You don't need to hire contractors or spend a fortune to reduce noise in your apartment. These projects are things you can do yourself, usually in a weekend, with basic tools and readily available materials.
Project 1: Complete Door Sealing
Time: 1-2 hours | Cost: $20-40 | Difficulty: Easy
This is the highest-impact project for most apartments.
Materials:
- Weatherstripping (foam tape or V-strip)
- Door sweep or draft stopper
- Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning)
- Scissors
Steps:
- Clean the door frame with rubbing alcohol
- Measure and cut weatherstripping for sides and top
- Apply weatherstripping where door contacts frame
- Install door sweep at bottom
- Test door closure—should close firmly with slight resistance
Project 2: DIY Window Insert
Time: 2-4 hours | Cost: $30-80 per window | Difficulty: Moderate
A budget alternative to commercial window inserts.
Materials:
- Clear acrylic sheet (1/4" thick)
- Magnetic tape (adhesive-backed)
- Measuring tape
- Cutting tools (or have the store cut it)
Steps:
- Measure window opening precisely
- Have acrylic cut to size (slightly smaller than opening)
- Apply magnetic strip around acrylic edges
- Apply matching magnetic strip to window frame
- Press insert into place—magnets hold it
The air gap between your window and the insert provides sound blocking.
Project 3: DIY Acoustic Panels
Time: 3-4 hours | Cost: $40-100 | Difficulty: Moderate
For reducing echo and improving room acoustics.
Materials:
- Rockwool or rigid fiberglass insulation (2" thick)
- Wood for frames (1x4 boards)
- Fabric to wrap (breathable, like burlap or speaker cloth)
- Staple gun
- Picture hanging hardware
Steps:
- Build simple rectangular frames from wood
- Cut insulation to fit inside frames
- Place insulation in frames
- Wrap fabric around front and staple to back
- Add hanging hardware
- Mount on walls at ear level and reflection points
Project 4: Bookcase Sound Barrier
Time: 1-2 hours | Cost: $0-100 | Difficulty: Easy
Use furniture you may already have.
Steps:
- Position tall bookcase against the noisiest wall
- Fill completely with books (density matters)
- Add books or storage boxes on top if stable
- Consider multiple bookcases for more coverage
This adds significant mass to the wall area, helping block airborne sound.
Project 5: MLV Hanging Panel
Time: 2-3 hours | Cost: $50-150 | Difficulty: Moderate
A movable sound-blocking panel.
Materials:
- Mass-loaded vinyl sheet
- Grommets and grommet tool
- Hooks for hanging
- Fabric for covering (optional)
Steps:
- Cut MLV to cover the problem area
- Install grommets along top edge
- Mount hooks on wall or use over-door hooks
- Hang MLV panel
- Cover with fabric if appearance matters
Project 6: Window Plug
Time: 1-2 hours | Cost: $20-40 | Difficulty: Easy
For windows you don't need to see through.
Materials:
- Rigid foam board (2" thick)
- Mass-loaded vinyl (optional)
- Fabric for covering
- Adhesive
Steps:
- Measure window opening
- Cut foam board to fit snugly
- Optionally add MLV layer
- Wrap in fabric
- Press into window opening
This blocks light completely, so only use for windows where that's acceptable.
Project 7: Door Blanket Mount
Time: 30 minutes | Cost: $20-50 | Difficulty: Easy
Quick sound absorption for doors.
Materials:
- Heavy moving blanket
- Tension rod or hooks
Steps:
- Install tension rod above door frame
- Drape blanket over rod
- Adjust to cover door area
- Can be pushed aside when needed
Start Small
Do the door sealing project first. It's the easiest, cheapest, and often most effective. See how much it helps before moving to bigger projects.