Affordable Ways to Stay Warm This Winter

As the winter season settles in, finding cost-effective ways to keep warm can be tricky. Whether it’s setting your doors to Winter mode, lighting candles, eating soup, or upgrading your bedding, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find affordable and practical ways to help you stay warm this Winter.  

Optimise Heating with Radiator Foil

One of the best ways to ensure that the heat from your radiators stays indoors and keeps you warm is to use radiator foil. This special type of thin foil-like insulation comes on a roll and can be easily slotted behind your radiators. It helps reflect the heat into the room instead of being lost to outside walls. The best part is you can get a large roll of the stuff for around £20! It's a cheap way to help your house stay warm this Winter.

Set your doors to Winter Mode

Not many people know this, but you can set your PVC windows and doors to Winter, Summer, or neutral modes. They are designed so that you can change the seal in Summer to allow more airflow into the house or restrict the airflow in Winter to keep out the chill. By using an Allen key, you can change the tightness of the seals in your doors and windows, stopping winter draughts and helping to keep your home warm this Winter. When you've done it, you should be able to feel the tighter seal when closing and opening the door.

The process is easy, but if you want to learn how to change your door’s settings properly, we suggest checking out the YouTube tutorial below. It offers easy-to-follow instructions and will help you handle every step with confidence.

How To Stop Cold Air (Draughts) From Windows & Doors - adjust uPVC window/door Winter Summer Mode - YouTube

Watch On

Use Sleeping Bags

Now, this may sound insane, but using a sleeping bag is a surefire way to stay warm and cosy, especially if you work from home. One effective way is to cocoon your lower half in a sleeping bag while you are working at your home office desk or even sitting in your chair watching TV. The nature of a sleeping bag is to wrap around you and keep warm, and they are far more effective than a blanket. It's honestly a very effective way for staying warm this winter.

Invest in thermals

If you feel the cold then it’s time to invest in thermals. Thermals are made from a special fabric that helps trap your body heat and keep you insulated. 

Gone are the days of having outfits hidden by enormous coats. Thermals are made from a thin material that can be worn beneath clothes, keeping you nice and toasty without feeling heavy or bulky. 

Light Candles

Lighting candles at this time of year is a great way to feel cosy and to keep warm. Providing you keep doors and windows closed, you’d be surprised how quickly they can heat a room. Even better if they smell delightful too! 

If you’re after autumnal candles, check out our article on Autumn Decor on a Budget, and for wintery, festive scents then Decorating for Christmas on a Budget.  

Wrap Up in Blankets

If you’ve decorated for Christmas on a budget, then you might have a few festive throws or blankets lying around. Whether you’re watching a film, reading a book, or just chilling out, make sure to bundle up in blankets to keep yourself feeling nice and toasty.  

Use a Hot Water Bottle or Wheat Bag

Hot water bottles and wheat bags can really come in handy during the colder months. They’re especially useful for warming small areas of your home such as your bed, your spot on the sofa, or even your pyjamas. 

Warm your water bottle or wheat bag up accordingly, and try leaving it at the bottom of your bed about five minutes before you get in. There’s nothing better than getting into a nice, toasty bed after a long, cold day. 

For hot water bottles under a tenner, you can find some great suggestions in our article on Secret Santa Gifts Under £10.  

Have a Warm Bath

Being out in the cold can make your body feel tired and achy. Treat yourself to a lovely, hot bath to ease your muscles and soothe your skin. 

When you sit in a hot bath, it raises your core body temperature temporarily, which is why you tend to feel warmer even after you’ve gotten out. 

A handy tip is to wrap your towel around a hot water bottle so it’s nice and warm for when you get out. 

Consume Warming Foods & Drinks

Consuming warm food and drinks like soup, broth, porridge, herbal tea and coffee can temporarily increase your body temperature. 

Batch cook some of your favourite recipes and pop them in the freezer so that when you’re feeling that chill, you can heat it and keep yourself feeling nice and warm. 

Even better for your bank account if you’re shopping in the reduced section, and if you know how to save money on groceries and which supermarket brand is the cheapest.  

Keep Windows & Curtains Closed When You Can

Sometimes our homes can feel a bit stuffy and opening windows can be a good solution. However, during the winter when you’re trying to keep warm, try to do this as rarely as possible. Instead, opt for an air freshener, a scented plug-in, or a candle to help your space feel fresh. 

What’s more, opt to keep your curtains closed when warming your room. Curtains not only help your space feel cosy, but they work well to keep heat inside of your home, especially if they are floor length. 

Invest in Draft Excluders

Whether you’ve got candles lit or a hot water bottle to keep you warm, drafts can make you feel chilly, even if your doors are closed. If your home gets drafty, it’s worth purchasing a draft excluder. 

These are just small objects that block any gaps under your doors that let cold air seep through. There are a variety of affordable choices on the market, including both obvious and subtler options. 

Wear Thick or Fluffy Socks

Getting cold feet is the worst. Make sure your little piggies stay nice and warm in a pair of thick or fluffy socks. If you don’t have any yourself or know someone who might need a pair or two, they make a great Secret Santa gift under £10. 

Some great options include the knitted Sherpa socks on Temu for under £5. They are comfy, cheap and great for keeping your feet warm this winter. They are so good that I went and bought three extra pairs after my first.

Layer Up

Whether staying in or going out, it’s always a good idea to layer up. Even if you’re wearing a jumper, pop a t-shirt or vest underneath which will help trap your body heat close to your skin. Similarly, if your jeans aren’t cutting it, pop a pair of tights or thermal leggings below so your legs don’t feel the cold. 

This does not require any purchasing as you should be able to find ways to layer up using clothes that are already in your wardrobe. 

Snuggle up With a Loved One

Everyone loves to snuggle up now and then. If you live with at least one other person, then make the most of their body heat and snuggle up together. Alternatively, if you don’t have a friend who will cuddle with you, then utilise a pet who is happy to cosy up. 

You can make it more effective by lying under a blanket together to help keep you both insulated. 

Keep Your Body Moving

Whether it’s a bit of light movement, or an exercise class, moving around is an easy way to keep you warm. 

If you’re looking for affordable or free ways to exercise in the comfort of your own home, check out our article on Affordable Ways to Workout From Home. 

Alternatively, why not opt for some gentle stretches or a relaxing walk outside at one of the best UK walking spots?  

Wear a Hat or Scarf

Whilst it is a myth that you lose the most body heat from your head, wearing a hat can still help maintain your core body temperature to some extent. 

So, whatever you’re wearing on your body, it’s still a good idea to wear a hat and scarf that will help keep all parts of you insulated. 

Eat a Balanced Diet

Making sure that you’ve got a balanced diet is important during the winter to protect yourself from the cold and from getting ill. Ensure you’re consuming a variety of food groups, including greens and root vegetables for your immune system, and whole grains, proteins, and fats to keep your body insulated. 

Check out our useful Tips to Save on Healthy Eating and find out How Vegan Alternatives Impact Your Grocery Bill, so you don’t go over budget this winter.  

Purchase an Affordable Winter Coat

Don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying outdoor activities. Whether it’s a chunky, puffer coat for every day, a black tailored coat for those special occasions, or a thick shacket that doesn’t overpower your outfit, you'll be good to go once you’ve found out how to save money on a winter coat.  

Only Heat Necessary Rooms

This one might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget. When you’re heating your home, you’ll save yourself some serious cash by only heating the necessary rooms. Whether that’s your home office while you’re working, or your lounge for the evenings, your bank account will certainly thank you in the long run. 

Upgrade Your Bedding

Going from your toasty lounge area to your freezing bedroom is not ideal. Why not opt to upgrade your bedding so you don’t dread getting into bed on a cold day? 

There are plenty of winter bedding options available on the market that won’t break the bank at the likes of ASDA George, Dunelm, Wayfair, and The Range to name a few. Whether it’s teddy bear textured sets or fleece duvets, you’re sure to find something right for you. 

Invest in a Small Electric Heater

If you have a bit of money to spare this winter, it might be worth investing in a small electric oil heater. These can be a lifesaver when changing or if you’re fresh out of the shower and are handy alternatives to heating your home. You can find some affordable options at Amazon. Oil heaters are more energy efficient than convection heaters and stay warm for a while, even after turning them off. I keep a mini one near my desk to keep my feet warm in the winter.