When you move to a new apartment, you want to make sure you make a good first impression with the neighbors in your building or unit. One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is to minimize any loud noises. From being aware of the volume of your TV and music to asking your guests to keep their voices down to carrying in your groceries to cleaning your apartment, you want to be sure that none of your activities are loud enough to annoy or disrupt your neighbors.
Being aware of noise levels is more important than ever before. With so many individuals working and attending school remotely, loud noises can be very disruptive to their work or studies. Some neighbors may work during the evenings and sleep during the day. Others may have babies or small children who require serene surroundings for optimal sleeping and napping.
Since no one wants to earn a reputation as the “noisy neighbor”, we’ll show you how to soundproof your apartment. That way, you can go about your business without worrying about waking your neighbors or interfering with their daily lives.
Apartment Soundproofing Step #1 – Furnish Your Apartment
Minimalism may be very trendy, but if your apartment is devoid of furniture then it’s going to seem like an echo chamber. When an apartment is unfurnished, the slightest noise is amplified. That’s because there is nothing there to absorb the sounds.
Making sure you add furniture and accessories throughout the apartment will do wonders with sound absorption. From couches and beds to dressers and tables to rugs and blankets, every piece of furniture and every accessory will help make your apartment less susceptible to loud volumes, even the smallest spaces can be useful.
Apartment Soundproofing Step #2 – Reduce Rattles and Vibrations
Sometimes the noises that bother you and your neighbors are intermittent bursts of noise caused by vibrations and rattles. These sounds are typically caused by TVs and speakers. The volume may not be very loud – but the sound effects in a movie or the cheering crowd/over excited announcer during a live game may cause your speaker/soundbar to vibrate or the TV to rattle.
To eliminate these bothersome bursts of noise, all you have to do is take a few simple steps. If your speaker or soundbar has a tendency to vibrate when you’re watching TV or listening to music, you can address this by adding a thin piece of foam between the speakers and the floor or table. To prevent your TV from rattling during use, make sure it’s securely attached to a wall bracket or stand. Be sure to occasionally tighten the screws or bolts on the stand/bracket to make sure they’re secure and not loose. This will help prevent rattling in the future.
Apartment Soundproofing Step #3 – Eliminate External Noise
Sometimes you and your neighbors are not the sources of bothersome noise and ambiance. If your apartment is located in a city or a busy street, you may be subject to lots of external sounds (cars, horns, trains, sirens, pedestrians) that can disrupt your sleep, interfere with your work or just plain ruin your mood.
To help minimize external noise, there are a couple of simple solutions you can employ. Low-profile laminated glass inserts can be added to windows to significantly reduce external noises levels. Hanging soundproof curtains and/or adding a soundproof blanket to the front door (especially if you live in a street-level apartment) are other simple solutions for drastically reducing outside noise. (Helpful Hint: Be sure to discuss these options with your property manager or landlord before installing these accessories. Adding these accessories to your apartment without consulting your property manager may violate your lease/rental agreement.)
If external noises are disrupting your sleep, a white noise machine (or phone app) may be the answer to your problem. These accessories do a remarkable job of eliminating noise from your apartment, especially during the late-night/early morning hours.
By following these simple steps, you’ll never have to worry about being classified as the “noisy neighbor”. Plus, you’ll help reduce external noise from disrupting your comfort while you’re trying to work, study, relax, rest or sleep.
At Reinhold Residential, our residents enjoy a quiet, relaxed community that’s ideal for everything from remote work to enjoying every minute of their free time. All of our properties feature quiet, energy-efficient appliances, and other popular amenities that are designed to accommodate a tranquil ambiance.
If you’re ready to enjoy life in a peaceful, calm community with first-rate features and perks, please contact our leasing office today!