Manon (43): "My neighbors leave their caravan in the street for weeks, and it's driving me mad!"
by Angela Reijkers
May 28, 2025
I'm really not someone who complains at the slightest inconvenience. I always try to solve things myself first. A little disturbance is part of living in a residential area—a barking dog, a party that goes on a bit too long, a child screaming on a trampoline… I just shrug it off. But now I've reached my limit. My neighbors park their caravan right in front of my house every few weeks. And it just sits there for, sometimes, weeks or even a month at a time. Right in the street, directly beneath my window.
It started last year, when they first bought the caravan. I thought: how nice, they're going on holiday. It was in front of the house for just a day, they packed it up, and then it was gone. No problem! But since that cheerful first time, things have changed. Now, that thing pops up constantly. And not just for a few days—sometimes it's there for three or even four weeks in a row, right in front of my window.
My view has vanished
I live on a quiet street with few parking spots. There's just enough space for everyone. We used to have a nice view of the park across the street. Well, we used to—because every time that caravan is here, all I see is a solid white wall. That's not even mentioning the parking situation. Neighbors now have to park their cars farther away in the neighborhood, which is irritating for everyone else too.
What bothers me most? They act like it's the most normal thing in the world. Like it's totally fine to park your caravan for weeks on end. I've tried to discuss it with them, three times already. The first time, I tried to be casual at the garden fence: "So, how long is it staying this time?" All I got was a laugh and: "Oh, just a few more days." But I knew it would be weeks.
The second time, I was more direct. I explained that it was really bothering me—not just losing my view, but the parking headache for everyone else. But they looked at me like I was being difficult. "We’re allowed to park it here, it’s a public street." I get it. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should leave it for weeks at a time.
As if I'm the grumpy neighbor
Now, I feel like a nag. The last time I tried to bring it up, they just sighed and shrugged. "We’ll move it soon." But it’s been over three weeks again. Every morning, when I open my curtains, I get discouraged. I just want to see my street. They have their own driveway, but their car is always there—the caravan apparently takes priority.
What should I do? Call the municipality? File a complaint? But then I'll officially be "that annoying neighbor" who reports others—and I don't want that at all. I like peace, neighbors who say hello, maybe a chat now and then. No drama. But this is eating away at me. I don't feel taken seriously. And it's not just for a day; it happens nearly every month.
What would you do?
I wonder if I'm the only one with neighbors like this. People who think "being allowed" means "always doing it." I want them to have a nice vacation—really! But I also want to enjoy my own home. Right now, the balance is gone.
Maybe I'm making too much of it. Maybe I should just let it go. But honestly, I can’t anymore. So I'm putting it out here, hoping someone can say: "Manon, this is what you should do." So, my question for you:
What would you do if your neighbors kept parking their caravan in front of your house and brushing you off? How do you keep things friendly, without completely sidelining yourself? Any advice is welcome, because honestly, I'm at a loss.
Articles in this series, including any photos or illustrations, may contain partially or fully fictional elements. Characters, events, and situations may arise from imagination and serve as creative or illustrative constructs.