This article is a collaboration; that said, I think you will find it helpful so do read on.
Moving house is stressful at the best of times. Add freezing temperatures, short daylight hours, and unpredictable weather into the mix, and you’ve got yourself quite the challenge. But winter moves don’t have to leave you shivering in an empty living room surrounded by boxes.
With a bit of planning and some clever tricks, you can turn your new place into a cosy haven, even if you’re unpacking in the middle of January. Whether you’re dealing with drafty windows, cold floors, or a boiler you haven’t quite figured out yet, there are plenty of ways to stay warm without cranking up the heating bill.
This guide will walk you through the best winter moving tips to keep your home comfortable from day one. We’ll cover everything from quick fixes you can do before the removal van arrives to long-term energy efficiency upgrades that’ll save you money all season long.
Start with the Basics: Heating and Hot Water
Before you even think about unpacking, make sure your heating system is working. Nothing kills the moving day vibe faster than discovering your boiler’s packed in. For moving service UK this is important, we know how tempramental the weather can be!
Get the boiler checked early
If possible, arrange for a heating engineer to inspect the boiler a few days before you move in. This gives you time to fix any issues before you’re actually living there. Check that the radiators heat up evenly and that the thermostat responds properly.
Bleed your radiators
Cold spots on radiators usually mean trapped air. Bleeding them is simple, you just need a radiator key (available at any hardware shop for about a quid). Turn off the heating, open the valve at the top of the radiator with the key, and let the air hiss out until water appears. Close it up, and you’re done.
Set the heating timer
Programme your heating to come on before you wake up and before you get home in the evening. This way, you’re not walking into a freezing house after a long day of moving boxes around.
Tackle Drafts Straight Away
Drafts are sneaky little heat thieves. You might not notice them at first, but they can make a room feel significantly colder, and push your energy bills up.
Check windows and doors
Hold a lit candle near the edges of windows and doors on a windy day. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft. Seal gaps with weather stripping or draft excluders. These are cheap, easy to install, and make a noticeable difference.
Use draft excluders
Those sausage-shaped things that sit at the bottom of doors? They actually work. You can buy them for a few quid, or make your own by filling an old pair of tights with rice or sand.
Don’t forget the letterbox
Letterboxes can let in a surprising amount of cold air. Fit a brush or flap on the inside to block the draft without stopping your post from getting through.
Seal keyholes
If you’ve got old-fashioned keyholes, cover them with a keyhole cover or a bit of masking tape. It sounds minor, but every little bit helps.
Focus on Home Insulation
Good insulation is the foundation of a warm, energy-efficient home. It keeps heat in and cold out, which means you’ll spend less on heating and feel more comfortable.
Check your loft insulation
Heat rises, so if your loft isn’t properly insulated, you’re basically heating the sky. The recommended depth for loft insulation in the UK is at least 270mm. If yours is thinner than that, it’s worth topping it up. Many energy companies offer grants or discounts to help with the cost.
Insulate your walls
If your home was built before the 1920s, it probably has solid walls. These lose heat faster than cavity walls, but you can improve things with internal or external wall insulation. It’s not a small job, but it can cut your heating bills by up to 45%.
For homes with cavity walls (two layers with a gap in between), cavity wall insulation is a much quicker fix. A professional can inject insulating foam into the gap in just a few hours.
Don’t ignore the floors
Cold floors can make a whole room feel chilly. If you’ve got floorboards, check for gaps and fill them with sealant or newspaper. Laying rugs or carpet will also add a layer of insulation and make the space feel warmer underfoot.
Make Smart Use of Curtains and Blinds
Your windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in any home. But with a few simple tricks, you can reduce that loss without spending a fortune.
Invest in thermal curtains
Thermal curtains have a special lining that helps trap heat inside. They’re especially useful for older homes with single-glazed windows. Close them as soon as it gets dark to keep the warmth in.
Keep curtains open during the day
If you’ve got south-facing windows, make the most of natural sunlight. Even weak winter sun can help warm a room. Just remember to close the curtains again once the sun goes down.
Fit window film
If you’re renting or don’t want to replace your windows, insulating window film is a budget-friendly option. It’s a thin plastic sheet that sticks to the glass and creates an extra layer of insulation. It won’t win any design awards, but it does the job.
Use Space Heaters Wisely
Sometimes central heating isn’t enough, or maybe you just want to warm up one room quickly. Space heaters can help, but they need to be used safely and efficiently.
Choose the right type
Oil-filled radiators are great for steady, long-lasting heat. Fan heaters warm rooms quickly but use more electricity. Halogen heaters are good for spot heating (like when you’re sat at a desk).
Don’t leave them on all night
Space heaters aren’t designed to run unsupervised. Turn them off before you go to bed or leave the house. Never place them near curtains, furniture, or anything flammable.
Heat the room you’re in
There’s no point heating an empty room. Close doors to keep warmth where you need it, and only use space heaters in the rooms you’re actually using.
Layer Up Your Bedding
A cold bedroom can make it hard to sleep. But you don’t need to turn the heating up all night, just add a few extra layers to your bed.
Use a winter duvet
Swap your summer duvet for a thicker one with a higher tog rating (at least 10.5 for winter). If you get too warm, you can always kick off a layer.
Add blankets or throws
Layering is more effective than one heavy duvet. Plus, you can adjust how many layers you use depending on the temperature.
Try a hot water bottle
Old school, but effective. Pop a hot water bottle in your bed 20 minutes before you get in, and you’ll have a toasty spot waiting for you.
Don’t forget your feet
Cold feet can keep you awake. Wear warm socks to bed, or treat yourself to a pair of slipper socks with grips on the bottom.
Boost Energy Efficiency for the Long Term
Once you’ve sorted the quick fixes, it’s worth thinking about longer-term improvements. These can save you money and make your home more comfortable for years to come.
Upgrade to double glazing
If you’ve still got single-glazed windows, replacing them with double or even triple glazing can cut heat loss by up to 50%. It’s a bigger upfront cost, but the savings on your energy bills add up over time.
Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats let you control your heating from your phone, set schedules, and track your energy use. Some can even learn your habits and adjust automatically. They typically pay for themselves within a couple of years.
Consider a more efficient boiler
If your boiler is over 15 years old, it’s probably not very efficient. Modern condensing boilers are much better at turning fuel into heat. Replacing an old boiler can cut your heating bills by up to 30%.
Draught-proof your chimney
If you’ve got an open fireplace you’re not using, fit a chimney balloon or draught excluder. Chimneys can let out a shocking amount of heat.
Keep Warm During the Move Itself
Moving day is exhausting, and you’ll be going in and out of the house all day. Here’s how to stay comfortable while the chaos unfolds.
Dress in layers
You’ll be moving between cold outdoor air and (hopefully) warmer indoor spaces. Layers let you adjust as needed without overheating or freezing.
Keep hot drinks handy
A flask of tea or coffee can be a lifesaver. Moving is hard work, and a warm drink gives you a chance to pause and recharge.
Set up one warm room first
Pick one room, ideally the living room or kitchen, and get the heating working there first. This gives you a warm base to retreat to when you need a break.
Protect your belongings
Cold weather can affect certain items, like electronics or musical instruments. Keep them in a heated room if possible, or wrap them in blankets during the move.
A Few Extra Winter Moving Tips
Check the weather forecast
Keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your move. If snow or ice is expected, you might need to reschedule or take extra precautions.
Clear paths and driveways
If it does snow, make sure paths and driveways are cleared before the removal service UK arrives. Salt or grit can help prevent slips.
Pack a winter survival kit
Include things like spare gloves, hand warmers, snacks, and a torch (in case the power’s not on yet). You’ll thank yourself later.
Label your boxes clearly
When it’s cold and getting dark early, the last thing you want is to be hunting through boxes for your kettle or duvet. Label everything clearly so you can find essentials quickly.
Make Your New Home Feel Like Home
Once the boxes are unpacked and the heating’s sorted, take a moment to make the place feel cozy. Light some candles, put on some music, and enjoy your new space. You’ve earned it.
Moving in winter might not be ideal, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be miserable. Focus on home insulation, tackle drafts, and make smart use of your heating system. A few small changes can make a big difference to how warm and welcoming your new home feels.
And remember: spring will come eventually. Until then, stay warm, stay patient, and enjoy settling into your new place.
