If you don’t want to reconstruct your walls and floors with sound-proof building materials, consider the less expensive option of installing carpeting and wall coverings that soften and absorb sounds. Acoustic foam panels are a cheap, easy-to-install option when you want to quickly soundproof a room. For an even easier solution, try hanging blankets on the walls or installing extra bookcases filled with books. Adding floor coverings like a cool shag rug or a flokati rug can look terrific and absorb sounds as well. An upholstered headboard can help with sound absorption in a bedroom. If noise is coming from the room next to yours, consider draping the entire wall with something like a really thick velvet drape. Add this from ceiling to floor. This can help deaden noises coming through and gives you a little extra control over lowering the sound levels that are penetrating.
You might also want to consider using these machines less to give yourself a break from the noise. Turn off your air conditioner and open the windows, even if it means being a little hotter than normal. You might find the less noisy atmosphere more relaxing than a cooled-down room.
See if you can go for a walk in a quiet natural spot away from busy roads. If you can’t make it to a quiet outdoor space, try sitting in a library for a few hours. The librarians will make sure it stays nice and quiet. Churches and cemeteries are also good places to find some peace and quiet.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, sit very still, close your eyes and focus on taking deep, even breaths. Do 10 breaths and try to let your worries go and ignore the noise around you. No matter where you are, whether it’s on a noisy subway car or in your own kitchen, you can try this technique to calm yourself down. [1] X Research source
When you’re choosing a place to live, see if the residence is in a flight path or near a busy highway. During the day the sounds might not bother you, but at night they might prevent you from sleeping.
Check with your state’s department of energy and environmental affairs to find out which regulations are in effect in your area. [2] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source You’ll find information about how loud noise is allowed to get, and when machines are supposed to remain silent. If you feel the regulations are being violated, don’t hesitate to file a complaint. If it’s affecting other members of your community, organize a group complaint, which will be even more effective.
For example, if a new concert space opens up on your block and creates noise late into the night, you’re entitled to finding out whether the place is operating according to local law. The people in charge of the space might not be aware of the laws, so don’t just assume they know what they’re doing. Find out more and see if you can make a difference.
Talk with your city council member to see what you can do to have noisy motors banned after a certain time at night. In smaller communities, you could also just get together with your neighbors and agree not to use lawnmowers and other noisy motors during certain hours, for the benefit of the whole neighborhood.
See if your city has a tree-planting initiative underway. For example, Portland, Oregon’s group Portland Loves Trees engages community members to plant more trees around the city. New York City’s Million Trees Project has a similar goal.
The same goes for your lawnmower and any other noisy equipment you might use outdoors. To have an even greater impact on noise in your area, consider walking or biking instead of using a car whenever possible.
If you play a noisy instrument or are in a band, make sure to practice during reasonable hours. If you’re having a party and planning to play loud music, let your neighbors know beforehand so you can avoid conflict.
This is especially important if you live in an apartment building. Don’t vacuum or do housework late at night, since they’ll be able to hear you walking around.
