For 25 years, a travel reporter lived without central heating while growing up in New Zealand, where the system is virtually unheard of. Neither she nor any of her friends or relatives had it. Although the climate on New Zealand's north island doesn't reach the cold experienced in the UK, winter temperatures of 0°C are typical, and frost-covered single-glazed windows are common.
Clothing Layers That Trap Heat
Instead of relying on portable heaters or heat pumps, which proved costly and ineffective without insulation, she became skilled at staying warm without electricity. Her first recommendation is a thick beanie, as keeping the head warm has a significant impact. Merino wool base layers, including long-sleeve shirts and long johns, are also invaluable because the fabric is breathable yet retains body heat effectively.
Pairing these with tracksuit bottoms and a woolly jumper keeps you snug throughout winter. Thick socks are equally useful, with a lightweight merino pair worn beneath a thicker, slipper-style sock to keep toes warm.
Bedding and Draught-Proofing Tricks
Hot water bottles are another reliable solution. Filling two or three roughly an hour before bedtime and tucking them under the duvet warms the sheets before climbing in, and they retain heat for hours. Flannelette sheets trap heat more efficiently than cotton and feel cosier, making a genuine difference to a comfortable night's sleep.
Addressing draughts is equally important. Drawing all curtains at dusk retains the day's warmth, with floor-to-ceiling curtains ideal for eliminating draughts from window gaps. Placing a rolled-up towel along the bottom of a door frame also helps seal in warmth and prevent cold air seeping into the room.
