It might not technically be winter quite yet, but it is really starting to feel wintry around here.
The weather has definitely turned colder and we’ve been digging out the hats and gloves to wrap up warm on the school run. It’s getting colder in the house too, which I really notice as I’m here working during the day.
If you’re like me and feel the chill when you’re at home, here are 5 ways to stay warm this winter.
1. Put the heating on
I know it’s stating the obvious, but this is the best place to start to warm the house up in the winter.
Most homes now have central heating systems which are nice and efficient in heating the whole house, so when the weather turns really cold pop the heating on to warm the place through.
2. Layer up
Dressing in warm layers isn’t just for when you’re going out in the cold. It’s also a great way to feel warm and cosy at home.
Wearing a few light layers like a vest, long sleeved t-shirt and thin fleece top will keep you warmer because air gets trapped between the layers and acts like a type of insulation. If you’re like me though and love big comfy hoodies and cosy loose knit jumpers then go ahead and pop one on over the top of your layers to feel really snug.
3. Keep out the draughts
There’s not much point in having our central heating boilers going all the time if we then just let all the heat disappear and allow cold draughts to creep in.
You can buy draught excluders that you can fit to the bottom of doors, or you can make a snake-style one yourself pretty easily. Don’t stop there though. If cold air is sneaking in through your keyhole then buy a little cover for that, along with a cover or brush excluder for your letterbox.
4. Close the curtains as soon as the sun goes down
During the day it’s best to have your curtains open to let any possible warmth from the sun into the house.
As soon as the sun starts to disappear though get those curtains closed. This way you trap as much heat as possible inside.
To really help keep the house warm you can get some new heavier curtains for the winter months. Or go for a cheaper option of hanging a blanket over the curtain rail on top of your existing curtains.
5. Drink plenty of warm drinks
Warm yourself up from the inside out by drinking plenty of hot cups of tea or coffee.
Make your meals nice and warming too. Switch your lunchtime sandwich for a hot meal like a carrot and lentil soup. And in the evenings pick good comfort food like stews or cottage pie.
With a combination of these tips you can make your home a wonderfully warm and cosy place to spend time in over the chilly winter months.
Do you have any other ideas for staying warm at this time of year?
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post