10 ways to keep your house warm
It's getting pretty biting out there this January!
Last updated 27th Jan 2017
Temperature are lower than we've ever remembered, and the blankets are out in all their fluffy glory. It's that time of year where we're all having to get used to the chill again!
Here are some top tips for staying cosy in your home this winter.
1. Radiator Reflectors – If your radiator is joined to an outside wall, the heat can be lost to the outside. With a reflector installed behind the radiator, the panel helps retain the heat by reflecting it back into the room.
2. Tape up keyholes and catflaps – A lot of draught can be let in through small gaps around the house, so tape up those keyholes and loose-fitting pet flaps to check there is no breeze sneaking its way in.
3. Sofa Blanket – Introducing... the sblanket. For those evenings spent curled up on the sofa with a cuppa, having a blanket permanently on the sofa means that you won't have to get up five minutes later, realising you're cold and grabbing for the dressing gown!
4. Draught stoppers – The proper ones can be pretty pricey, but the classic sausage dog definitely does the trick for keeping the draft out between the door and the floor. You can also stuff a pair of tights with socks and pop it under the door if you're feeling DIY!
5. Hot drinks – Whether you're into your hot chocolate, your peppermint tea or your honey and lemon, a hot beverage warms you up a treat when the nights draw in.
6. Thick curtains – When it comes to curtains in winter, the thicker the better! And if you don't fancy splashing out on a new pair of curtains, you can line them yourself with fleece.
7. Let the daylight in –Even if you are using lovely thick, luscious new curtains, open them up during the day! Letting as much natural light (and therefore heat) in as possible is essential for homely heat retention.
8. Hot water bottle – They're old as the hills, but nothing goes further than a warm water-filled balloon to tuck under your jumper while you're snuggling into bed.
9. It's all about LAYERS – When it comes to getting warm, layers are the key. So it's time to get the vest, the t-shirt, the long-sleeved shirt, the jumper, the scarf and the slanket out of the wardrobe. It does increase your washing load a bit, though...
10. Get snug in a onesie – Probably one of the comfiest items in the world, and obviously also one of the most attractive! Onesies are a great thing to whack on at the end of the day – they're super comfy, and cover literally every part of you!
So elegant, boys.
Got any more great tips for keeping warm this winter? Tweet us @magicfm!