How you can reduce your noise

Reducing household noise

You could try the following methods to help reduce household noise:

• let your neighbours know in advance if you are going to do anything noisy, for example, having a party or doing DIY
• use rugs on laminate flooring to help reduce noise that carries through floors
• add felt or rubber pads to movable furniture
• ensure your doors and windows open and close smoothly without banging
• if you listen to music late at night, wear headphones
• keep your music volume to a reasonable level, especially bass levels as they pass easily through walls, floors, and ceilings
• aim not to place your television or speakers next to a shared wall

Reducing animal noise

Leaving animals alone is sometimes inevitable, but it means they can get lonely, and regular barking noise can disturb neighbours. Try to avoid leaving your pet alone for too long and make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied.

You could consider leaving the radio on to keep them company during the daytime, or you could arrange for a dog sitter.

The Dog’s Trust has guidance on how to stop your dog barking, or you could read the RSPCA’s guidance on how to train your dog to be left alone.

Limiting alarm noise

If your alarm often sounds without a clear reason this can disturb others. You can help limit unnecessary alarm noise by:

• making sure your alarm has a 20 minute cut out
• ensuring your alarm system is well maintained
• making sure your windows are firmly closed when you leave
• leaving a key to your property with someone close by who can disable the alarm, and leaving their details with your neighbours