Winter hits differently when you’re living off campus. Gone are the days of cranking up the thermostat without a second thought; now that you’ve invested in one of the houses for rent in Athens, Ohio, every degree costs you.
Let’s walk through some practical, budget-friendly strategies that’ll help you stay warm all winter long without watching your bank account freeze over.
Layer Up Like You Mean It
Strategic indoor layering works wonders. Start with thermal base layers or even pajama bottoms under your regular clothes. Add a hoodie or fleece pullover, and keep a throw blanket within arm’s reach of your favorite study spot. You can even add fuzzy socks! The trick is adding layers you can peel off if you get too warm.
Transform Your Bed
If you’re going to spend money on staying warm, invest in your bedding. You sleep there for roughly eight hours every night, so it’s worth making that space as comfortable as possible. Here are our favorite tips:
- Swap out your regular sheets for flannel ones once the temperatures drop
- Layer your bed with multiple blankets instead of relying on just one comforter
- Add a thermal blanket underneath your regular bedding to trap heat
- Tuck a hot water bottle between your sheets about 20 minutes before bed
Block Those Sneaky Drafts
Does your rented home in Athens, Ohio, have drafts? Even small gaps around windows and doors let cold air seep in while your heated air escapes. Here’s what you can do if you find any drafts:
- Use draft stoppers (or rolled-up towels) at the bottom of exterior doors
- Apply weatherstripping tape around window frames
- Cover windows with thermal curtains or even clear plastic film
- Stuff small gaps with foam pipe insulation
These fixes might not look glamorous, but they make a noticeable difference. Plus, most solutions cost under $20 and take less than an hour to install.
Focus on the Room You’re In
You don’t need your entire apartment at 72 degrees when you’re only hanging out in one room. Strategic heating saves serious money.
A small space heater lets you warm up your immediate area without heating your entire rented house. Keep bedroom and bathroom doors closed to trap heat in the spaces you’re actually using. When you’re studying at your desk, aim the space heater right at your feet.
Just remember: space heaters are safe when used correctly, but never leave them unattended or use them while sleeping. Always plug them directly into wall outlets, not extension cords.
Warm Yourself From the Inside Out
Sometimes the best way to be warmer is to feel warmer. Your body’s internal temperature matters just as much as the air around you. Keep a kettle or electric water heater handy for tea, hot chocolate, or instant soup—warm beverages and meals can actually raise your core temperature. And as a relaxing bonus, take a nice warm shower or bath before bed.
Let the Sun Do Some Work
Natural heat is free heat. During daylight hours, open your curtains or blinds on south-facing windows to let sunlight stream in. The sun will naturally warm your space. Once the sun sets, close everything back up to trap that heat inside. If you have dark-colored rugs or furniture near sunny windows, they’ll absorb and retain even more heat throughout the day.
If you’re currently looking for a house to rent in Athens, Ohio, make sure it has south-facing windows or outdoor spaces like decks or patios that get a lot of sun exposure. This simple feature can greatly reduce your heating bills during the winter months.
Find Cozy Houses for Rent in Athens, Ohio
Off-campus housing shouldn’t feel like camping in the Arctic. At Wharton Rentals, we understand that comfortable living spaces matter, especially during harsh winter months. Our houses for rent in Athens, Ohio, feature well-maintained heating systems and quality insulation so you can focus on your studies instead of your thermostat.
