Your first move isn’t confrontation; it’s observation. Walk around the car like you’re solving a tiny mystery. Is there a note on the dashboard? A delivery company logo? A kid’s car seat in the back?
The best clues are often right in front of you. I once found a half-eaten bag of chips on the passenger seat and figured the owner was just a very distracted neighbor who ran inside for a snack. Context is everything.
The Polite Note is Your Best Friend
Grab a piece of paper and a pen—resist the urge to use a permanent marker on the windshield. Write something warm and slightly humorous, like: “Hey there! You’re parked in my driveway. I’d let you stay, but my car needs a nap. Could you move it? Thanks so much!”
Studies show that friendly notes work about 80% of the time. People are usually just oblivious, not malicious. Tucking it under the windshield wiper makes you feel proactive without being aggressive.
