Feng Shui tips on How to Edit Your Linen Closet
Many of the linen closets I come across on my journey are busting at the hinges with heirlooms, stained and tattered pillows, sheets, quilts and afghans seldom used and often forgotten. Many are items that have long since seen their day in the sun and would better serve the rag bin.
The first thing to do in order to prepare yourself to edit your linen closet is to give yourself permission. Ask yourself if it is truly serving you to keep these items and if so what purpose do they hold? Be honest with your answer. Keeping anything out of a sense of obligation and guilt doesn’t count. If you truly wish to keep an heirloom that is well preserved or holds endearing memories then by all means keep them. But do so by storing then in a way that honours the integrity of the fabric and workmanship. There is something magical in reflecting on a patched work quilt made by ones Granny.
Be kind to yourself. This process doesn’t have to feel like a burden. It will be done in no time at all!
Let’s get started
1. Empty the linen closet of all items placing sheets, comforters, duvet covers, towels and pillows on a large flat surface such as the bed.
2. Inspect each item for stains, holes and pilling. Put these items aside in a bag or bin.
3. Send the above items to the rag bin or use for drop cloths when painting and store where you keep your paint supplies.
4. Throw away all pillows that are over 2 years old.
5. Wash down shelving with lemon water or your favourite cleaning solutions.
Let’s get organized
1. Fold each item nicely;
- Fold sheet’s the size of an 8 x 11 piece of paper, wrap fitted and top sheet with pillow cases.
- Fold duvets, comforters, quilts and afghans if possible down to the size of a standard pillow (use airtight garment bags if you wish to keep Granny’s quilt preserved).
- Fold towels in half and then 3 fold them.
2. Colour code all items.
Top Shelf
3. Place larger bulky items such as pillows, duvets, comforters, quilts and afghans on the top shelf.
Second Shelf
4. Place seasonal linens and seldom used items here.
Third Shelf
5. Place regularly used items here such as sheets and towels.
6. If you need a place to keep your extra toiletries perhaps this is the place to store them as well.
7. If there’s room at the bottom of the closet to put the dirty laundry basket then do so as it’s best to keep the dirty laundry out of the bedroom. There will be more on laundry baskets on a later post. So stay tuned.
A linen closet doesn’t have to be a chaotic mess. It can be beautiful.
Scent
There’s nothing like snuggling down after a long day to linens that are soft to the touch and smell like heaven. Ah, the smell of fresh linens hung out to dry.
Create your own heavenly scent
What you’ll need is;
1. Mixing bowl
2. 1 4 oz Mason Jar
3. 5″ square of clean fabric from an old sheet or Muslim
4. 4 oz of Epson Salt
5. 5 drops of the following Essential Oils;
> Lavender
> Neroli
> Chamomile
What you’ll do;
1. In the mixing bowl place the 4 oz of Epson Salts.
2. Mix 5 drops each of the 3 essential oils thoroughly throughout.
3. Pour into 4 oz Mason Jar.
4. Place 5″ square of chosen fabric on the open top.
5. Twist the Mason Jar lid ring over the top leaving the fabric exposed to allow the scent to escape.
6. Place on middle shelf of linen closet to infuse the space.
