Apartment Soundproofing Checklist

Use this checklist to systematically assess and address noise issues throughout your apartment. Start with the assessment, then work through the fixes in order of priority.

Step 1: Assessment

Identify Noise Sources

• ☐ Where is noise coming from? (neighbors, traffic, hallway, building systems)
• ☐ What type? (voices, footsteps, music, bass, traffic)
• ☐ When does it occur? (all day, night, specific times)
• ☐ Which rooms are most affected?

Find Entry Points

• ☐ Check all doors for gaps (light test: turn off your lights, check for light around closed doors)
• ☐ Check windows for gaps and drafts
• ☐ Identify shared walls with neighbors
• ☐ Check electrical outlets on shared walls
• ☐ Note hard vs. soft floor surfaces
• ☐ Identify any visible cracks or gaps in walls/ceiling

Step 2: Whole-Apartment Fixes

Doors (Do First)

• ☐ Install weatherstripping on all door frames
• ☐ Add door sweep or draft stopper to entry door
• ☐ Add door sweep to bedroom door
• ☐ Ensure all doors close firmly against seals

Floors

• ☐ Add area rugs to hard floor areas
• ☐ Use dense rug pads (not thin foam)
• ☐ Cover high-traffic areas
• ☐ Add furniture pads to chair and table legs

Windows

• ☐ Check and replace worn weatherstripping
• ☐ Seal visible gaps with appropriate caulk
• ☐ Install heavy curtains (floor to ceiling, wider than window)
• ☐ Consider window inserts for serious traffic noise

Step 3: Room-Specific Checklist

Bedroom

Priority: Sleep quality

• ☐ Seal bedroom door completely
• ☐ Move bed away from shared walls if possible
• ☐ Add heavy curtains to windows
• ☐ Place bookcase or dresser against noisy wall
• ☐ Add rug beside bed and in main walking area
• ☐ Set up white noise machine near bed
• ☐ Consider MLV panel on door or wall if noise persists

Living Room

Priority: Conversation and relaxation

• ☐ Add area rugs throughout
• ☐ Use soft furnishings (upholstered furniture, cushions)
• ☐ Install curtains on windows
• ☐ Place bookcases against shared walls
• ☐ Seal entry door gaps
• ☐ Consider acoustic panels if room is very echoey

Home Office

Priority: Focus and video calls

• ☐ Seal door gaps
• ☐ Add rug under desk area
• ☐ Soft surfaces for acoustics (curtains, panels)
• ☐ Consider white noise or background music
• ☐ Position desk away from noisiest areas
• ☐ Add acoustic panels behind camera for video calls

Kitchen

Often less priority, but check:

• ☐ Anti-fatigue mat at sink/stove
• ☐ Appliance pads under noisy appliances
• ☐ Soft-close cabinet hardware if available

Step 4: Neighbor Communication

• ☐ Identify which neighbor is the primary noise source
• ☐ Have a friendly conversation about specific issues
• ☐ Suggest solutions they could implement (rugs, quieter hours)
• ☐ Document ongoing issues if conversation doesn't help
• ☐ Contact management if necessary

Step 5: Advanced Solutions

Only if basic steps aren't sufficient:

• ☐ Install window inserts for persistent traffic noise
• ☐ Hang MLV panels on problem walls
• ☐ Create DIY acoustic panels for echo issues
• ☐ Request landlord address structural issues
• ☐ Evaluate whether the apartment meets your needs long-term

Maintenance

• ☐ Check weatherstripping every 6-12 months
• ☐ Replace worn foam strips as needed
• ☐ Re-assess after seasonal changes (heating/cooling on)
• ☐ Adjust white noise volume seasonally