Winter Warmth on a Budget: Tips for Beating the Chill with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Blog by Aribah Rizvi

As winter sets in, keeping warm becomes a top priority, especially for those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here are some budget-friendly tips to ensure you stay snug and comfortable this winter. 

1. Sunlight Utilisation 

Take advantage of every ray of winter sunlight. Open curtains during the day to let in natural warmth, and close them at night to retain the heat. It’s a simple, cost-free method to regulate indoor temperature. 

2. DIY Heat Packs

Create your own heat packs using materials readily available at home. Fill a sock with rice, microwave it for short intervals, and enjoy a budget-friendly, reusable heat source for targeted warmth. 

3. Pre-loved Layers 

Explore local charity shops or online platforms for second-hand winter clothing. You can find affordable yet warm layers like jumpers, scarves, and thermal socks. Embrace the charm of pre-loved garments to keep the cold at bay. Vinted and Depop are some of our favourites. 

4. Energy-Efficient portable heaters 

Invest in energy-efficient space heaters to warm specific areas. Look for heaters with a timer function to ensure you’re only using them when needed. This approach can save both energy and money on your heating bills. 

5. Draft Dodging: 

The UK winters can be draughty. Combat drafts by investing in affordable draught excluders for windows and doors. For a budget-friendly alternative, use rolled-up towels or old blankets to seal gaps and keep the warmth inside. 

6. Conserve Energy: 

Embrace energy-saving habits in your home. Lower the thermostat by a degree or two, switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplug electronics when not in use. These changes can add up to significant savings on your energy bills. 

7. DIY Insulation Hacks: 

Improve home insulation without a hefty price tag. Use affordable materials like bubble wrap on windows and draught excluders for doors. Rugs on floors can also help trap warmth. 

Questions People with RA Often Ask

“Cold weather makes my joints ache so much. What are some simple, low cost ways to stay warm without running up my heating bill?”

Small, inexpensive changes can make a big difference. Using sunlight during the day to naturally warm your home, then closing curtains at night to keep the heat in on hot days can help. DIY heat packs made from rice and an old sock give targeted warmth without the cost of heating whole rooms. Adding pre loved layers from charity shops and using rugs or blankets to insulate floors also helps keep the chill away without touching the thermostat.

“My house gets really draughty in winter. Is there anything cheap I can do to stop the cold air coming in?”

Yes, and most fixes don’t require buying anything fancy. You can purchase draught excluders, or make your ow, using rolled up towels or old blankets to block gaps under doors or around windows. Bubble wrap on windows is another surprisingly effective insulation hack. These small adjustments help trap warmth and reduce the cold spots that can make joints feel stiffer and more painful.

“I worry about using too much heating. Are portable heaters actually cost effective for someone trying to stay warm with RA?”

They can be, as long as you choose energy efficient models and use them strategically. The blog suggests heaters with timer functions, so you only warm the room you’re in and only for as long as you need. This targeted approach uses far less energy than heating the whole house and gives you a comfortable, warm space when your joints need it most.

This winter, conquer the chill with these budget-friendly and practical tips. Share your tips on keeping warm this winter with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram– we’d love to hear them!

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