Yes, we know it may be a little forward to start mentioning the w word in relation to seasons, especially as we still need to finish summer and then get through fall. However, if your area is prone to terribly cold weather and temperatures, it may be better to plan and organize things, so you are fully preparing for the colder half of the year.
We are not fans of the cold weather here at Utterly Home, which is why we’ve already looked at tips for finding the best electric blanket. We are big fans of electric blankets and feel you should be too.
12 Toasty Tips for Staying Warm in Cold Weather
Although there are concerns about leaving on an electric blanket overnight, the technology and engineering behind their designs as improved immensely over the last 10 to 20 years.
There are also so many benefits of using an electric blanket that can’t be ignored. Aside from using an electric blanket, though, what else can you do to stay warm during those bitterly cold days and nights? Check out the 12 tips below to see!
1. Invest in Hand Warmers Or Even Better, Make Your Own
Sure, there are plenty of gloves and hand warmers out there that you can invest in to help provide your extremities with the much-needed warmth and comfort on cold days when you’re out and about. However, think of the money you could have and how proud you’ll be with your efforts if you make your own. A simple way to do this is with a Ziploc bag for each hand, water and calcium chloride ice melt pellets you can get from a hardware store near you.
2. Wear the Densest, Thinnest Layers on Top
A layer system for your clothing is the best way to stay warm on those cold days. You may already know that, but do you know that the way you layer your clothes is the best way to ensure you can keep warm. Have the fluffiest parts closest to your skin, with the thinnest and densest to the top.
3. Get Composting
Why are we mentioning composting in this post? Well composting, through the breakdown on a microbial level of organic matter creates warmth. There are some people now who use compost to power different appliances and things like greenhouses and showers.
4. Bake, Bake and Bake Some More
By baking in your oven regularly, you are adding heat to your home.
5. Adorn Your Curtains With Clothing Fit For Winter
You wouldn’t go out in the middle of winter wearing shorts and t-shirts. Likewise, you need to take care of your windows and use heavier curtains than those you currently have.
6. Trick the Locked Thermostat
Although you could simply turn up the thermostat in your property, you might be like many others and not have access to the thermostat controls. If this is restricted to the owner of the property, you could trick it by putting ice near to the device to give the impression the room is colder than it is.
7. Programmable Thermostat
However, if you do have access to a thermostat or can install a different one, you should consider a programmable model. That way you don’t have to face a bitterly cold home when you come home, because you can program it when you want it to warm up the house and not.
8. Use those Pool Noodles To Block Drafts
Drafty gaps below doors are one way that heat escapes the rooms in your property. This can easily be prevented by investing in some pool noodles, halving them lengthways and wrapping them in some fabric. You then slide this under the door, and it’ll stay in place and keep the warmth in and cold out.
9. Use a Combination of Hot and Cold Showers
While hot showers provide you with immediate warmth, cold showers can improve the circulation of your blood to your organs and skin.
10. Use that Ceiling Fan
Did you know warm air rises? One way to redirect this warm air back into the room is by using your ceiling fan on the lowest setting.
11. Wear Wintery Hats
Although it’s a misconception that you can lose around 80% of your body heat through an uncovered head, it still makes sense to wear a hat. You see, you will lose body heat through any surface with exposure to the cold weather. You may want to even consider investing in a hat for indoor wear too.
12. Start By Warming Yourself Up
Rather than always relying on turning the thermostat to your central heating up or by using that space heater, you should work on warming yourself directly first. It’s easier to change the temperature of your body than it is the temperature of the room and this is a far more environmentally-friendly way to do it.
