alittlebitsocial2 To stay safe and comfortable during the cold winter months, it’s essential to have the right items on hand. From cosy blankets and heaters to thermal underwear and winter wear, these seven cold-weather essentials are must-haves for your home, office, and lifestyle. Keep warm this season by having these must-have items handy in case of cooler temperatures!
1. Warm Blankets
Nothing beats curling up in a warm, cosy blanket on a chilly winter night. Look for blankets made with soft materials like cashmere, fleece, and wool, which all keep you warm and provide a touch of luxury. Look for thick blankets to help insulate your home from the cold. Additionally, using multiple layers of blankets on your bed can create an extra layer of warmth during the winter months.
In addition to providing warmth and comfort, blankets also add a touch of style to any room. Choose brightly coloured, patterned or printed blankets to boost your living space’s colour and texture. A few blankets will keep you prepared if the temperature dives. With so many sizes, colours and textures, you’ll surely find the perfect blanket for your home this winter.
2. Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle is a perfect tool to help you stay warm in cold weather. Fill them up with a few litres of hot water—avoid using boiling water, as it can burn your skin—then place the bottle in your bed, sofa, or favourite armchair to stay cosy while watching TV, reading a book, or winding down at night. Additionally, hot water bottles are an ideal choice for pain relief if you’re suffering from aches and pains due to colder temperatures.
Invest in a hot water bottle with a protective cover to ensure even cosier warmth and comfort. Fleece and wool blankets are popular, as they provide an extra layer between the user and the bottle. If you want something more modern, there are now a variety of microwaveable hot water bottles available, coming in different designs such as animals or heating pads, and they don’t require the use of hot water; however, you should still air on the side of caution when using a microwave.
Remember the following tips when using your hot water bottle: only fill it up two-thirds full, never use boiling water, and turn it every 30 minutes to ensure an even spread of heat. Lastly, don’t forget to empty it each morning before use; doing so will help you maintain its longevity. Hot water bottles offer a great way to combat cold weather—what’s more, they’re incredibly budget-friendly!
3. Warm Pads or Electric Blankets
Keep your family warm and cosy with piles of quilted blankets and cushions that can be draped over the sofa, chairs, and beds. Add electric heating pads for extra warmth and soothing muscle aches or pains. Heated blankets are also a great way to keep warm while chilling on the sofa or at night.
Electric heating pads are beneficial for areas such as the feet, neck, and lower back that tend to get colder faster. They are available in various sizes and warmth levels and can target specific areas of the body if needed.
Look for grooved, quilted patterns that allow the warmth to distribute evenly across the pad so your family stays comfortable no matter what chilly winter temperatures arise.
4. Foot Warmer
I don’t know about you, but my feet freeze when I spend periods with my feet stuck under my desk. Keep your feet and toes warm on cold days with a foot warmer! Foot warmers come in various sizes and shapes, including some that can be easily tucked into your favourite slippers or boots to keep your feet toasty and comfortable.
The following few items are more directly home-related.
5. Insulation
The cost of living crisis in the UK is having a significant impact on how we live. With cold weather, we are all looking for ways to save money while still heating our homes, so it’s essential to ensure that your home is adequately insulated. High-quality insulation can help keep you warm and prevent damage to your pipes and wiring due to cold temperatures. Or, if your house already has insulation, perhaps it needs updating, so you could speak with a construction expert if you have any questions about what type of insulation would be best for your home.
6. Water Heater
It is essential to ensure your home is prepared for the cold weather as temperatures drop. One of the most critical winter preparations is ensuring that your water heater stays warm enough to avoid freezing. To ensure that the water in your home never reaches below-freezing temperatures, you will need to install a reliable thermostat with the desired temperature setting of 49 degrees Celcius or higher. Proper installation of this thermostat will help you enjoy hot and running water even during the coldest times of the year.
7. Fireplace or Log Burner
Owning a log burner can be very cost-effective as they are pretty efficient at maintaining heat. When using a log burner, cleaning out the ash regularly is essential and ongoing. Hence, it helps ensure its longevity and that you can continue to enjoy its warmth throughout the season. Luckily for those living in modern homes, you do not need a chimney to install a wood-burning stove. However, it may require more work to fit one than in an existing chimney.
As the winter chill starts, it’s essential to have the necessary items on hand to stay cosy and warm. From extra layers of clothing to the hot chocolate mix, we hope you enjoyed our seven cold-weather essentials you’ll need for the winter season. Stock up on these items so your home and office are ready for the weather, no matter how low temperatures drop.
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