Dear Ms. Demeanor: Boxes are invading our hallway

By Jamie Lauren Sutton | September 13, 2013 - 1:44PM

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

According to building rules, my neighbors are supposed to break down their boxes and bring them to the basement, but they don't. It's become a major eyesore on our floor.

I don't want to seem like the strict parent, but it's bothering me. I also don't know who's doing it.

What's a polite way to ask people to follow the rules? A note? An in-person conversation? Help!

-Foxy Boxy

Dear Foxy Boxy,

First off, ask the super, board, or management company to (re)distribute your building's recycling and garbage rules to each apartment. Sometimes a gentle, general reminder is all it takes.

The next step is a strongly worded sign in the waste room, elevators, and hallways. Alerting others to the problem may make finding the culprit easier if he or she continues to be lazy and sloppy.

Reduce reuse recycle,

Ms. Demeanor

Ms. Demeanor is channeled by a longtime Manhattan vertical dweller and real-estate voyeur who writes under the pen name Jamie Lauren Sutton. She is here to commiserate, calm and correct. Please email your quandaries to [email protected] and put "Dear Ms. Demeanor" in the subject line.

See all of Ms. Demeanor's advice here

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