You do not want to deal with noisy neighbors in the middle of the night. Even if you have the most luxurious hypnos mattress and earplugs, there are few things that ruin your night more than unbearable noises coming from your neighbors – and you need to find a solution fast.
You might consider moving out – but what about the scenario that you have just moved into the neighborhood? The only saving grace in many instances would be blocking the noise from all the neighbors – especially if you do not want to be the one issuing noise warnings. At the end of your day, you will also love the peace that comes with the quietness.
If you are struggling to sleep because of the noise, read on for some tips on managing it.
Curtains
Curtains are not just for the purposes of decorating a room (even though they do add a pleasant décor feel), but they also prevent the problem of sound coming in through the walls. The best curtains are the sound absorbent ones, which are really thick – install a curtain rod on top of your door then hang the soundproof curtain.
Why this works? The majority of sounds you hear from outside come through cracks that surround the door. Get rid of these, and you will have a peaceful night.
Bring on the white noise
Similar to leaving soft instrumental music on play as you sleep, white noise will help a lot in drowning out the sounds coming from your neighbors. If the weather is suitable, then use a space heater, a box fan, or air conditioner, which will create soft background noise.
In addition, you can also purchase a white noise machine, which can drown out any ambient noise in your life and especially during sleep. It is really great when you live in a small apartment and cannot stand the constant noises outside, especially when you are trying to catch some shit eye and are hearing honking noises outside.
Insulating the floor
In case you are living in an apartment, then you can ask the landlord if you can do some carpeting. If they refuse, then try a thick rug that covers a large area. This can be particularly helpful if you are living on the upper floors, as the rug will absorb any sounds originating from below.
If you happen to own your own living space, then consider adding insulation under the base boards of the floor, which does a splendid job in blocking out external noises coming from below. Just note that you need the advice and guidance of a professional when installing the insulation, as it can become quite tricky.
Weather strips for the door
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A certain publication recommended that weather strips are very useful in soundproofing your door, thanks to sealing the cracks that might be present (these are a major culprit for letting in stray sounds). The best material you can use for the purpose is a high density foam tape that is adhesive backed, as this is also the easiest you can get. For the perimeter of the door, you can use a weather-stripped threshold, which seals any remaining gaps (even those on the bottom part).
In case you are not sure or are confused by the best adhesive to use, do not hesitate to ask at your local hardware store.
Positioning the furniture wisely
You may not think much about it, but the position of your bed might be a reason why you are struggling with noise from the neighbors. If, for example, your bed is against the wall that is the source of all the noise, moving it away for ten meters or so can make a massive difference (since you will not be in the direct vicinity of the sounds).
Furniture in general will make a major difference at the levels of noise that will come through the walls. For instance, you can decide to place a bookcase next to the noisy side of the wall, and the books it contains will act as natural sound absorbers. On the other hand, you can also place furniture on the noisy side of the wall to muffle any sounds coming in, and then sleep on a less noisy side.
Drapes are important
Aside from curtains, drapes are also a great solution to have since they block outside sounds very easily – just ensure you go for the thick ones. This is particularly helpful if your room faces a noisy avenue, and you need some peace and quiet.
Soundproofing the laundry room
Here is something you may not have noticed before – the two loudest appliances you might have in your home are the clothes dryer and the laundry machine. If you are among the lucky ones that can count a laundry room as part of their space or have neighbors that have the facility, then you can invest in foam insulation to soundproof the walls – similar to the walls of all music studios.
Using a sealant for thin windows
If your living space or bedroom has old windows, chances are they can let in drafts – in addition to other sounds from outside. If this is the case, then use a foam sealant to seal the windows and your door. You can also rest easy because they will not harm the sill or window frames, so they are worth the investment.
Acoustic tiles
These are one of the most interesting solutions that are out there – but they work wonders. They are specially made to diffuse sounds or absorb them, and the installation process can involve wallpaper paste (for a permanent solution) or double sided tape (temporary).
Door sweeps
For the crack under your door, this is an excellent solution to the problem. You can find them at any hardware store, and have them installed easily.
Final thoughts
Getting to bed when you have noisy neighbors around should not jeopardize your ability to sleep. Using these tips, you can guarantee a better sleep schedule and restful nights, despite the noise around you or your home.
Sam Bell is a journalist, stylist and blogger. He is a aesthetician by heart who often writes about education, home, health, art, fashion, decorating and DIY ideas. He loves sparking creativity and giving people ideas for their own spaces.
