What is a reasonable first message about noise from a neighbor?

Noise is awkward because the person making it may have no idea how clearly it travels. The person hearing it may already be tired and frustrated by the time they decide to speak up. A first conversation can end up carrying weeks of irritation that the neighbor never knew existed.

What wording keeps that first contact calm and specific? Interested in ordinary situations like late music or furniture being dragged, where a polite conversation is appropriate. Timing, a clear description, and a practical request all seem relevant. Share approaches that leave room for solving the problem without assuming bad intentions.