As the colder months set in, few things feel better than stepping into a warm, inviting home—especially if you’re preparing to move out.
While you may not want to make major heating upgrades just before leaving a rental, keeping the space reasonably comfortable is still important. It will make your final weeks more pleasant and prevent humidity-related issues that complicate exit cleaning.
With a few small steps, you can keep the chill at bay and enjoy a cosy winter home until the day you hand back the keys.
Maximise Natural Light
Making the most of daylight is one of the simplest ways to add natural warmth. Keep blinds and curtains open during the day so sunlight can reach the rooms. Even on dull days, the light provides a gentle boost without costing a penny.
South-facing windows usually bring in the most light, so give them particular attention. If you’re staying home during the day, keep the seating or a small workspace near these windows. This helps you stay warmer without upping the thermostat.
In the evening, close the blinds to trap warmth indoors. Heavy curtains offer strong insulation, but if you don’t have them, a temporary layer—such as blankets or thick towels—can help.
You can even add a second curtain rail with inexpensive tension rods for extra coverage. Small changes like these strengthen your thermal barrier and keep the room feeling pleasantly warm.
Insulate Doors and Windows
Draughts around windows and doors are a major cause of heat loss in winter. Usually, you can’t install double glazing in a rental. But there are inexpensive, temporary solutions that make a noticeable difference.
Use draught excluders along the bottom of external doors. A rolled-up towel works just as well, but purpose-made excluders are more reliable for everyday use.
Weatherstripping tape can also help seal small gaps around frames where cold air creeps in. It’s simple to remove later, and many types leave no residue.
If certain windows feel especially chilly, layer up. Hang a towel over the sill, add a thick curtain, and install window film.
Bubble wrap, although not the prettiest option, can also act as a temporary insulator. It clings to glass with just a mist of water and peels off easily when you move out. These quick fixes can bring the temperature up more than you’d expect.
Maintain the Heating System
A warm home starts with working radiators or heaters. To get the most out of them, start with a quick wipe-down. Dust buildup can reduce heat output, causing the system to work harder than necessary.
While cleaning, make sure nothing is blocking them. Sofas, storage boxes, or heavy curtains placed too close can trap heat behind the radiator instead of letting it circulate.
If your property uses radiators, bleeding them is an easy, worthwhile job. Air pockets can prevent hot water from circulating properly. Releasing trapped air with a radiator key helps the system run more efficiently.
After bleeding, check the radiator again once it warms up. The difference in heat distribution is often immediate.
You can also boost warmth by placing heat-reflective panels behind radiators on external walls. These inexpensive sheets push warmth back into the room instead of letting it leak through the wall.
They’re removable and rental-friendly—a helpful trick when you need extra comfort without long-term changes.
Add Rugs and Soft Furnishings
Bare floors, especially tile or wood, allow heat to escape quickly. Adding rugs is a fast and affordable way to boost warmth. Thick rugs make cold mornings more pleasant and prevent heat from dissipating through the flooring.
Layering soft furnishings, like blankets, throws, and cushions, creates a warmer feel and helps you stay comfortable without turning the heating up.
Choose materials such as fleece, wool, or sherpa for maximum insulation. Even adding a thick throw across the foot of your bed helps trap heat during the night.
If you’re renting a furnished property, drape a blanket over leather or faux-leather furniture. These materials tend to feel colder in winter, and a soft layer not only warms them but also protects the upholstery.
These textures give your home a seasonal lift and add a lived-in warmth that’s ideal for winter evenings.
Close Off Unused Rooms
If your rental has several rooms, try closing off those you’re not using often. Keeping heat concentrated in key spaces helps them warm up more quickly and reduces strain on the heating system.
You can also turn off radiators in unused rooms if your system allows it. This directs more heat into the areas you actually use.
In homes with draughty hallways, placing a curtain or hanging a temporary fabric divider can help contain warmth even further.
This strategy also helps you stay organised as you prepare for your move. Fewer open rooms mean fewer surfaces collecting dust, and less space to manage when tidying up for tenancy inspection cleaning.
Use Scented Candles and Safe Portable Heaters
Scented candles add warmth and atmosphere, especially in smaller rooms. Winter fragrances, like cinnamon, cedar, orange, and clove, tend to give a naturally cosy feeling. Just make sure the candles are placed safely on heat-proof surfaces and never left unattended.
Portable heaters are another helpful short-term solution. Oil-filled radiators are ideal for rentals because they stay warm for longer and use energy efficiently.
Fan heaters warm up quickly but cool down just as fast, so they’re better for brief bursts of heat. Whichever type you choose, check for features such as automatic shut-off and thermostatic control.
If you’re working from home, a small desk heater can keep your workspace warm without heating the entire property. These compact models are energy efficient and reduce the temptation to run central heating all day.
Keep the Residence Ventilated
Although it may seem counterproductive, proper ventilation is essential for staying warm. Moisture makes a room feel colder, and trapped humidity can damage walls, windows, and fabrics.
Open your windows for just a few minutes each day to let stale air escape. Cross-ventilating, by opening two opposite windows, refreshes the air more quickly and minimises heat loss.
To keep moisture levels low, hang wet clothes near an open window rather than drying them in a closed room. If you have an extractor fan in the kitchen or bathroom, use it regularly. Small dehumidifier tubs can also help, and they’re inexpensive to replace.
Good ventilation supports your insulation efforts and helps maintain the property in good condition as you approach your move-out date.
Conclusion
Even if you are about to depart, keeping your property warm over the winter is worth your effort. Not only does it guarantee your comfort, but it also shows your landlord that you have taken good care of the house.
Stop the cold draughts, throw in a few rugs, and let the sunshine warm your home. You can enjoy a balmy and pleasant environment with just a few easy changes.