Beat the Winter Chill: How To Keep Your Apartment Warm and Cozy This Winter

With temperatures dropping quickly, we can no longer deny the fact that Old Man Winter is on his stubborn way. Keeping your apartments comfortable this time of year can be hard, especially as temps swing and settle down in the evenings. Whether your aim is to save money on utilities or make the most of the heat you have, we have five helpful hints that can help.

Make your own draft dodger.

Even well-insulated apartments can get drafty on occasion. To keep cold air from rushing in and ruining a perfectly cozy evening, try making easy draft dodgers like these out of fuzzy socks. In a pinch, however, a heavy blanket or a slightly damp towel can be effective as well.

If you find your windows are drafty, check to make sure they are seated and locked securely. Many of our residents find that some drafts can be avoided by simply making sure the windows are fully closed.

Give your floors an extra layer.

Hardwood and linoleum floors are a cold awakening to bare feet. Consider adding area rugs where you tend to walk or stand the most (especially in the morning). Make sure to add a non-slip pad to the underside or purchase rugs with a rubberized backing to prevent bunching and preventable slips and trips.

If rugs aren’t in your budget, treat yourself to a nice pair of warm slippers, which are basically warm rugs made just for your feet. 

Cook some comfort food.

All the reasons to avoid using your oven during the summertime are the same ones you should use to cook in your kitchen in the winter. Boiling water for pasta on the stove is also a great way to add needed humidity and warmth to the room, and cooking beef or pork roasts low and slow let your oven do double duty in providing a warm meal.

Make a warm bed.

If you’ve never tried flannel or microfiber sheets, winter is the time to do so. Amp up the heating power by starting with a quality wool mattress pad; not only will it help you make better use of your body heat, but it will also help wick away moisture to keep you cool in the summer time. Top off your bed with an all-season down comforter and then swap out your duvet covers as the seasons change if necessary.

Get a houseplant.

While plants don’t give off any actual heat, their presence helps to visually warm up a room. They can also provide a small space with additional humidity, which helps a colder apartment make better use of the heated air it has. Here are some great apartment-friendly plants to try.

Have a tip we missed? Enter it in the comments below!