How do I set boundaries with neighbors who keep overstepping?

I had this exact problem in an apartment. What worked was a short reset talk on a neutral day at the door, not when they were asking. I said, "I've realized I need to be more protective of my stuff and time, so I'm not lending household items anymore." If they pushed I repeated, "I'm not able to lend that," and redirected with, "The corner store one block over will have sugar or tape." For parking I used, "That space is assigned to me, so I need it open at all times, and if you are in it please move now."

Then I backed it up with simple routines. I printed a sign that said "Reserved Unit 3B 24/7" and taped it by the spot, and I saved two quick texts in my phone notes: "Hey, it's 3B.

Need my spot free now, thanks" and "I'm not lending items, but try the corner store two blocks over." Each time they tested the boundary I used the same sentence and did not explain further, and if it happened again I left one dated note under the wiper, then emailed the property manager with photos. If spots are not formally assigned where you live, check the building policy first and point to that in your wording, and the whole thing took me about an hour to set up and a few minutes per incident until it stopped within two weeks.

Had to stop being 'nice' because it turned into free storage and valet service. Now I use the same script every time: 'I'm keeping extras for my family, so I'm not lending things out,' and 'Parking's assigned to me, please move your car.' Follow it with a broken-record repeat and a friendly wave, and if they push, loop in the landlord in writing.

Use the smile-with-teeth method. 'No can do and keeping it for later,' and 'That spot's mine, but the street loves you.' If they argue, shrug and close the door. Works better than TED talks.

Look and I've got toddlers running around and a job that doesn't quit, so when my neighbors started borrowing tools and parking in my spot, I had to shut it down quick. Next time they asked, I said straight up, 'I'm sorry, but I can't lend things out anymore because stuff gets lost.' For the parking, I put a note on their car saying, 'This spot is mine, please park elsewhere.' It worked without much drama.

Neighbors like that are the worst and right? I once told mine, 'Borrowing is like taxes - inevitable until you say no.' For the parking spot, try a friendly 'Hey, that's my sacred ground, find your own turf!' Keeps it light but gets the point across without starting World War III.