Everyone seems to have that noisy neighbor who disturbs the block with constant noise from his flat: everything he does seems to cause so much noise. The truth is, you could unknowingly be that neighbor. You may think the little things you do do not disturb others, but they do. So check out things to avoid so you’re not a noisy neighbor.
Consider your neighbors when you do something noisy, and inform them beforehand.
If you will be doing something that will constitute noise, it is best to inform your neighbors beforehand, especially those whom the noise will affect most. They should be told so that they prepare themselves ahead. For example, if you will have to use a generator for a few hours next to a house where there’s a newborn, or if you will be using a grinding machine where students are studying for exams, try to inform them beforehand so they can plan their affairs. However, please do not make it a constant habit of causing noise pollution through parties or inviting lousy friends over. If there is a way you can take the noise elsewhere, please do so.
Cooperate when asked by a neighbor to reduce noise.
Your neighbor will come to you and tell you to keep the noise down. This is not the time to claim your rights. Please do not feel insulted or like neighbors are stepping on their boundaries. Even though your neighbor occasionally makes noise and you don’t complain, listen to them and bring the noise down. You do not want to have problems with your neighbors, so it’s best to overlook their downsides and try to cooperate with them.
Realize that your pleasure should not lead to your neighbors’ distress.
You may rationalize and say life is too short; let me make merry. And that may be extra motivation to have a good time and listen to loud music. It could be motivation to invite friends over and scream and shout. Now that wouldn’t be considerate. It would be selfish because you do not have your neighbor’s feelings at heart. Do they have children? Do they have aged parents? Could they be studying? Would this noise interfere with their sleep? When you can put yourself in your neighbors’ shoes, then you have started the first step in cutting down on noise.
Remember that noise and vibration transmit easily through halls and floors.
When sound waves come into contact with a solid material, some sound is reflected into the room, the wall absorbs some sound, and finally, the sound energy/vibration travels through the wall by vibrating it and then passes through to the other side. So do not think that your noise is not disturbing your neighbors next door because you have closed your door or windows.
Choose quieter installations and appliances.
Place noisy household equipment on padding. Avoid the noise of the furniture by putting protection pads on its legs. Avoid any rigid connection between the floating floor and the walls or pillars. Many quiet appliances feature high-tech components to help them reduce noise, from washing machines and dishwashers to extractors and microwaves – not to forget food processors, kettles, and other smaller designs.
Don’t do noisy work or use noisy domestic appliances late at night.
Understandably, we might not have time during the day and may need to carry out domestic activities at night. If this is so, try to be conscious of the amount of noise you make using your appliances. Use noisy devices at sensible times – during regular waking hours. For example, ensure washing machines, fridges, and dishwashers are away from party walls and on a carpet or mat to reduce vibration – especially if you live in a flat. Likewise, avoid slamming doors and thundering up and down stairs.
Don’t allow children to jump on the floor and thus disturb people below.
Ensure that you control your children. Of course, children will play and jump. You must check them and ensure they don’t make too much noise and disturb neighbors, especially if you live upstairs and tenants live beneath you. Try to take the children to play outside occasionally and get them to turn down the volume when they watch TV.
Summary
The key to living peacefully with others is to be considerate. Be selfless. Put others first. Think about how others are affected by the things you do. You’ll make less noise and stop disturbing others when you consistently do that.
