When you work from home, you control the thermostat—and that can be a problem. Cranking the heat all day is expensive, and sitting still at a desk makes you feel colder than you would moving around an office. This guide walks you through layering, small adjustments to your workspace, and simple habits that keep you comfortable without wasting energy. You’ll need a few items you likely already own: warm socks, a blanket, a hot drink, and maybe a small space heater if your home runs cold.
What You’ll Need
- Warm socks or slippers (thick wool or fleece work best)
- A cozy blanket or throw for your lap and shoulders
- A hot water bottle or microwaveable heat pack (optional)
- A thermos or insulated mug for hot drinks
- A small space heater (optional, for very cold rooms)
- A rug or mat for under your feet if you have hard floors
Step-by-Step
- Dress in layers, starting with a base layer. Put on a long-sleeved thermal or a thin wool sweater before adding a heavier shirt or hoodie. Layers trap warm air close to your body. Avoid cotton as a base layer—it holds moisture and makes you feel colder when you sweat.
- Wear warm socks and slippers. Your feet lose heat quickly, especially on tile or hardwood. Put on thick wool socks and insulated slippers. If your feet still feel cold, try a second pair of thin socks underneath.
- Cover your extremities. A beanie or warm headband keeps heat from escaping through your head. Fingerless gloves or mittens let you type while keeping your hands warm. If you don’t have gloves, keep a small hand warmer in your pocket or hold a warm mug.
- Position your desk away from drafts. Move your chair so you’re not sitting directly in front of a window, door, or vent. If you can’t move, use a draft stopper under the door and close curtains to block cold air from the glass.
- Add a rug under your feet. If you have hard floors, place a thick rug or a piece of carpet under your desk. This insulates you from the cold floor and keeps your feet warmer.
- Use a blanket on your lap. Drape a throw blanket over your legs and tuck it around your waist. This traps body heat and keeps your core warm without making your hands too hot to type.
- Drink hot beverages regularly. Sip tea, coffee, or hot water with lemon throughout the day. The warmth raises your core temperature temporarily and gives you a reason to take a break. Keep the drink in an insulated mug so it stays hot longer.
- Take short movement breaks. Every hour, stand up, stretch, or walk around for a few minutes. Moving gets your blood flowing and warms you up naturally. Even a few squats or arm circles help.
- Use a space heater safely (if needed). Place a small space heater under your desk, but keep it at least a few feet away from anything flammable. Set it to a low or medium setting and turn it off when you leave the room. Never leave it running unattended.
- Adjust your thermostat strategically. Instead of heating the whole house, set the thermostat a few degrees lower and rely on layers and local heat. If you have a programmable thermostat, schedule it to warm up just before you start work and cool down when you’re done.
Common Mistakes
- Dressing in one heavy layer. A bulky sweater can make you feel warm at first, but it doesn’t trap heat as well as multiple thin layers. If you get too warm, you can’t easily remove one layer without freezing.
- Sitting still for hours. Staying motionless makes your body produce less heat. Even small movements like tapping your feet or shifting in your chair help.
- Ignoring cold floors. Bare feet or thin socks on tile or wood can make your whole body feel cold, even if the air temperature is fine.
- Blocking vents with furniture. If you place your desk over a heating vent, you’ll block the warm air from circulating. Keep vents clear.
- Using a space heater as your only heat source. A small heater can’t warm a large room. It’s best for heating the immediate area around your desk, not the whole room.
Tips
- Keep a pair of gloves by your keyboard. When your hands get cold, slip them on for a few minutes. Fingerless gloves are great for typing.
- Use a heating pad on your chair. A low-heat pad on your seat or back can keep you comfortable for hours. Look for one with an auto-off feature.
- Eat warm meals. A bowl of soup or oatmeal at lunch warms you from the inside. Avoid cold salads and sandwiches on very cold days.
- Close the door to unused rooms. This keeps the heat in the rooms you’re actually using.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air feels colder than moist air. A humidifier can make your room feel warmer without raising the thermostat.
Troubleshooting
- My hands are still cold with gloves. Try fingerless gloves or mittens that you can slip off quickly. Also check that your sleeves aren’t too tight—tight cuffs restrict blood flow. If your hands are always cold, consider a small desk heater that blows warm air directly onto your hands.
- My feet are freezing despite socks. Add an extra pair of socks or use a foot warmer. If your floor is cold, a rug or a piece of foam mat under your desk helps. You can also place a hot water bottle at your feet (wrapped in a towel) for a few minutes.
- The room is still cold after all this. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Seal them with weather stripping or a rolled-up towel. If you have a space heater, make sure it’s the right size for the room—too small and it won’t help.
- I get too warm and start sweating. That’s a sign you’ve over-layered. Remove one layer at a time. Sweating can make you colder later, so it’s better to be slightly cool than to sweat.
- My space heater trips the circuit breaker. Unplug other devices on the same circuit. If it keeps happening, the heater may be faulty—stop using it and try a different one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it cheaper to wear layers than to turn up the heat?
A: Generally, yes. Heating your whole home is expensive, while layering costs nothing. You can set the thermostat a few degrees lower and still be comfortable.
Q: What’s the best material for warm socks?
A: Wool is excellent because it insulates even when damp. Merino wool is soft and not itchy. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold.
Q: Can I use a portable heater under my desk?
A: Yes, but choose one with a tip-over shutoff and keep it away from fabric and paper. Never leave it on when you leave the room.
Q: How often should I take movement breaks?
A: Aim for a short break every hour. Stand up, stretch, or walk for a few minutes. This helps with both warmth and focus.
Q: Does drinking hot water help more than coffee?
A: Any hot liquid warms you temporarily. Coffee and tea have caffeine, which can make you feel warmer but also may cause dehydration. Herbal tea or plain hot water is a good choice.
Q: What if my home office is in a basement that’s always cold?
A: Basements are naturally cooler. Use a space heater, a thick rug, and consider adding a small fan to circulate warm air from upstairs. You may also want to wear a warm hat—it makes a big difference.