If you’re currently renting a home and you’re reading this, you’ve probably run in to similar issues that I have when I’ve moved into somewhere and found it’s absolutely freezing in winter. Running a quick google search shows me multiple construction companies who will re-fit windows, doors, and insulation to help this issue, but these are all things tenants just aren’t able to do. So, here’s some handy tips from my own experience which you can use in your rented property to ensure you’re not feeling the chill. Because keeping your flat warm doesn’t need to be a nightmare, and actually it’s mostly about keeping yourself and the family warm.
Blankets, Blankets and More Blankets
One of the items I now can’t live without is having an electric blanket on the bed. If you’re feeling cold during the night but don’t want to keep your heating on whilst you sleep, this is the best investment. Using it on the lowest setting gives you a warm bed to jump into at the end of the day and means you shouldn’t go cold during the night. If you’re feeling cold still, most blankets you can get have multiple levels of heat so you can turn it up.
On top of the usual blankets which go under your fitted sheet, there’s now a wide range of fluffy blankets for on top of the bed or even to cuddle up with on the sofa. If you don’t already have an electric blanket, it’s always worth grabbing some normal ones to wrap up in to watch TV, play video games or read a book on a cold winters evening.
Covering Drafts
Speaking of insulation, a lot of places end up having drafts! Put your hand up near your windows or doors and see if you can feel a draft coming through. If you can, find a way to create a barrier where the draft is. You can buy purpose made draft excluders to put in front of your doorways, or you can make your own at home with old fabric (or pillow covers!) and some stuffing/foam or pillows. I’ve been using one of my heat packs at the base of my window as one, whilst using the other one as usual. Keeping your flat warm might just be about closing up those small gaps that cold air can get through.
Portable Heaters
If your biggest issue about keeping your flat warm is that it’s too expensive to have the heating on all the time, then I have the next best thing for you. The other year my radiator broke, so whilst waiting for my landlord to fix it I purchase a small fan heater which works the same as a fan in the summer. This is a godsend still as the cost of running this small heater is much less than the electric radiators the flat has, and I can move it to be directly on me so I’m getting all the warm air before it escapes.
Heat Packs and Hot Water Bottles
The next step is to find yourself the perfect hot water bottle or a microwaveable heat pack. Both of these can be placed on your stomach, back, neck or even feet to keep you warmer. This isn’t really about keeping your flat warm, but more about making sure you’re warm whilst within it. Whilst working from home I’m usually cold whilst at my desk, so I will tuck my heat pack into the pocket of my hoody to warm myself up a bit.
Plus, you can fake an electric blanket by using a well-placed hot water bottle under your duvet for about 30 minutes before you jump into bed. A bit of a warning here, if you’re using an electric blanket you should go for a heat pack rather than hot water bottle as water and electricity don’t mix if there’s a leak!
Keep Your Feet Warm
I don’t know about you but if my hands and feet feel cold, it makes me feel even colder. So, I make a lot of effort to make sure my feet are always warm and toasty when I’m at home. First things first, I make sure my feet aren’t bare! I have a wide selection of fluffy socks as well as cute slippers to keep my toes toasty.
A lot of rented places have no carpet, so one thing you can do is get a rug which will keep your feet from being on a cold surface, but it also adds an insulation layer within the building. You don’t just lose heat from the walls, windows, and ceiling!
Hot Drinks
If you’re still feeling a bit chilly, make sure your internal body temperature is okay by making a hot drink. There’s plenty to choose from, with Britain being well known as tea lovers. So, whether you’re a coffee or tea drinker, they’ll warm you right up both inside and out as the cup can warm your hands. If you’re not big into coffee or tea, you can try just warm water with lemon and/or honey which will also help ward away any common colds too.
Know Your Rights
Most of my helpful hints above have been to avoid construction or avoid heavy bills, but if you’re suffering because your heating is broken then you should read up about your rights. One of the key things here in the UK is that heating and hot water are legally required within the property, and the landlord is liable to ensure you have it. If your boiler or your radiator breaks during winter, tell your landlord immediately and request a date for it to be fixed. If it’s not fixed, you can go to your local council and they will repair and re-charge the landlord the costs.