Boots and Roots

As we continue our lesson on securing adequate shelter, this week we will discuss how to make our space smaller, and able to trap more heat.

Whether you live in an apartment, or a McMansion (which, I don’t actually know anyone who does—I’m just saying it applies!), you can make your space smaller and more energy-efficient, at least in the short term.

Remember building blanket forts as a kid, out of couch cushions, kitchen chairs, and anything else you were allowed to use?  Well, you get to do this again!  While the circumstances might be less than ideal, make the most of the situation, and have fun with this task!  Alternatively, you can set up a tent in your living room.  Drag all the blankets and comforters out.  Put them on the floor, cover up with them, use them for the blanket fort, and/or layer them on top of the tent.  Snuggle up and read together

Close all the doors in your house.  Roll up towels and put them at the bottom.  Open and close doors only as needed.

If you have light-blocking thermal curtains, close them.  If you don’t, consider hanging up a sheet folded in half, or a blanket in front of windows.  Use what you have.

Block off hallways with a mattress, towels, blankets—whatever you can.

Obviously if you have areas of your home you need to continue to access, like bathrooms, or if you have smaller children, a mattress blocking a hallway might not be practical.  Hang blankets or whatever else you have instead. But it is a way to trap heat into a smaller area.  Do it, if you want; don’t do it if you don’t.  All of these tips are pretty simple—pick and choose what works best for you and your family.

This week, your challenge is to assess your spaces. Where could you hunker down as a family? Living room? Dining room? How can you make your space smaller? How can you cover or seal windows and doorways? Be creative and think outside the box. Even if you’re not the creative type!

Here’s a handy little printable checklist for you to have in your hands as you walk around your house this week, considering your space.

Next week, we’ll talk about building fire for warmth, which will be a nice little segue into water collection and treatment.