Noise is one of the biggest challenges of apartment living. Whether it’s footsteps from the unit above, conversations through thin walls, barking dogs, or the occasional rattle from pipes and vents, unwanted sounds can make it hard to relax at home.
The reality is that complete silence is rare in a shared building. Still, a few smart changes can make a big difference. From blocking outside noise to creating a calmer indoor environment, there are plenty of ways to make your apartment feel more peaceful. Here are 10 practical tips for surviving in a noisy apartment building and making your space more comfortable day to day.
Invest in Soundproofing
These investments help reduce outside noise and can also add some semblance of decor to your apartment. Adding a door sweep or draft stopper in a room where you hear hallway noise can also help reduce that volume.
Use White Noise Machines
White noise machines help drown out external sounds that really mess with your chill. These devices produce relaxing sounds by blending different frequencies together. You can strategically place them in your apartment so you stay focused on writing and can relax.
Rearrange Furniture
Furniture like bookshelves or wall units can also be strategically placed against shared walls for additional noise insulation. By adopting this method, you can reduce the amount of noise that can be transferred while still using your space creatively.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
If you have older windows, go around your apartment looking for gaps in window and door seals. Caulking or weatherstripping can help reduce noise infiltration. It takes just a little less time, and since it may have the largest impact, that could pay off big time in noise reduction.
Hang Thick Curtains
Heavy drapes dampen sound waves, particularly those from outside—like street noise—or through a wall, like loud neighbors. Look for curtains with thick fabrics that hug the windows. This contributes to noise reduction and helps keep the light out while keeping your room warm during chilly evenings.
Utilize Rugs and Carpets
Thick runners or wall-to-wall carpeting are also ways to help absorb sound and prevent echoes on hard floors. Whenever feasible, select high-pile or dense fiber materials for better sound absorption. Rugs are great additions to bring coziness to your living space.
Create a Quiet Zone
Choose an area of your apartment to act as a quiet zone, truly escape when noise becomes too much for you. Furnish the area with your favorite books, cushions, and other relaxation paraphernalia. Amidst the world in disarray, this sanctum of sanity.
Reach Out to Neighbors
If noise does occur, it may be best to have an open conversation. Very often, politely addressing noise concerns with your neighbors can lead to a compromise or resolution. Rapport may then result in more thoughtful action and co-developed attenuation plans.
Plan your Activities Wisely
If possible, schedule noise-sensitive activities such as work or study during quieter times of the day. This will allow you to work around the peak noise times and better fit your routine.
Explore Legal Options
If noise problems continue and your enjoyment of the space is severely impacted, you might want to look up local noise ordinances or tenant rights. In a few cases, issuing formal complaints or utilizing current mediation tools can improve sound management and prompt action by the landlord.
