Winter is around the corner! That means snow days, thick jackets, and of course, skyrocketing heating bills. As the temperature begins to dip across the UK, Brits are again faced with the yearly dilemma of how to keep their homes warm without spending an outrageous amount of money on gas and electricity. Aside from costly renovations or cocooning yourself in a bundle of blankets, there are a few other ways you can reduce heat loss and unnecessary spending. Try these simple solutions to stay snug throughout the winter without breaking the bank.
1. Roll in the rugs
If you have tiles in your home, then you know the struggle of trying to stop your feet from freezing over in the winter. Rugs are a great way to boost insulation in your home on a budget. With a few thick and plush rugs, your home will not only feel warmer but look it too!
2. Rearrange your furniture
If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to increase heat in your home, rearranging your furniture is a good place to start. Be strategic about the layout of your living room, making sure that your sofa is not blocking heat from the radiator but rather surrounding it. Another top tip is to position furniture away from any draughty spots.
3. Snuggle a hot water bottle
With the advance of technology, many of us have forgetten about the old, trusty heat sources like hot water bottles. These ingenious little bottles are great for warming up in bed and stay hot for hours thanks to their powerful insulating properties.
4. Let the sun in
The sun is essentially free heat, so why not harness it in winter? If it’s a sunny day outside, try opening the curtains to let natural light pour in. While sunlight is a great way to keep your home warm, it’s also key to lifting your spirits in the gloomy winter months! Getting in enough vitamin D will ensure you feel warm inside and out.
5. Draught-proof doors
Even the smallest draught can make your home unbearably cold in the winter. Draught-proofing your doors does require a little DIY, but it’s incredibly straightforward and affordable. Try installing a self-adhesive rubber seal around all the doors. For window frames and cracks, simply apply a self-adhesive foam tape.
6. Layer it on
In winter, you really can’t have enough blankets on the bed! Although many households use electric blankets, these can burn a hole in your heating budget. Instead, try layering on a few thick blankets. Layering is also a trending style at the moment and can transform your room into a cosy retreat.
7. Install thick curtains
When it comes to curtains, the thicker the better! If you have single-glazed windows, thermal-lined curtains will act as a barrier, keeping draughts and the cold from creeping in. When the sun sets in the afternoon, shut your curtains and make sure they are lined up without any gaps.
8. Plug up the fireplace
There’s nothing better than a crackling fire on a winter’s night, but when the flames die out, frigid draughts can swoop in from above. A fireplace plug is designed to keep unwanted draughts out and heat in when the fire is no longer burning. This handy gadget will also ensure your home maintains its heat hours after the fire is out.
Winter-proofing your home might require you to free up some space and store away seasonal items you no longer need. At Storage King, we offer a variety of different size units, flexible lease agreements and convenient access, giving you the freedom to store your belongings for as long as you need. Contact us at 0800 0852 954 to find out more or get a quick and easy quote online.