That cold breeze sneaking in under your front door can make your whole home feel chilly — and it’s especially annoying when you can’t get help until after the holidays. Good news: there are fast, inexpensive, and effective fixes you can do right now with things you probably already have at home.

---

1. Confirm Where the Draft Is Coming From

Before you start blocking air, double-check where the cold is entering:

• Place your hand near the bottom edge of the door on a cold day — you’ll feel the draft.

• You can also use a flashlight or candle: if the flame flickers toward the door, that’s airflow.

Knowing the size of the gap (small vs. large) helps you choose the best fix.

---

2. Roll Up a Towel, Blanket, or Mat

A classic and effective quick fix:

• Roll up a towel or small blanket.

• Push it snugly against the bottom of the door.

• This works especially well for larger gaps (around ½ inch or more) and helps block most of the airflow.

---

3. Make a DIY Draft Snake

Instead of a towel, you can make a draft stopper using things around the house:
What you need:

• Old clothes, dish towels, or scrap fabric

• Filling like rice, sand, or crumpled newspaper

• Twine or rubber bands

How to make it:

• Lay the fabric flat and fill it with your material.

• Tie or secure the ends.

• Place it along the bottom of the door — it’s reusable, heavy, and blocks air well.

---

4. Use Pool Noodles or Pipe Insulation

If you have pool noodles or foam pipe insulation:

• Cut them to the width of your door.

• Slice lengthwise and slide under the door.
  This blocks drafts while still letting the door open and close normally.

---

5. Apply Temporary Weatherstripping

You can buy inexpensive self-adhesive foam weatherstripping at most stores:

• Clean the bottom or sides of the door first.

• Peel and stick the weatherstrip where the draft is coming in.

This seals the gap until a permanent solution can be installed.

---

6. Block With Rugs or Heavy Curtains

Soft layers help insulate:

• Place a thick rug or mat right in front of the door.

• Hang a heavy curtain or blanket over the door (even temporarily) to trap warm air inside.

---

7. Use Tape as a Temporary Seal

Not beautiful, but it works:

• Painter’s tape or duct tape can patch small gaps around the door edges.

• Press it down smoothly so it stays put.

---

8. Cardboard, Foam, or Bubble Wrap Patch

For bigger temporary bulk:

• Cut cardboard or foam to size.

• Tape it in place under the door to bulk up your barrier.

This works for larger gaps where thin weatherstripping isn’t enough.

---

9. Create a Furniture Buffer

Place a piece of furniture near the draft source:

• A bench, chair, or even a narrow shelf can help block airflow.

• It won’t stop the draft completely, but it reduces the impact.

---

10. Use Heat and Fans Strategically

Not a direct seal — but helpful:

• Turn on your heater and direct airflow toward the draft area.

• A fan blowing warm air toward the door helps counteract cold air creeping in.

---

11. Patch Existing Weatherstripping

If your current weatherstripping is cracked or coming off:

• Press it back into place.

• Use a bit of tape or adhesive as a temporary patch.

---

12. Draft-Blocking Solutions That Still Let the Door Open

Some DIY options move with your door:

• Double-sided draft stoppers attach to the door bottom.

• Felt or fabric strips on both sides create a moving seal.

These are great if you still need regular access through the door.

---

13. Get Ready for the Handyman

While you’re fixing it today, make it easier for the professional later:
✔ Measure the size of the gap
✔ Take photos of the area
✔ Note what fixes you already tried
✔ List any noise or seasonal changes you notice

This saves time and helps your handyman plan the right long-term solution.

---

Quick Recap

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Towel or blanket draft stopper: instant and free

• DIY draft snake: reusable and effective

• Pool noodles/foam: easy and door-friendly

• Weatherstripping/tape: temporary seal

• Rugs or curtains: extra insulation

• Heat/fans: offset cold air