How to live comfortably and warm in the winter months in an old shed
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I had a friend do that while building his house himself. He build a sleeping platform up high to give him more room. He insulated it with rolled batting and drywalled it in - including the ceiling. There was electricity to the shed so he used an enclosed oil heater ( the ones that look like old fashioned radiators) to heat it. He had a shelf with a small sink and electric burners. Shelving for his personal things. Oh, and an outhouse.
Sal had a lot of great ideas. I did this too when I was between jobs. Here is a lot of great "off the grid" kind of information.
This one is images you can click on and it will take you to the link.
https://www.google.com/search?q=living+in+a+shed+for+winter&rlz=1C1BLWB_enUS700US700&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiFy9Tm0dfXAhUN7GMKHVtyA7EQ_AUICigB&biw=1422&bih=629&dpr=1.13
This one is videos. Hope they help.
https://www.google.com/search?q=staying+warm+in+a+shed+for+winter&rlz=1C1BLWB_enUS700US700&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwig5Lnb0tfXAhUQ6WMKHYEoBGgQ_AUIDSgE&biw=1422&bih=629&dpr=1.13
Stack up wood and/or dirt around the shed, especially on the windward side. This works as a berm.
Cardboard makes great insulation. Also make your bed in a smaller box to help keep your body heat in. You can use the top as your kitchen counter.
INSULATION IS KEY - a wood burner (installed by a professional) would also help.
Go to appliance stores. They have giant cardboard boxes from refrigerators, washers, dryer’s, etc. Layers and layers and layers of cardboard would help.
Also- for cheap heat/ cooking: YouTube.
type keywords into search: SHTF can heater.
You can use a Campbell’s chunky soup can, or coffee can, rubbing alcohol and toilet paper.
Why isn’t there a +, or “like”??
so many of these suggestions are fantastic
A top-quality, highly rated sleeping bag would be a necessity.
Thank ball so much. I'm getting kinda cluttered in there
Hello Sammy,
Insulation, Insulation, Insulation everywhere! Double Glaze the windows with Polythene. Layers of Clothes, Warm footwear. Thick curtains and a good Sleeping bag or two. Good luck!
Hi Sammy. hope this helps you out,
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/24-tips-for-turning-a-shed-into-a-tiny-hideaway/
Add some insulation..... in olden times,,, they used sawdust, long wild grasses or hay in-between the outside wall and inside wall, and ceiling, If no inside wall add cardboard/tarps/plastic to hold your filling.... but remember this can mean more flammable so no live flame/heater inside. A candle lantern is used in the North inside tents for warmth in winter..... mine was foldable and had mica panels, and held a simple single white candle and hung from ceiling.
Raise your bedding off the floor, even a couple pallets would do.
If your shed has a window, use one of those Dollar Tree clear plastic insulation kits, or pieces of bubble wrap work too.
If you can round up some odd pieces of carpeting or area rugs for your floor that will help insulate the cold. If it has a dirt floor, put a tarp, plastic down first, then cardboard, then your carpet.
Add a plastic flange (2-3") thats bendable around the edge of the 3 sides of your door to prevent air leaks when cold.
If there is a space between floor and outside ground, I would block that area outside around the ground..... this can be mounded grass/hay/pallet wood, even snow.
If there is electricity to the interior, then purchase an electric blanket, or at least an electric throw. It will help keep you warm at night or when sitting, during times when the exterior temperature is colder.
New models have an 'automatic off' so that it shuts off after a certain length of time being on, or if it gets too hot. This will help prevent it from over-heating.