours likely share the same sentiment.
To effectively address this concern, consider creating a green barrier with potted plants, trellises, trees and shrubs along the edge of your balcony. Not only will these additions instantly add a touch of life to your space, but they’ll also act as the perfect barriers to keep prying eyes out.
Alternatively, consider installing outdoor blinds or shades that you can easily adjust based on your privacy needs. However, it’s important to note that if your unit is part of a strata title, you will most likely need to ask for permission before doing so. The last thing you want is to land in hot water or spend extra money removing your privacy additions, so always check to ensure you’re in compliance with rules and regulations.
5. Someone’s Using Your WiFi
Nothing is more annoying than finding out that someone has been leeching off your wifi. Ugh. Afterall, you pay good money for your internet connection, and the last thing you want is for someone to freeload off your hard earned bandwidth. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in apartments and units, but the good news is that there are a few things you can do to nip this frustrating problem in the bud.
For starters, remember to set a strong password for your WiFi connection. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords that contain easily accessible information such as your name or birthday, and opt for a complex combination instead. Next, disable remote management features on your router. This ensures no one else can access your router and adds an extra layer of privacy. Finally, be vigilant in updating your router’s firmware as this will ensure you’re up to date with the latest security patches. Now you can say goodbye to internet thieves for good!
6. Mail and Package Privacy
Have you ever had a parcel stolen from the mailroom? Few things in life are as frustrating as anticipating the arrival of a package, only to find out that it has mysteriously gone missing. Unfortunately, because of the nature of shared mail rooms in units and apartments, the risk of parcel or mail theft is a lot higher. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to pesky parcel theft.
To kick mail theft in the butt, be sure to instruct delivery services to leave packages at your door only if absolutely necessary. Otherwise, arrange for deliveries when you are home or instruct couriers to leave your parcel at the nearest post office. Alternatively, you could even set up a P.O. box for secure deliveries. Sure, it’s an extra step and added hassle, but it sure beats the frustration of dealing with stolen packages and mail.
And there you have it — some of the most common privacy issues for unit dwellers and how you can rectify them. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own home. Have you ever encountered any of these privacy issues? Have a few suggestions of your own on how to address these concerns? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
