I’m sure, like me, many home workers will face the proposition of freelancing in winter. Ok, so what’s so bad about that? Just stick the heating on and you’re off. Not so! It’s not always economical to put the heating on all day, simply to heat one room, with one occupier. It’s not very eco-friendly either, but using less heating means you can to cut down on your own carbon emissions . So, we’re looking at tips we’ve picked up over years of freelancing experience in order to help you keep cosy and warm over the winter whilst keeping margins healthy.

1. Buy an electric heater

It might not work having the whole house’s heating on, but it doesn’t stop you buying a little portable, plug-in heater. These heaters generally work best in a smaller room, perhaps under your desk, to allow the heat to rise around you and your body. Typical running costs are reasonably low, but if you were to purchase 2 or 3 and run them at once could stack up. A 2KW heater, running at $0.15 per hour would work out at around $1.2 per day. Not too expensive and they very well at keeping a small, localized area, toasty and warm.

2. Get Some Warm Slippers and Socks

Speaking from experience my feet and hands get the coldest. I don’t know if it’s bad circulation or what, but after 15 minutes, they start to chill. The worse thing is that getting cold feet so to speak actually effects my performance. The cold spreads around your body and becomes quite distracting. So, purchase yourself some good slippers and socks. Hey, if you work alone who cares what you wear? By far my favorite socks are from the Heat Holders line. These are extremely thick socks, with a heavy, fur-like lining. Think of them as slippers and socks rolled into one. These are the big guns in terms of keeping warm, I have them on now and can feel my feet slowly coming back to normal heat. Heat Holders cost less than $10 a pair.

3. Batten down the hatches

Keep your windows and doors closed where possible. This will trap heat inside, reducing the need to put on the heating. You may even chose to improve the sealing on your current windows, cutting down on chilling drafts that creep across your keyboard and cool your hands down. This can be done with a bit of window-caulk or draft excluders. You should also do the same to doors. Where possible try work in a smaller area (find yourself a winter office) as these are faster and cheaper to heat up than a larger space. Closing doors will help stop air from circulating, which often results in warm air been carried away and replaced with colder air.4. Move aroundIt doesn’t hurt to get up and move around for a bit. Sitting at a PC will likely mean very little movement (other than your fingers on the keyboard and to occasionally reboot it when it breaks). However, getting up and moving about (going for a walk, going to make a coffee, doing star jumps) will help get the blood moving around your body and generate heat from within. This is a great technique that’s very effective, even if you look quite silly. Plus, it costs nothing (well, apart from the food we require to tick-over).

4. Get a rug!

Adding an additional layer between you and a freezing, hard wood floor will insulate your feet and help keep the warmth in. Rugs are great value for money and can offer a lot more than simply looking nice. Though that helps a lot. For bonus points, get a sheep skin rug, because these are super warm and look very cool.

5. Drink

Keep yourself warm by drinking hot drinks.

6. Work at Starbucks

And speaking of drinking, if all else fails, get on over to Starbucks, who’ll offer a warm working environment for the cost of one, gorgeous coffee.