Guide to Preparing Fine Linen for Long Term Storage

model wearing jacaranda living white cotton nightgown on a bed
We are going to talk about preparing fine linen for long term storage and why it is important

Everybody who has a lot of stuff in their house and doesn’t like to throw anything away knows how life-saving storage units are in those situations. Storage is the perfect solution when you are moving, relocating your office, or simply making more space in your home. But to get the maximum use out of storage, you need to know how to prepare different types of items for it. You also have to know there is a difference between preparing things for long-term and short-term storage. Today we are going to simplify all of that a little bit. Specifically, we are going to talk about preparing fine linen for long term storage, especially items such as pillows, sleepwear, towels, and children’s dresses for long-term storage. Linen is a delicate material and should be properly stored.

The importance of preparing fine linen for long-term storage

jacaranda living nightgown with embroidery
It’s important that you separate linen from other materials when washing it in a machine

First, you may ask why it is important to know this.

Well, because linen is not an accessible material to store, you may damage your linen items if you are not careful. And according to experts at Best Long Distance Movers, it makes moving and packing things for storage much easier when they are prepped beforehand. So, knowing how to prepare linen for long-term storage properly is essential if you want to speed up that process. Same as cotton, linen is a natural fiber. But it’s more absorbent, and it dries faster. Also, linen items such as bedding can be costly, so preserving them while they are stored is necessary.

The first step- Pick the right storage

A cardboard box for packing. Packing carefully is important when preparing fine linen for long term storage
Use big boxes for packing to give your line items enough space

Before anything else, you must make an intelligent choice when it comes to choosing the appropriate type of storage. Because you want to store your items long-term, you should search for good temperature-controlled storage. Over time many things can cause damage to your belongings, such as sunlight, pest, and mildew. Temperature-controlled storage is designed for items, like pillows, beddings, etc., that require a certain temperature level so they don’t decay. Linen also needs to be sheltered from sunlight, so storage without windows is necessary. These types of storage are a bit more expensive but definitely worth it in the long run.

Step two – Cleaning

Cleaning and washing your fine linen items before storing them is a must. The good thing about linen is that you can both hand wash it and wash it in a washing machine. Both options will do fine. If you decide to hand wash it, follow these steps. First, fill a plastic wash basin with lukewarm water. Then add detergent, but not the one that’s too strong. Find some milder types of detergent; soak the linen item in the water for about 15 minutes. Then when washing, be gentle, so you don’t stretch the material. After that, rinse it a couple of times until you are sure the detergent is completely gone from the item. Hang to dry. The second option is the washing machine. There are a couple more rules to follow when washing linen like that. First, you must separate linen from other materials when washing it, especially if those linen items have anything embroidered on them, because other more rough materials can cause damage to it when mixed. Then you will also have to separate white and colored linens, so they don’t mix colors in the washing machine. When setting the dryer, avoid high temperatures because they can cause shrinkage to your linen items. Also, avoid strong detergents and find some detergent that is specifically for delicate fabrics. Don’t use fabric softeners, as they can cause your things to go yellow after a while. And a quick tip, if you decide to dry linen items in a dryer, don’t set it on too high a temperature.

Step three – Packaging fine linen

Organization is key when it comes to packing anything. First, prepare all the supplies you are going to need for this. Make a list of all the linen items you have to pack so you don’t miss anything. Boxes, paper, and markers are some of the items you are going to need. One thing to you have to avoid when packing linen items is plastic. Plastic is an easy target for mold, humidity, and pests, and your items will likely end up damaged. The best thing you can use is acid-free packing paper. Acid-free paper is beneficial for storing more delicate items for a long time. It prevents them from getting damaged and going yellow. And this paper can last more than 100 years.

When packing linen items, make sure they are loose and not too tightly folded. A fabric like fine linen needs some breathing space. Get a really big box for linen items so you can place them comfortably inside. Add a slit to the box to allow air to circulate through it. To keep your things smelling nice, add a sachet bag with a smell of your choice. Finally, if the whole packing process proves too challenging and overwhelming for you, you can always find experts to help you with preparing fine linen for long term storage. There are many moving and storage companies that can be useful when it comes to this.

In conclusion

This was a quick guide to preparing fine linen for long term storage. If you follow these steps, your linen items should be fine in storage. But don’t forget you can choose just any type of storage. All this prepping of linen items will go to waste if you don’t find appropriate storage. As we said, temperature-controlled storage is a bit more expensive than regular storage but extremely worth it. No amount of washing and careful packaging can save your fine linen items from a storage unit that is full of sunlight, humidity, mold, and all kinds of pests. Picking the right storage is half of the job. And finally, don’t hesitate to get some professional help. It’s better to get professionals to do it for you than risk damaging your fine linen items.

Why Cotton Sleepwear Helps You Get A Restful Sleep

white cotton nightgown
Cotton sleepwear will help you achieve a better night’s sleep, which is key to your health and wellness. According to research, you get a better night’s sleep on cotton sheets and in cotton sleepwear than in fabric that is made from synthetic fibers. This is because cotton naturally allows your skin to breathe and doesn’t trap heat under the covers. Everyone deserves and needs 8 hours of sleep a night, so why not make every night’s sleep as restful as you can get it in the fabric that has stood up to the test of time:
Cotton
Lightweight, comfortable cotton pajamas will make you look and feel lovely. Pair them with some high thread count cotton sheets, and you will never want to leave your bed. Remember that it isn’t just your skin telling you that you should be sleeping in cotton, but there are science-backed reasons that sing the praises of this fabric.

Little Girl's Cotton Dress
Whether your daughter prefers a more simple style or an elegant dress with ruffles or lace, be sure that she will be comfortable all day long in these extra soft cotton dresses.

The Proven Benefits Of Cotton

    • Healthy Skin: A study by the Sleeping Council found that cotton allows your skin to breathe and doesn’t trap sweat. It is also less likely to scratch and irritate the skin.

 

    • Clean Fabrics: Cotton does not trap oils and odors like other fabrics, so you can feel fresh and clean while sleeping in your favorite pajamas. And when you do wash them, they are easy to care for.

 

    • Trusted Durability: The material of cotton is strong, as the fibers bind together well. This is especially true for fabrics with higher thread count, so always opt for quality.

 

  • No Cling: You won’t have to worry about waking up surrounded by static cling. You can slip out of bed as easily as you slipped into it.

Ladies Cotton Nightgown
The Amy nightie is beautiful, soft to the touch and perfect for women of all ages.

 
Quality is key when choosing cotton pajamas
When you slip on your white cotton nightgown or white nightshirt at night, you know that it is time for a restful evening and luxurious rest. By choosing sleepwear made from high quality cotton, you can truly enjoy all the above cotton benefits. It is also important to consider the fit of your pajamas, as you want them to hang loosely without falling off. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the best cotton sleepwear for your needs.
Cotton Nightshirt
The Ally white cotton nightshirt is the perfect option for sleeping or lounging around the house.

There is a reason that white cotton nighties were a favorite for Victorian pajamas and are still used today. Resting in your white cotton nightgown will help you feel fresh and rejuvenated, transforming your nightly ritual into something more beautiful. Once you buy a pair of cotton pajamas for yourself, you might just find yourself buying them for everyone else.
Enjoy the perks of our cotton, and shop now for you, a friend, grandmother or mom. They will enjoy them for years and years to come.
Have a great week!
xoxo,
The Jacaranda Living Team

Dressing Vintage – Choose Your Own Personal Style

From frilly silk blouses to retro 70’s chic, vintage dressing can give you a chance to dress up or down with a style all your own. There is a trick though, to making it look like high fashion and dressing with intent rather than just wearing old clothes that don’t sync with today’s trends. Make sure you know how to combine true vintage, with modern clothing to give yourself a look that is uniquely you!

How Does Costume Differ from Vintage Dressing?

It’s all in how far you go. If you’re going for a 50s look, give your outfit a 50s flair. Don’t do shoes, bag, blouse, skirt AND hair. Choose one or two pieces that hit the chosen decade, and mix them up with something from today. As Glamour recommends, keep the other pieces simple, for example a simple black blouse, and slacks paired with a funky 50s coat and bag give a boost of vintage without looking like you’re playing dress up.

Updating a Vintage Look

From changing buttons, to adding a modern belt or layering, making just a tiny change can take a vintage look from drab to, you guessed it, fab! If you find an amazing dress but the length isn’t right, or it features shoulder pads that make you look like a well-known linebacker, take them to a local tailor for an update. Shorter hems, necklines with a modern edge, or even a shorter sleeve can give new life to a retro look. But it does result in an inexpensive item from the thrift store suddenly costing significantly more, so make sure it’s something you’ll want to wear more than once.

Pretty short set perfect for that vintage look
Comfortable enough for vacation wear

Used Clothing Aren’t the Only Way To “Go Vintage”

Some people have an issue with shopping through second hand clothing stores, or dealing with the mothball smell of clothing from grandmother’s attic. But you can still go vintage with sweet details like embroidery, lace, and quality pure fabrics like cotton and linen. Pair a pretty short sleeved pajama top (like the one featured in this picture from Jacaranda Living) with a mini jeans skirt, or a favorite pair of jeans and a belt and you’ll have a touch of delicate vintage. As Diana Jone of becomegorgeous.com points out, many modern clothes feature lace, ribbons, bows, and ruffles that will give you an air of vintage and add a fun feminine look to your wardrobe.

pretty lace pajama top can double as blouse
Lace-trimmed Summer Comfort

Vintage for Every Day

Some people feel vintage is something you need to save for a special occasion. A wedding, an afternoon tea, or a holiday seems like the perfect opportunity to highlight a special look. But sneaking a bit of vintage into everyday can be a great way to stand out, while also fitting in. Consider a lacy pajama top under a sweater or jacket for the office. Pack a sweet scarf-belted lace trimmed nightgown for summer days. Even this cute lace trimmed short set with a simple necklace and flats are perfect for traveling in warmer climates.

 

Vintage-style lace neckline

Vintage dressing is all about featuring one or two pieces that work with other items in your wardrobe. Whether it’s a one-time thing, or something you build into your own personal style, vintage dressing has a few guidelines:

  • Quality
  • Fit
  • Appropriate to the wearer

Give consideration to the setting, dress code, and your own comfort level. Vintage dressing can be fun while providing you with a unique way to stand out from the crowd.

Sources

http://www.glamour.com/gallery/dos-and-donts-of-wearing-vintage#4

http://www.becomegorgeous.com/fashion-style/new_trends/fashion_tips_how_to_dress_vintage-597.html

http://apairandasparediy.com/2013/05/how-to-wear-vintage/