If you’re renting in Australia, you already know: winter isn’t always kind. Thin walls, drafty windows, and restrictions on what you can actually change make staying warm a challenge — especially if your landlord isn’t exactly rushing to upgrade the insulation.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to own your place (or spend a fortune) to make it comfortable. With a few clever additions and renter-friendly tweaks, you can transform your cold, damp rental into a cosy haven — without waiting for your landlord to do a thing.
1. Stop the cold at the door
Keeping the warmth in starts with keeping the cold out.
- Add door snakes or rolled-up towels to stop cold air slipping under doors
- Use removable window insulation film or sealant strips to cover gaps around windows
- Hang thick curtains or thermal-backed panels — great for retaining warmth and adding visual warmth too
- Place rugs on tile or floorboards to prevent heat loss through the floor
These are simple, affordable changes that make a noticeable difference in temperature (and your energy bills).
2. Heat smarter — not harder
Not all heaters are renter-friendly. Some chew through power, others barely make a difference. The key? Choosing something that’s efficient, portable, and safe for small spaces.
🔥 The Ionmax Ray FIR Heater
The Ionmax Ray uses Far Infrared (FIR) technology to directly heat people and surfaces — not just the air around them. That means faster, deeper warmth that feels like natural sunlight on your skin.
Why it’s a win for renters:
- ✅ No installation — just plug it in
- ✅ Lightweight and portable — heat whichever room you’re using
- ✅ Whisper quiet — ideal for bedrooms and shared spaces
- ✅ Doesn’t dry out the air like traditional fan heaters
- ✅ Designed to be energy-efficient
👉 FIR heating: The healthiest way to heat your home
3. Create cosy zones
You don’t need to heat your entire home — just the spots that matter.
- Use a heated throw blanket while working or watching TV
- Close off unused rooms to trap warmth in your living space
- Switch to warm-toned lighting — lamps can create a more inviting and “warmer” feel
- Keep rugs or soft mats underfoot where you lounge, work or sleep
The idea is to keep warmth concentrated — so you’re not paying to heat what you’re not using.
4. Deal with the damp
Cold’s annoying — but cold and damp is a health hazard. And in Aussie winters, many rentals get humid and musty when windows stay shut.
Combat moisture with a dehumidifier:
- Prevents mould, mildew and musty smells
- Helps keep the air comfortable and allergy-friendly
- Makes heating more effective — dry air warms up faster
- Ideal for bathrooms, wardrobes or cold corners
- Ionmax desiccant dehumidifiers also release warmer air into your space!
You don’t need permission to feel comfortable
Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to freeze. A few smart upgrades — like sealing drafts, zoning your space, and choosing a better heater — can turn your place into a cosy retreat this winter.
No trades. No installations. No landlord approval required.
