Essential Winter Prep: 5 Tips to Cosy Up Your Home

The cold starts rolling in and you can finally start the preparation for getting your home winter ready! Bring out the blankets, light up the fireplaces, and sip on those delicious hot chocolates because it's promising to be a cold one.

With temperatures dropping and chilly winds blowing, it's essential to take steps to ensure your home stays warm and cosy at all times. Luckily for us South Africans, there are many ways that you can batten down the hatches and keep the cold out. Here are some tips on how to keep your home warm during winter.

1) Seal your windows and doors to cosy up your home

One of the most common causes of heat loss in homes during winter is drafty windows and doors. Even if your windows and doors are closed, tiny gaps surrounding the structure will let cold air seep inside. This means that you are losing valuable heat!

If you feel a chilly breeze coming in, make sure to seal any gaps around your windows and doors using weather stripping or caulking. This will help keep cold air out and warm air in, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient

2) Invest in Insulation

Insulation is an effective way to keep your home warm during winter. It works by trapping heat inside your home, preventing it from escaping through the walls, roof, and floors. Insulating your home can help reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

You can insulate your home with materials such as fibreglass, cellulose, or spray foam insulation. Even though it is a bit more expensive than other heating options, it usually lasts 15-20 years before you have to replace it. Installing insulation in your home is a great decision when getting your home ready for winter and it is an investment that pays off in the long run.

3) Use heavy curtains and blinds

Using heavy curtains or blinds can help keep your home warm by trapping heat inside. Heavy curtains or blinds work as an insulating layer, preventing heat from escaping through your windows. Keep your curtains or blinds closed at night to trap heat inside, and open them during the day to let sunlight in and warm up your home.

Heavy curtains and blinds can be tricky to hang up but don't let that discourage you! Think about those warm cosy nights you'll be wrapped up in the comfort of your warm home. 

4) Layer it up!

Winter is the perfect excuse to wear the jackets, coats, and jerseys you've been hiding in the closet. Layering up is an effective way to stay warm during winter, and it's also a great way to save on your energy bills. Instead of cranking up your heating system, put on a sweater or a warm pair of socks. You can also add extra blankets to your bed to stay warm at night. 

5) Add rugs and carpets to cosy up your home

Carpets are amazing during winter and can add some extra heat to your home. Hardwood floors and tiles can be cold during winter, making your home feel colder than it is. And, really, who wants to walk barefoot over the cold tiles on those chilly winter mornings?

Using rugs and carpets can help insulate your floors, preventing heat from escaping through them. Rugs and carpets can also add a cosy feel to your home, making it more comfortable and inviting.

Final thoughts

Keeping your home warm during winter is essential for your comfort and well-being. If you follow these tips, then getting your home winter ready is a breeze! By sealing your windows and doors, insulating your home, and hanging heavy curtains or blinds, you are well on your way to a warmer and more energy-efficient winter. Throw a rug on the floor and a blanket over your legs, and you're as cosy as can be!