You get to choose where you live and who you live with, but unfortunately you don’t always get to choose your neighbors. With the holiday spirit looming in the air, the ideals of love, peace and kindness are often brought to our attention. Don’t overlook applying your attitude of goodwill towards your noisy apartment neighbors too; you can start fresh this holiday season!

Be Friendly

Whether you are new to an apartment complex or have managed to dodge all contact with the folks next-door entirely, it is never too late to start up a friendly relationship. There are different levels of friendliness; whether you feel more comfortable introducing yourself in passing or randomly dropping by a neighbor’s apartment to say hello, initiating communication will pay off if you ever need to approach a difficult topic later on.

Be Respectful

Noise levels seem to be the number one complaint between apartment dwellers. When you live in such tight quarters, it’s inevitable some noise will travel. Total silence is unreasonable, but a thumping stereo, blaring television and barking dog will probably highly disturb your neighbors. Be courteous of creating unnecessary noise, especially at disturbing hours, and your neighbors will be more inclined to respect your quiet space too!

Be Agreeable

Here is where being friendly has paid off: keep your neighbors informed. Purchasing a treadmill? Picking up a drum set? Drop by your neighbor’s place (this may mean the unit to your right, your left and below you) and let them know about your new hobby. Ask them to let you know if the noise bothers them so that you might be able to come up with a solution together. Having a birthday party? Let your neighbors know about it, what time you expect it to be over and encourage an open door policy for them to let you know if the noise gets unbearable or out of hand. Approaching your neighbors in a respectful way will encourage them to solve problems with you first rather than calling the landlord. The apartment is home to all of you, developing mutual respect for one another will encourage peace and quiet!

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So just remember, a holiday wreath looks much more festive than an angry notice tacked to your front door. Good luck making friends and keeping the peace!