Winter Season in Poland: Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home and Wardrobe

Winter in Poland can be unpredictable — preparation for winter in Poland should begin in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. One day might be slightly frosty, while the next resembles the Arctic. Many foreigners, especially those from warm countries, underestimate the importance of proper preparation for the cold season.

The heating season in Poland is a period when weather conditions necessitate continuous heat supply to warm premises. The temperature in your home is directly related to people’s health and can affect your income. Therefore, the question of “how to stay warm in winter in Poland” becomes particularly relevant when the temperature outside drops below zero.

Proper preparation of your wardrobe and housing will not only ensure comfort during the cold months but also help significantly reduce utility bills. In this article, we will explore practical ways to prepare for winter — from choosing layered clothing to insulating your apartment and efficiently using heating.

How to Prepare Your Wardrobe for Winter in Poland

Proper clothing is the foundation of comfort during Polish frosts. To avoid freezing in winter in Poland, it’s important to know a few simple rules for preparing your wardrobe.

Layering and Thermal Underwear

Layering is a key principle of a winter wardrobe in Poland. Start with thermal underwear, add a warm sweater, and finish with a winter jacket. This approach provides better protection from the cold and allows easy adaptation to changing conditions — for example, removing your jacket on the bus and putting it back on outside.

Special attention should be paid to the base layer — thermal underwear. Quality thermal underwear not only warms but also effectively wicks moisture away from the body. In Poland, you can find thermal underwear made from various materials, however, underwear with added wool is considered the most effective. It retains heat even at temperatures down to -30°C.

Choosing Outerwear: Length, Insulation, Air

When choosing outerwear for the Polish winter, pay attention to the length — the most practical is considered to be mid-calf length. Although oversized loose-fitting items are popular this season, visually making women’s figures appear more delicate.

As for models, down jackets remain the most relevant choice for the Polish winter. Artificial sheepskin coats and eco-fur are also at the peak of popularity. Pay attention to the windproof quality of the material — this is critically important for protection against cold wind.

Footwear for Snow and Ice

Waterproof footwear with non-slip soles is essential for the Polish winter. Polish sidewalks are often slippery, so sole quality is crucial. Special patterns and depth of relief provide good traction with the surface.

If you don’t have suitable footwear, you can purchase special anti-slip attachments or ice cleats. They guarantee safe movement even on inclined surfaces.

Accessories: Hat, Scarf, Gloves

A hat, gloves, and scarf are mandatory elements of a winter wardrobe in Poland. In Poland, you can find practical sets that include all three accessories. For example, sets with a chimney scarf are popular, which can be used as a classic scarf or as a face mask.

When choosing a hat, prefer models with added wool — they better retain heat. For children, hats with ties or helmet-hats are convenient, which not only warm the head but also protect the neck.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter Season

Home comfort begins with warmth — preparing your home for the cold will help not only maintain a comfortable temperature but also significantly save on heating. The Polish winter requires a comprehensive approach to housing preparation.

Checking Windows and Doors for Drafts

A significant portion of heat escapes through non-hermetic windows and doors, leading to increased heating costs. Therefore, before the onset of cold weather, it’s necessary to check the condition of window frames and doors.

To check the hermetic seal of windows, you can use several simple methods:

• Run a damp palm along the contours of the sashes — there will be a sharp temperature change in places where air leaks
• Place a sheet of paper between the sash and the frame. If after closing it can be easily pulled out — the window does not close hermetically
• Check the inner surface of the frame for dust lines — this is a sign of air penetration

If gaps are detected, use special sealants or silicone. It’s also worth adjusting the window hardware to “winter mode” — this ensures tighter closure of the sash and eliminates the possibility of air leaks.

Using Heavy Curtains and Carpets

Using heavy curtains is a simple but effective way to reduce heat loss. Studies show that heavy curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by 20% in homes with single glazing and by 10% in homes with double glazing.

Another study conducted at the University of Glasgow showed that thick curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by 17% and reduce heating costs by 15%.

When choosing curtains, prefer dense fabrics with a density of at least 200 g/sq.m. The ideal option is curtains with three layers of fabric. “Blackout” fabric not only blocks light but also retains heat well.

As for carpets, they also contribute to insulating the room, especially wool ones. Due to its hygroscopic properties, wool regulates the humidity level in the room, as well as makes floors warm and soft.

How to Save on Heating and Electricity in Winter

Conserving resources during the winter period will help significantly reduce utility costs. Let’s consider proven methods used in Poland to reduce expenses.

Complete Shutdown of Unused Devices

Many electrical appliances continue to consume energy even in standby mode. Completely turning off unused devices allows saving up to 300 kWh per year. Use power strips with a switch — one click will disconnect power to several devices simultaneously.

Using Energy-Saving Lamps

Replacing incandescent bulbs with modern energy-saving ones can reduce electricity consumption in an apartment by 2-3 times. An energy-saving lamp with a power of 11 W replaces a 60 W incandescent bulb. LED lamps last significantly longer than regular ones and require less power to provide the same brightness.

Reducing Room Temperature

Each additional degree of temperature will cost approximately 6% additional energy costs. The following temperatures are considered optimal: 24-25°C in the bathroom, 21°C in the living room, and 17-19°C in the bedroom.

When Heating is Turned On in Poland

The heating season usually begins in late September or early October, when the temperature drops below 10°C for several days. The decision to start the heating season is made by management companies.

Central Heating in Poland: How It Works

Central heating is responsible for the generation and distribution of heat throughout the premises. The system consists of a heat source, distribution system, and heat receivers. In apartment buildings, most premises are connected to a single heating system.

How to Maintain Warmth and Comfort in Daily Life

Comfort during the cold months depends not only on the preparation of your home but also on your daily habits.

Warm Food and Drinks

In winter, hot drinks become much more than just a pleasant addition — they effectively warm you from the inside. Mulled wine, creamy toddy, or ginger tea not only boost mood but also help maintain body temperature. Especially beneficial are drinks with ginger and citrus, which simultaneously strengthen immunity. Hot chocolate with marshmallows or sea buckthorn juice are also perfect for cold evenings.

Physical Activity and Movement

Regular physical exercise in winter stimulates the production of endorphins, which help combat seasonal blues. Additionally, they strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of cold-related illnesses. Even if it’s impossible to go outside, you can perform simple exercises at home: sitting and standing from a chair several times, walking up and down stairs, or practicing yoga. Physical activity also increases energy levels and helps fight fatigue.

Home Clothing: Socks, Robes, Thermal Tops

Home clothing should be comfortable and warm. For the winter period, home suits made of knitwear, velour, or cashmere are ideal. A universal option is a three-piece set including a T-shirt, pants, and a vest or cardigan. Terry cloth robes not only warm after bathing but also quickly absorb moisture. Complete the look with warm UGG-style slippers or sock slippers for maximum comfort.

Conclusion

Preparing for the winter season in Poland requires a comprehensive approach. A properly selected wardrobe with layered clothing, quality footwear, and necessary accessories will significantly increase your comfort during the cold months. Insulating your home, checking the heating system, and eliminating drafts will not only retain heat but also help significantly reduce utility bills.

Certainly, winter in Poland can be harsh, but advance preparation will allow you to meet it fully armed. By following simple energy-saving recommendations, you can reduce heating costs without compromising comfort. Warm drinks, regular physical activity, and comfortable home clothing will additionally improve your well-being during the cold period.

Remember, Polish winter is not a cause for concern, but merely a new experience requiring certain adaptation. By following all recommendations, you will be able to not only comfortably survive the cold months but also truly enjoy the winter season in Poland. Accordingly, the earlier you start preparing for winter, the calmer and warmer your life will be when the temperature outside drops below zero.