Moved into new flat and it feels really creaky- worried about noise

[RipOffMerchant]

We're the third floor. Building is around 20 years old and tbh in a quieter part of the world than we're used to... very little traffic noise, more older couples and younger families.

We've only briefly met the neighbours. I obviously don't want to be a nuisance and feel like the floorboards are creaking every time I stand up! It's carpeted throughout apart from bathroom/kitchen.

How can you tell if you're being noisy?

The previous occupants presumably made the floor creek too. You could get the floor looked at if it's annoying you. It may just be a case of nailing it down in places.

I feel you OP, i don't miss our last flat for this reason, horrible to feel you need to creep about in your own home i think. Ultimately there isn't a lot you can do, i think most reasonable people accept there is noise in flats and that's just a part of life, if most rooms are carpeted that should help quite a bit.

All you can do is be as respectful as you can during nighttime hours, as time passes i think you'll soon work out if you're waking them or annoying them, and if they don't ever mention it i'd just assume its fine and get on with life. It's also worth nothing that noise doesn't bother everyone, I used to get the rage in our last place because i could hear the neighbours movements at night ( toilet trips, late night kettle boiling , creaking etc) but DP never heard it once and never once woke .
It's also something you do get used to and since people were there before you, presumably the neighbours are used to the noise of walking overhead. If only all neighbours were as concerned as you are OP!

It is probably loose floor boards.
It is a bit of a nuisance taking the carpet up but that would be the only way to check.
Can you feel the floor boards moving?