Living in an apartment comes with its challenges and noise is at the top of the list. Whether it’s loud neighbors, street traffic, or echoing rooms, finding peace and quiet can feel impossible. The good news? You don’t need expensive renovations or tools to make a huge difference.
Here’s how I soundproofed my apartment for under $50 using renter-safe, DIY solutions that actually work.
1. Seal the Door Gaps with Weather Stripping ($8)
Doors are one of the biggest culprits for noise leaks. I applied foam weather stripping around the edges of my front door and bedroom door. It created a tighter seal, blocking hallway noise and drafts instantly.
Pro Tip: Check for light coming through the door frame at night where you see light, sound is sneaking in too.
2. Stop Noise Under the Door with a Draft Stopper ($10)
Next, I slid a double-sided draft stopper under my doors. This simple fix muffled voices and footsteps from the hallway and even reduced heat loss in winter.
3. Hang Thick Fabrics on Shared Walls ($15)
Thin apartment walls? I hung a heavy tapestry on my shared bedroom wall using removable mounting strips. The extra layer absorbed mid-range sounds like TVs and conversations without damaging the paint.
4. Soften Floors with a Rug or Mat ($10)
I added a thick area rug in the living room and a bath mat in the hallway. Rugs aren’t just cozy — they also absorb sound bouncing off hard floors and reduce echoes.
đź’ˇ Results After 1 Weekend
Before these fixes, I could hear every footstep and conversation. Afterward, the noise level dropped dramatically. While it’s not total silence (you’ll need pro soundproofing for that), it’s quiet enough for better sleep and focus.