The neighbors who frustrate you more than you can admit. We’ve all been there, right? Your apartment is nice and peaceful one minute, the next you have some jerk blasting his bass music or a family of four with a toddler that screams for hours on end. It can be hard to know how to respond in this situation because your reactions will probably depend on whether it’s happening at home or not. What if they won’t stop making noise even after you ask them nicely? How do you get them to leave when they don’t want to go? And what about the times when it’s your own kids who are driving their friends crazy? Let us show you how to deal with these issues once and for all.
Sound Proof Your Apartment
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This is the most efficient option in the long run. If your apartment already has great soundproofing, you can just stop right here and ignore this entire article. For the rest of us, head on over to your local hardware store or go online for some tips. You have three main options when it comes to soundproofing: an extra layer of drywall, rubber padding, or sound-absorbing curtains. A new layer of drywall will definitely work, but it’s pretty expensive and time-consuming. Padding is a good compromise between these two options because you can easily attach it to the walls—it’s also not too expensive. The most cost-effective method is to install sound-absorbing curtains on all your windows and doors.
Install a Vibrator in The Ceiling
These are small vibrations that prevent sound from traveling through your ceiling or floor. If you’re still struggling to get some peace and quiet after trying out all the above suggestions, consider installing a ceiling vibrator. You can use them on their own or in conjunction with one of the other methods mentioned above. Something to take note of with this option is that they can be a little bit pricey and you have to hire a professional to install them. However, if you’re really struggling with noise and don’t want to move, they’re definitely worth considering.
Noise Cones
If you’ve got a big problem but little money to spend, consider noise cones. They are very cheap plastic cones that block out the noise without any installation required. Just pop them over your speakers and enjoy peace and quiet at the push of a button. These things essentially work by slightly muffling or slightly delaying the sound waves that reach your ears, which makes them ideal for drowning out specific frequencies and getting rid of low-end buzzing (the kind you get from cheap speakers).
If you want to be truly fancy, you can make noise cones out of pillows instead of plastic. The only problem with the homemade option is that they don’t block as much noise—they mainly just stifle it a little bit. It’s worth noting that all of these options have a limited lifespan and won’t solve your problems forever.
If you’re going to be living in an apartment for a while, you might as well bite the bullet and pay for an extra layer of drywall. If you only plan on sticking around for a few months, however, noise cones are definitely your best bet. They’re also great to have on hand when you’re hosting parties or dealing with annoying neighbors during the summertime.
Invest in White Noise Machines and Ear Plugs
If you’re really serious about drowning out the sound of your neighbors, consider investing in white noise machines or high-quality earplugs. Most people find these options effective but annoying to sleep with because they have a constant static sound. The advantage is that they will prevent any sound from reaching your ears whatsoever, so if all else fails you should definitely consider it.
Earplugs are your second best bet if you don’t like the sound of noise machines. These will still let you hear some of the loud noises like barking dogs and sirens, but they’ll block out everything else. Plus, earplugs are much cheaper than noise machines because you only have to buy them once unlike the cones and machines which need to be replaced every few months.
Speak With Your Facilities Manager
If you’re on good terms with your facilities manager, it might be worth speaking to them about the possibility of soundproofing your apartment. They may have some suggestions or be able to help you out with a few contacts. It never hurts to ask, and you may be surprised at how accommodating they can be.
The bottom line is that there are plenty of ways to deal with noisy neighbors without having to resort to uncomfortable or expensive measures. Try out a few of the methods listed above and see which one works best for you. With a little bit of ingenuity, you should be able to get your peace and quiet back in no time!
