One of the few drawbacks of apartment living is dealing with noise, especially if you live on a middle- or ground-level floor. Living on a middle level means you’re getting noise from all sides — neighbors on either side, as well as those living above and beneath you. If you live on the ground floor, you’ll also have noise exposure from people entering and exiting the building, the parking lot, and the street. As if dealing with external noise isn’t stressful enough, you also need to keep your own noise levels in check. Here are some tips for keeping your apartment quieter.
Check Your Lease
Most leases spell out the expectations of residents about noise control. The lease may also include language about designated “quiet hours,” where residents are instructed to keep noise levels low.
Floors, Walls, and Windows
Even if your apartment is carpeted, you can add area rugs and artistic tapestries to the walls to absorb sound. Heavy curtains can also minimize noise. As a bonus, heavier drapery materials can keep you warmer in the winter and help block direct sunlight and heat during the summer.
Furniture Placement
Placing heavier furniture like sofas and bookcases against the walls can help block sounds. Load your bookshelves with all your favorite titles. This is the perfect solution for avid readers, as your collection of books will help curtail noise.
White Noise
You can run a white-noise machine or play soft music in the background to help block noise from next door, above, and below your apartment.
Communication
If a neighbor has a pattern of being noisy to the point where it’s disturbing you, confront them. Do so in a polite manner; they may not be aware of the problem. If that tactic doesn’t work, document the conversations and specific examples of noise violations and talk to your property manager. Likewise, if a neighbor tells you to “pipe down,” respect their request and do what you can to keep the volume down.
Apartment living isn’t perfect, and the best way to cope with noisy neighbors is to be polite but firm and to document instances of excessive noise as well as your attempts to talk to them. It’s also important to show some grace. Babies are going to cry, and dogs are going to bark. Most people are reasonable and do their part to maintain a reasonable noise level in their apartment community. By showing patience, respect, and a bit of kindness, you can all live harmoniously in peace and hopefully — quiet.
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
At Vision Communities, we create great communities where you can put down roots and live your best life. Our property management staff is here to manage all of the details that make this a great place to live. Our spacious studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floor plans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.