Cosy on a Budget: The Urban Nanna’s Tips for a Warmer Winter Home

As the cooler months creep in, many of us are reaching for the heater remote and bracing ourselves for those dreaded energy bills. But what if there was a way to keep warm without cranking up the heating or spending a fortune? Enter The Urban Nanna – educator, author, and all-round sustainable living guru, Anna Matilda.

With a background in teaching and horticulture, Anna knows how to keep things practical and manageable. She’s recently released her first book, Everyday Permaculture, and she’s full of clever tips to help everyday Aussies make their homes warmer, more efficient, and much more affordable to run.

Start With an Energy Check-Up

Before you go buying fancy heaters or insulation kits, Anna recommends a good old-fashioned look around.

"Doing a home energy audit can be a real eye-opener," she says. "Even if you think you're being careful, there’s often simple fixes you’ve missed."

You can grab a free checklist from her website to help you spot energy-wasting culprits. From switching to LED globes to sealing draughts around doors – these are the little “set and forget” changes that make a big difference over time.

Stop Heat Sneaking Out the Windows

Once you’ve tackled the quick wins, turn your attention to your windows – a big culprit for heat loss.

“If you're a homeowner, double-glazing is brilliant,” says Anna. “But renters don’t have to miss out – there are temporary window seals that can be removed when you move.”

Next, she swears by heavy curtains and something you might not have seen since your nan’s house – a pelmet. It’s that boxy bit above the curtains, and it’s surprisingly good at keeping warmth in.

“Even a bit of cardboard tucked behind the curtain rail can help stop warm air escaping,” she adds.

Give Older Homes a Bit of Love

If your place is a bit older, chances are it wasn’t built with energy efficiency in mind. But don’t worry – there are ways to improve things without tearing the whole house apart.

“First thing to do is check your ceiling insulation,” says Anna. “A lot of older homes are seriously lacking, and topping it up can save heaps of heat.”

If you’ve got timber floors, underfloor insulation is another option worth exploring. It can help keep that chill from seeping up into your living spaces.

Heat the Rooms You Actually Use

Instead of trying to warm the whole house, Anna suggests creating cosy zones – focusing your heating efforts where you actually spend time.

“Close off rooms you don’t use, and think about how to divide bigger spaces,” she advises. “Even a bookcase or a curtain can help section off areas so you're only heating what’s necessary.”

This trick not only keeps you warmer, but also helps keep your energy bills under control.

Let Your Furnishings Do Some Work

Not every improvement needs to be structural. Your furnishings can pull their weight too.

“Thicker rugs – especially wool ones – are great for stopping heat loss through the floor,” says Anna. “And don’t underestimate the power of wall hangings! People used them in medieval times to keep stone walls from radiating cold.”

Soft furnishings like blankets, cushions, and curtains can all help trap warmth and make your space feel cosier. And don’t forget your feet!

“A good pair of slippers makes a world of difference,” Anna adds. “If your feet are cold, your whole body feels it.”

Warm, Cosy, and Kind to the Planet

The best part about Anna’s advice? It’s not only budget-friendly, but planet-friendly too. By using less energy and thinking smarter about how we heat our homes, we’re also doing our bit for the environment.

So, before you turn the heater up to full blast this winter, take a tip or two from The Urban Nanna. A few simple changes could keep you toasty – and your energy bills far less terrifying.