A woman who has experienced a winter without heating has given her top tips for keeping warm in the colder months.
TikTok user Carolyn Anderson said she was sick of hearing more privileged people giving the vulnerable tips on how to survive winter with no heating. Increasing energy costs mean many people may have to choose between eating and keeping warm as the colder months draw in.
The social media user captioned the post: "I've been through no heating in winter, most people giving advice haven't and likely won't be this year either. Ask questions in the comments and I'll reply to all I can do as many folks as possible hear this. I'm also great with budgeting and being frugal advice."
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Introducing the video, she spoke into the camera as she said: "I'm sick of hearing people who've never gone without heating in winter telling people how they're going to cope with it this winter. So here, from a person who has actually done it, are eight things you need to consider."
She added: "If you have to go without heating this winter, that's really sad. Please take these things on board. If it's something you're just considering doing but actually you could cut costs elsewhere and be a bit savvier about how you use heating, that's perhaps a better option."
Here is the full list of Carolyn's things to consider - including how to tackle condensation and dealing with health issues that may arise from being cold.
Dealing with condensation
Carolyn said that you are likely to get condensation, particularly in the room that you sleep in, if you are keeping your heating off. She said: "You need to clean this off every morning, or every time you see it." She explained why as she added: "Not only can it make the room colder but it can cause damp which gives you other problems."
Problems with your skin
The TikTok user said: "Your skin being in a very cold and damp environment all the time has a different effect. So your skin can get sore and crack, so you need to find a good way to deal with that for your skin type."
Cold causing headaches
Carolyn said that when she is cold she suffers from headaches. She pointed at her forehead as she said: "Remember to keep this bit of your head warm. Use either a scarf or a hat."
Chest and throat health issues
The cold can cause more illnesses in the chest and throat. Carolyn said: "You need to keep your chest warm, and your throat, because you're going to be breathing in cold and damp air all the time.
"That's not good for your throat or your chest so just keep them warm. Try to eat cough sweets and stuff because they're a little bit warming. And hot drinks - lots of hot drinks."
How to get your clothes dried
Rather than using your tumble drier and wracking up a huge energy bill, Carolyn suggested getting a small heater instead. She said: "You're not going to have the option of putting clothes on a radiator. At least if you've got one room being heated you can have an airer in that room with your clothes on."
Damp towels after a shower
She said to keep in mind that towels will not dry between showers either. Carolyn said: "So when you come to have your next shower, your towel is going to be cold and damp. Find a way to dry that towel. It will make your life so much less miserable."
Storing foods
Carolyn warned that you need to take care when storing foods. Certain foods, that are supposed to be kept at room temperature, such as spreads, are at risk of "solidifying" in the cold.
Being aware when using mugs and other tableware
The frugal TikToker warned that mugs are more likely to break when cold. They can shatter when the cold meets the warm, so you should take extra care when making a cup of tea.
She also recommended a Thermos for hot drinks as it keeps your drink warmer for longer and won't shatter. It also helps to cut costs when boiling the kettle.
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