A proverb meaning a nearby stranger (e.g., a neighbor) can be more helpful than a relative who lives far away.
引っ越しの手伝いを頼んだら、来てくれたのは遠くの親類より近くの他人だった。
When I asked for help moving, it was a nearby stranger rather than distant relatives who came to help.
災害のときは、遠くの親類より近くの他人の協力が頼りになることが多い。
In disasters, the cooperation of nearby people is often more dependable than that of distant relatives.
普段は疎遠でも、助けてくれるのは近所の人だと、遠くの親類より近くの他人を実感した。
Even if you are distant from them normally, it's the neighbors who help you — I realized a nearby stranger can be better than distant relatives.