Winterising your home doesn’t have to break the bank. The high cost of heating is a burden many people face, but it’s essential to stay warm during this time of year. Fortunately, there are ways to keep cozy without incurring significant expenses. Many of these methods are completely free, and we’ll explore them below.
Keep Physically Active
As the mercury dips, there’s no better remedy than embracing the chaos of everyday tasks. Diving into a plethora of gardening and household chores not only warms the body but also lifts the spirits. And why not make it a game by injecting some fun into the mix? On the other hand, for those who crave more physical activity, a brisk jog, leisurely walk or invigorating bike ride can be an excellent way to shake off the chill and get the blood pumping.
Cook
As you experiment with new recipes and whip up a fresh treat, not only will your kitchen be filled with the aromas of comfort food, but the warm glow from the oven will also cozy up the space. Take, for instance, a classic homemade tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal after a long day at work. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 onions, minced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Then add in 1 tablespoon of tomato purée or substitute it with a handful of ripe tomatoes if you have them on hand. Next, stir in 2 x 400g canned tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. With the oven running, not only will your sauce simmer to perfection, but you’ll also be able to release the heat into the room by leaving the oven open after you turn it off – a little bonus that’s sure to make your kitchen feel like home.
Garden
For homesteaders, incorporating cold-hardy vegetables like bok choy and Swiss chard into their crop rotation can be a great way to maximize yields during snowy conditions. These resilient plants thrive when protected by a greenhouse or hoop frame. Meanwhile, those who prefer or are unable to grow crops outdoors can still enjoy fresh produce through the cultivation of microgreens indoors.
This approach allows for the production of crisp, flavorful greens without leaving the cozy confines of one’s home.
Clean and Organize
As the winter months approach, it’s an ideal opportunity to tidy up and reorganize your outdoor space following the hustle and bustle of the growing season. This not only prepares you for the new year but also provides a chance to get some exercise while hauling items around, which can help keep your body warm during the colder weather.
Make Your Own Clothes
As the mercury drops, it’s essential to keep your body active to maintain warmth and prevent coldness from setting in. While walking around all day may not be feasible, indoor activities can help fill the void. Knitting and crocheting are excellent pastimes for winter, allowing you to create something new while cozying up by the fire or under a warm blanket. The tactile experience of working with yarn also provides an added layer of warmth as you work on your latest creation.
If you’re connected to the internet, take advantage of DIY tutorials and learn a new skill during this time of year. Additionally, use this downtime to mend old clothes with holes or create a cozy winter blanket for your bed. Winter is the perfect opportunity to pick up a relaxing hobby like knitting or crocheting, providing a sense of accomplishment and comfort as you ride out the cold weather.
Layer Your Clothes
When preparing for winter weather, begin by laying the foundation with thermal underwear. This crucial base layer will set the tone for your entire outfit. As you add additional layers – including shirts, sweaters, and coats – you’ll be well on your way to achieving a warm and cozy look. The process is straightforward: start with long-sleeved tops, followed by fleece or wool sweaters and puffy vests. Top it all off with a coat that suits the occasion.
For your lower half, opt for thick jeans or wool pants for added warmth. Remember to prioritize protection from the elements by incorporating a waterproof outer layer when rain or snow is in the forecast. Avoiding getting soaked will help you stay warm and dry.
Use Gloves, Hats, and Socks
To keep your entire body warm and cozy during winter homesteading, don’t underestimate the importance of protecting your extremities. Wearing a woolen hat, thick socks, and insulated gloves can make a significant difference in keeping the chill off. If you’re planning to handle garden equipment or engage in other outdoor activities, consider investing in gloves with grip features that will provide extra traction and control.
By prioritizing the warmth of your hands, feet, and head, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the demands of winter homesteading without compromising on comfort.
Trap the Heat
To combat winter’s chill while keeping heating costs in check, effective insulation is key. A primary consideration is preserving the warmth within your home by sealing off avenues of heat loss. This means taking steps to prevent unnecessary heat escapes, such as ensuring windows are tightly closed and well-sealed. A simple yet often overlooked solution is using removable window inserts or plastic sheeting to create an additional barrier against cold air infiltration.
By adopting these measures, you can reduce your reliance on heating systems and enjoy a cozier winter without breaking the bank.
Add Curtains
When it comes to maintaining a cozy indoor climate without relying on central heating or radiators, curtains are an often overlooked yet effective solution. By opting for thick, insulating drapes, you can trap warmth inside your home and reduce the need for constant heater operation. While sheer curtains do offer some insulation benefits, heavier fabrics like velvet provide significantly greater thermal resistance.
As part of your daily routine, take a moment to open your curtains as soon as the sun rises, allowing the natural heat from the sun to warm up your space.
Close Individual Rooms
To optimize your home’s energy efficiency, start by isolating unused spaces. Simply close doors to rooms that are not in use, and consider taking it a step further by turning off radiators or adjusting air vents accordingly. However, make sure to maintain a minimum level of heat in bathrooms, regardless of whether they’re being utilized or not. This is crucial, as any space with plumbing requires sufficient warmth to prevent pipes from freezing.
Hang Out Upstairs
As the age-old adage goes, ‘heat rises.’ To take advantage of this natural phenomenon, make a conscious effort to spend more time upstairs where the warmth is often more pronounced. For an added bonus, consider opening windows on both upper and lower levels to create a cozy atmosphere by trapping the sunlight and heat within your home. This simple yet effective trick can help you bask in the comfort of your own abode, even during the chilliest of winter days.
Make Warm Drinks
Winter’s chill can be banished with a warm and comforting beverage, regardless of your preference for a steaming cup of tea or a rich coffee. The best part? These hot drinks require little time and effort to prepare, making them the perfect pick-me-up during busy winter days.
Turmeric Latte
Turmeric’s impressive health profile, which includes boosting immunity and reducing inflammation, makes it an ideal winter companion. As colds and flu tend to spread during this season, a warm turmeric latte is just what you need to stay healthy.
To make this nourishing drink, combine the following ingredients: 12 ounces of milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy), 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. A pinch of black pepper adds a boost to the drink’s bioavailability. Feel free to sweeten it further with an additional 1-2 teaspoons of honey or vanilla.
If you want to give your latte a caffeine kick, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of matcha powder to the mix. This recipe is perfect for a cozy winter evening, offering a delicious and nutritious way to support your overall well-being.
Hot Chocolate
Winter’s warmth is synonymous with the comforting aroma of hot chocolate. Its rich flavor and velvety texture evoke feelings of coziness, making it a perfect companion for chilly days. But what if you could enjoy this wintertime treat without compromising on health? A healthier take on hot chocolate is just as satisfying, using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to balance out the richness.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: creamy milk, high-quality cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla for added depth. Simply whisk together 1 cup of your preferred milk (dairy or alternative), 2 1/2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tablespoon of pure maple syrup or organic honey, 1 tablespoon of chopped dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, and a pinch of sea salt. Top it off with some dark chocolate shavings for an indulgent touch.
If you prefer a caffeine-free alternative, consider brewing a soothing herbal tea like peppermint, ginger, or lemon, which also boast natural decongestant properties. The beauty of hot drinks lies in their customizability – feel free to experiment and create your own unique blends this winter season!
Electric Blankets
Staying cozy at night doesn’t have to mean cranking up the thermostat and racking up the utility bills. In fact, there are some simple and effective ways to keep yourself warm without heating up the entire house. One approach is to focus on warming up your bed rather than the whole room. This can be particularly helpful if you tend to get chilly as soon as you settle in for the night. Electric blankets are a great option for achieving this goal.
They’re designed to heat small, specific areas – like a bed or a chair – without wasting energy heating an entire space. Plus, they’re often relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Another alternative is to use hot water bottles. These can be just as effective at keeping you warm while you’re sleeping or relaxing on the couch, and they don’t require any electricity at all.
Use Hot Rice Bags
A staple of camping gear and outdoor enthusiasts alike, rice bags have gained popularity worldwide due to their convenience and independence from electricity. To create your own heat source, start by filling a cotton bag with uncooked rice. Once full, sew the opening shut securely. When warmth is needed, simply place the rice-filled bag in the microwave for a few minutes until it reaches your desired temperature.
Reverse Your Fans
When the cold winter months arrive, take advantage of a simple yet effective way to keep your space cozy. One trick is to adjust the direction of your ceiling fan to ensure warm air circulation. By reversing the fan’s rotation, you can circulate hot air that tends to rise towards the ceiling and push it back down into the room, creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
