Jacaranda Living, Author at Jacaranda Living

How to Make Your Guest Room Feel Like Home

When you have guests staying over, you always want to make them feel welcome in your home. You want to make sure they feel as relaxed as possible as they would be in their own home. But sometimes, that doesn’t go according to plan. Have you ever stayed in someone’s guest room and just didn’t feel comfortable at all? The bed was uncomfortable, and there were no things like towels and soft pillows. You probably have and know that it is a really unusual feeling staying in a guest room that people didn’t put much thought into when preparing it. So, if you don’t want your house guest to have that experience, you better take action and make your guest room feel like home. And we will help you in that quest. We will give you some tips on how to make your guest room feel warm and inviting so your guests have a great time when staying over.

Make your guest room feel like home with these helpful tips

If you keep in touch after a long distance relocation, it is natural to want to invite loved ones over. But before that, you need to prepare your guest room, so your guests have a good time. So we will share a list of some quick tips to help you:

Clean
Have a comfortable bed
Nice bedding
Prepare the bathroom
Organize the closet
Add a personal touch (a few pillows, books, and wall art)
Don’t forget the nightstands

Clean the guest bedroom

For a room to be comfortable and pleasant, it first needs to be clean. It wouldn’t leave a good first impression if your guests walked into a dirty, messy bedroom. So make sure the room is properly cleaned, dusted, and vacuumed. Also, throw out the trash and unnecessary items. You want to make the room feel and look more spacious, and it is hard to do that with unnecessary junk lying around. A room that’s clean and decluttered is much easier to be decorated and prepared for guests.

A good bed

a girl in a white cotton jacaranda living nightgown — Keep your bedroom clean so you can sit in it and feel relaxed. Our **April Nightgown** is a favorite with its butterfly sleeves and lace detail.

Your first investment should be a comfortable bed. Nothing will show your guest more that they are not in their own house, like having a really rough and uncomfortable bed in their bedroom. It’s natural to want to save up a little money when buying a bed for the guest room but think ahead. How important is it to you that your guests feel nice and welcome? If it’s important then you really should invest in a quality, comfortable bed so your guests can have a good night’s sleep. And if your budget is a little tight, you can still find a good second-hand bed that will do the job just fine.

Nice bedding

a girl in a white cotton nightgown on comfortable bedding — Wear a soft comfortable cotton nightgown to bed for added comfort.

After getting a good quality bed, the next step is buying comfortable soft bedding. Nothing says a warm welcome like a big comfortable bed with a lot of fluffy pillows. The best thing to do when buying bedding for your guest room is to do it the same way you would for your own bedroom. Put the same thought and care into it as if you are buying it for yourself. You want your guests to feel as comfortable as they would in their own beds. Your guests will immediately notice and feel your effort to make them feel good and relaxed. Put your focus on the texture of the bedding. Pick soft linens and big soft cushions. Also, put some thought into the aesthetic of the whole thing. It’s always better to pick brighter colors. It makes the room look more lively and inviting.

The bathroom is important as well

festive holiday bathroom for christmas — Spruce up your guest or master bath with beautiful Christmas linens.

If your guest room has its own bathroom, you will need to put some effort into making it look good as well. First, as with everything else, you must clean thoroughly. The bathroom is where your guest will take care of their personal hygiene, and a few things are as off-putting as a moldy, dirty bathroom. Make sure there are enough towels available for your house guests. Both big towels and hand towels. You also need to provide all the necessary toiletries. You never know what your guests will bring with them, so it’s best to always have the basics in your guest bathroom. Those include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoos, lotions, razors, etc. But it would be best if you didn’t stop there. To make it extra welcoming, add some more items. Things like makeup remover wipes, SPF, a hairbrush, and a blow dryer can make a guest feel really welcome and taken care of.

Organize the closet

If your guests are going to be staying a while, you will need to provide them with enough space for their belongings. If you have a closet in your guest room, make sure it is nicely organized and provides enough hangers. If, however, you don’t have a closet in your guest room, you will need to get a little creative. Thankfully you can get things like clothes racks at a very affordable price.

Add a personal touch

While a comfortable bed and nice bedding are essential, you need to add some personal touches to make your guest room more than a hotel room. Add some decorations to make the room feel warmer and more inviting. Put up some nice wall art and a few decorative pillows. A nice soft rug would also leave a nice impression. Having some books or magazines in the room is a nice personal touch. Also, you can always add different things depending on which guests will be visiting you. For example, if your guests have kids, why not add a nice baby door hanger? Small things like that really make your guest room feel like home.

Don’t skip the nightstand

a girl looking out the window in a jacaranda living nightgown — Add decorative tissue box covers in the room to keep your guests happy and the room pretty.

When preparing a guest room, you shouldn’t forget about nightstands. This is another great opportunity to show your guests you thought about their comfort. Nightstands shouldn’t just be aesthetically pleasing but also practical. Some nightstand essentials are:

A lamp (so you could comfortably read in bed)
A lovely candle
A phone charger (those are always necessary!)
A tissue box (you never know when you will get a runny nose)
An alarm clock ( even though you have an alarm on your phone, this is a nice touch)

In conclusion

These were just some tips on how to make your guest room feel like home. And as you can see, they are quite normal. Nothing too extravagant. You should always start by asking yourself, “What would I want to have in a guest room I am staying at?” and go from there. At the end of the day, the most important thing is for your guests to see that you put some time and effort into it.

How to Prepare Your Bedroom for Colder Weather

cozy winter bathrobe from jacaranda living — We will give you some tips on how to prepare your bedroom for colder weather

Winter is almost here, and colder weather, rain, snow, and longer nights come winter. Out with delicate linens and silk and In with warm wool sweaters and puffer jackets. This is the perfect season to spend in bed, under a cozy blanket, and with a cup of tea. It’s also the season when our immunity drops due to cold weather, and we usually end up with the flu. So it is essential to be prepared. In this article, we are going to focus on how to prepare your bedroom for colder weather. It would help if you did some things to go through the long winter ahead of us. It is essential that you feel comfortable and cozy in your bedroom and be able to get a good night’s sleep. Today we will give you some guidelines on how to achieve that.

Make Room

The first thing you need to do to prepare your bedroom for colder weather is to make space in your bedroom for all the winter things. You usually need more space for those than for summer things. That’s because winter things are thicker, bulkier, and take up more space. Big warm sweaters, jackets, and coats need much more space than summer dresses, shirts, and skirts. It is not uncommon that people don’t have enough space for all of their things in their closets. In this case, the solution is renting winter storage. But when choosing a storage unit, it is important to know what to look for. In your case, you need storage where you can keep clothes, bedding, and holiday linens for a few months. The best thing you can do is invest in climate-controlled storage. This way, you will know that your items will be stored safely and protected from damage.

relax in white cotton jacaranda living nightgown — After decluttering, the next step is cleaning your bedroom and room where you love to relax.

How to Prepare Your Bedroom for Colder Weather- Clean it Thoroughly

The next step is cleaning your bedroom. The area where you will spend so much time must be clean. And not just surface cleaning. Spend one entire day deep cleaning every area of the bedroom. Carpets, curtains, duvets, furniture, everything has to be cleaned, washed, and vacuumed. Also, don’t skip cleaning the windows and mirrors if you have them. Make a list of all the cleaning supplies you need (soap, disinfectants, wipes, duster, etc.). If you find it difficult, ask a friend to help you clean. As soon as you are done cleaning, you will feel the difference in the bedroom.

New Décor

white cotton bathrobe and christmas towels — Prepare your home for the holidays so you can relax luxuriously in a Jacaranda Living white cotton bathrobe! Tis the season to be cozy!

Preparing your bedroom for the new holiday season is not just tricky, tiring jobs like decluttering and cleaning. There is some fun to be had as well. This is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your bedroom and redecorate it. Even though winter is a dark and grey season, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add some color to your bedroom. You can change your curtains to light sunny color, so those rainy days are not that depressing.

Another thing you can do is add some nice pillows, knit blankets, and rugs to make the room look cozier and inviting. And if you have the time and feel like putting in that much effort, you can even paint the walls. That will give the room a new and fresh feel. You can add some scented candles and a potted plant or two as a nice final touch.

festive linens to spruce up your home — Decorate your home with festive linens to keep you cheerful throughout the decluttering process.

Check Your Mattress

Before replacing the summer bedding, you need to check your mattress. If you have had the same mattress for many years now, there is a good chance this is the time to get a new one. There are a few signs your mattress needs replacing. For example, when you wake up in the morning, you don’t feel rested and fresh or have pains in your spine. Another sign is if there are visible dents and the mattress is sagging. Check if your mattress has a bad smell that you can’t seem to wash out. Another obvious sign is if your mattress makes a loud noise whenever you lie down. All of this means it is time for some early winter shopping. Go and pick a good comfortable mattress to keep you rested during the cold winter nights. If your old mattress is very heavy and you have trouble moving it, you should hire professional help. According to experts at Spyder Moving, many people hire them for their heavy item moving services precisely because they need help with their mattresses.

New Bedding

girl on new clean bedding sheets — New bedding, pillows, and a long sleeve nightgown goes a long way during the winter season!

After you buy a new mattress, it is time to replace the summer bedding with the winter one. As the temperature drops, you will need heavier, warmer blankets to keep warm. So don’t put off doing that unless you want to shiver through the night. The only way you will get a good night’s sleep is if you are warm and comfortable. And you must sleep well during the winter so you have energy and boost your immunity. This task might be a little difficult, considering how heavy the mattress can be. You should call a family member or a friend to help you with this.

Nightstand

The last thing to do is prepare your nightstand for wintertime. As the seasons change the things you need to keep on your nightstand change as well. First, here are some basic things:

Face cream/ moisturizer
Lip balm(our lips often get chapped in the winter, so this is a must)
A nice-smelling candle
Ear plugs(for those stormy nights when thunder is making it hard to sleep)
Tissue box(winter is the season of runny noses, and you don’t want to have to get up out of bed every time you sneeze)
A glass of water
A good book

In Conclusion

These were some basic guidelines on how to prepare your bedroom for colder weather. Winter is all about being comfortable, warm, and cozy. And as you can see, there is a way to achieve that smoothly. It is just important that you are prepared and plan ahead. Make a list of all the things you need to do (decluttering, cleaning, mattress shopping, etc.) and start checking it off one by one. If you start now, you will be able to get everything done before winter really arrives. Hopefully, our guidelines and tips were helpful to you!

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Bedroom Storage Ideas for a Small Space

Having a small bedroom and dealing with a lack of storage can be infuriating. If you struggle to find adequate places to put your possessions, you most certainly aren’t alone. However, with little creativity and resourcefulness, you can make a few minor adjustments and enjoy your bedroom despite it being a small space. There are plenty of things to do that can reduce the stress a cluttered room gives you, and here are some exciting bedroom storage ideas for a small space that can hopefully help.

Better organizing of your small space

jacaranda living embroidered pineapple tissue box cover — Place an embroidered tissue box cover next to your bed

First of all, it is very clear that good organizing can help you when you are living in a small apartment and lack space. For starters, whenever you have the time, you should clean your room. A spotless room can seem more extensive, and you will have more space for other things if you put everything in its place. It will be helpful if your clothes are not on the floor or the bed, and if you put some small unnecessary stuff on the shelves or in drawers. A clean and uncluttered room is the key to success in this case. Add an embroidered Tissue Box Cover in your bedroom for added style and luxury. This specifically applies to rooms with less natural light. Mirrors are also proven to make a room appear larger. We suggest you place them in front of the window, so they collect light.

Try to find space in unusual places

decorative embroidered pillows on a chair — Place decorative pillows on a sofa or couch for added style in unexpected places

You can utilize every corner of your bedroom. So don’t look away from narrow spaces or awkward corners because they can be useful too! Of course, you cannot fit a large piece of furniture there, but a few small shelves can fit perfectly. You can find a small desk, a pretty shelf, maybe decorative pillows, and a lazy bag. It depends on your needs and style. However, if you cannot utilize those small places in your room, you could put out some decorations, such as a lamp or an attractive plant. Some decorative boxes are also not a bad idea for storing important things; you can also use them as shelves. Buy them in different colors and various patterns so your bedroom looks livelier.

Choose the right furniture

Realistically, you are looking for a small, simple type of furniture for a cramped living space. You are trying to make your room as comfortable as possible, so don’t buy large pieces because it can ruin the harmony you are trying to establish. According to the relocation specialists from Zippy Shell NV, big pieces of furniture can also create difficulties when moving. In addition, combining small and large furniture into a small space is not just unhelpful, but it doesn’t look that good either. Therefore, buy some small pieces that fit well into the given space. Also, furniture with multiple functions is strongly recommended. If you place your shelves on the wall close to your bed, you can put much more on them than just books; maybe the jewelry you use most often. You can also use the hanging shelves for anything you need at night: medicine, your phone, or a glass of water.

Storage around your bed

Bed with drawers for extra storage. — Drawers under your bed can save a lot of space

You should utilize the free space under your bed when looking for bedroom storage ideas for a small space. You could put drawers or baskets there. If they match the color of the bed, that’s even better. It will look amazing, and you will have extra additional space. Another thing you could do is to put just one large drawer for one extra mattress, so it will be perfect for a sleepover when you have guests. A small night table on the side of your bed can also help you with smaller items like medicine, tissue box, or jewelry, so you don’t spend much time trying to find them. Use the space above your bed as room for more floating shelves on which you can put books or photos in frames. And finally, add a small bed trunk at the foot of your bed as an extra seat in your bedroom.

Built-in storage

A built-in closet is one of the best bedroom storage ideas for a small space — Built-in storage is a good solution for saving space

Endless piles of clothes are tricky to handle, so when you try not to make your small space too crowded, built-in closets are the choice for you. You can fill them with as many clothes as you want. However, you must also be careful with space in your built-in closet. If you outgrow your closet, you can consider renting a storage unit for even more space, plus it will help you maintain a stylish home and keep the clutter away. Ask yourself if you need specific clothes at the current time of the year. If you consider that you don’t, you should pack them in airtight bags and make room for something else. You can do the same thing with shelves. If you like to read but live in a small place and don’t know where to put all your books, built-in shelves are a good option. Built-in storage is not just practical; it is also aesthetically pleasing, so it will make your room look even better.

Use the door and walls

With some creative ideas, you can even use the door and the walls as storage. For example, if you have a lot of jewelry, hang them on the wall using hooks, and when it comes to the back of the door, hang coats, jackets, and even bags. Don’t forget a door hanger for your room so that nobody can disturb you.

Final comment

Now that you have discovered some new bedroom storage ideas for a small space, you can get creative and come up with additional ideas on your own or use some of the tips given here! The most crucial part is that you should enjoy setting up your room and making more space for your possessions. Look at this bedroom renovation as a new, fun thing to do and not some responsibility you have to do. Get your friends or family and have fun picking colors, furniture, and decorations. In the end, this is an excellent excuse to go shopping!

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Love,

the Jacaranda Living team

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.

8 Tips for Organizing Your Linen Closet

All parts of the home can be beautiful, including the linen closet. With a bit of time and effort, you can turn it from an ordinary part of the house into an aesthetically pleasing one without losing its practicality. So check out these eight tips for organizing your linen closet to get you started.

1. The first tip is to take some time to declutter

Closets can get disorganized over time, so before you start reorganizing, take out everything you have stored here and go through it. Sometimes, less is more. Make an inventory of all the things you own. Sell, donate or recycle what you don’t need to make room for really useful things you will need in the future. Some things can even be upcycled, like using old towels and turning them into clothes for cleaning. This is an excellent chance to do a deep clean of the closet. Doing this at least once a year ensures that your linen closet always stays tidy.

2. Move on to decorating

Combine functionality and beauty by redecorating your linen closet. This is excellent if you just moved into your new apartment or house because you have a blank canvas to work with. But if you are just looking to move, with advice from cleancutmoving.com, you can pack efficiently and make unpacking much less of a chore. Paint the back wall or use wallpaper to add color to the closet. Buy cute door hangers to incorporate into the room. Put some lovely wall shelves or even some built-in pieces of furniture to store your things.

When storing items such as towels, use a combination of folding and rolling to make it look better organized. Style it and keep similar colors together. Use good lighting in the closet to make finding things more accessible. You can even buy an air freshener or potpourri to make it smell nicer.

towels displayed nicely in bathroom — Fold and roll towels to make them look nicer in your bathroom

3. Categorize your linens

The first step to organizing your linen closet is to separate things into different categories by their use. For instance, pillowcases, sheets, blankets, etc. Furthermore, separate them by their size and then by color. Try to keep all your bed sheet sets and towel sets together. When putting items in drawers, such as towels, you can leave them vertically, so they look nice when opened. This way, things will also be much easier to see and reach.

Make a plan of which items will go where before you start putting things back in the closet. Keep seasonal items in the front and switch them out when necessary. Store bulkier items on the bottom and smaller ones on the top. Your most used items should be at your eye level and easily reachable.

4. Label all of your linens

When you are reorganizing, label everything as you go. This is the key to organizing any closet, not just a linen one. When everything has its place, the closet will look much nicer. With labeling, it will be easier to pack and move later. If you ever find yourself needing to make an emergency move, you can have it done quickly and with no stress. You won’t have to take down storage containers that aren’t see-through just to find something.

Nowadays, there are so many different types of labels that you can even make them match the room. Chalkboard labels are the best because you can easily change the writing on them. You won’t have to go through piles of things to find something or try to remember which size of sheets are stored where. To make things easier, label what size the sheets are and what is all included in the sets.

5. Use different storage solutions

There are so many different ways to sort your linens. Other than storing them in boxes, you can use drawers or shelves. Baskets are also a fantastic storage solution for closets. They double as décor and are easy to access. Hanging baskets on the wall is a neat solution that looks beautiful and uses vertical space. Recently, it has become more and more popular to use decorative ladders as storage solutions for towels. Alternatively, you can invest in a rolling cart for some smaller items you frequently use or decorative pillows if you have them. For linens that take up too much space, store them in vacuum bags and then in larger bins or shelves.

A pink and white bed sheet set on a bed — Another tip is to separate the items in your linen closet by function

6. Maximize vertical space

Make sure to use the vertical space that’s available to the max. Pick out shelves that will go with the aesthetic of the room and the closet. They can be built into the closet or placed individually. You can use hangers on the door or a shoe organizer for some extra storage. If your space is limited, you can invest in some shelf dividers to make it look even better. Consider buying a ladder to access the things on higher shelves safely.

7. Organize your toiletries and cleaning products

Throw out any items that may be expired and sort the remaining ones into categories. You can use a basket with a handle for your cleaning supplies so that they can be quickly taken out of the closet and carried around the house when needed. A well-organized closet removes the risk of forgetting some items and having them go bad. It will be much easier to reach any necessary refills for your home. You can use tissue box covers to make them match the linen closet.

8. Make a designated place for laundry

Image of embroidered linens as decor — Use your linens as decor.

If you have the room, you can have an ironing board built in. Now, you will have a designated space just for ironing. That can easily be tucked away and not collect much dust. Make room near it for iron as well. Buy some laundry baskets to go with the style of the room. You can have multiple to save time and not spend it separating your laundry later. If the space allows, you can build the laundry basket into the closet shelves so it can be hidden.

Final thoughts

As you can see, organizing your linen closet can be a productive and entertaining activity. It will make your space not only more efficient but also more accessible. So let your imagination run wild and have fun making your linen closed a more beautiful space.

How Your Sleepwear Can Affect Your Sleep

100% white cotton pajamas are the best to sleep in. Comfort, luxury and easy to wash and care for. These **cotton pajamas** are must-haves for every season.

In this time and age, when the life pace is reaching the speed of light, sleep is your most important recovery tool. Like most people, you’re probably looking for a formula for perfect sleep. Let us reveal one of the crucial ingredients. It might come as a surprise, but your sleepwear can affect your sleep in more ways than one. This makes sleepwear an integral part of your nighttime routine. Stay tuned if you want to know how to use this fact to your advantage.

Why is it so important?

There are many ways your PJs affect the sleeping and going-to-sleep process:

It puts you in a sleeping mood. Putting on comfy cotton pajamas signals your body that it’s time to relax and sleep.
Comfort allows relaxation. Sleepwear is designed to allow you a wide range of motions. Therefore, nothing will wake you up when you start moving in your sleep.
It helps body temperature regulation. It’s light, yet it can warm you enough to satisfy all physiological sleep processes.

An example of how sleepwear can affect your sleep. — Putting on sleepwear activates the cascade of signaling processes that help your brain figure it’s time to sleep.

Proper sleepwear improves hygiene

Without a doubt, you should wear night attire if you want a stress-free way to maintain your wellbeing. With your favorite nightgown on, you won’t have to worry about getting in touch with any dead skin, sweat, or other unnecessary waste that could build up over the night. Furthermore, it would be best if you slept with clothes on than to doze off fully naked. Less interaction with bacteria and other infectious agents while you are sleeping, decreases the possibility of getting infected with anything.

Tight sleepwear is a no-no

white cotton starfish nightgown — Wear comfortable, loose nightgowns to sleep and wake up feeling refreshed as a jacaranda blossom! Our **Starfish Nightgown** is a must for these hot summer nights.

A healthy circulatory system and breathable skin are two significant benefits of wearing loose clothes. Skin discomfort and poor circulation may be the result of wearing constricting clothing like elastic waistband pants or other tight-fitting items of clothing. When your circadian clock is out of sync, this may significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Studies suggest that wearing restrictive clothes at night inhibits the generation of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. According to the experience of experts at familyaffairmoving.com, this is particularly important to keep in mind in a stressful moving period. You might want to reconsider going to bed in your day clothes, no matter how tired you are.

The choice of fabric is crucial

Irritation, bacterial growth, overheating, and general discomfort may all be caused by fabrics that aren’t breathable. Although loose-fitting and comfy pajamas are vital for ventilation, choosing the material is essential. Pajamas made from cotton, fleece, silk, or linen are excellent options. For bonus brownie points, ensure that your pillowcases and coverlets are also made in suiting materials. Also, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and your body temperature.

Cotton is your best bet

Since it’s a natural fiber that’s light, soft, and breathable, cotton is the finest material for bedding. It’s also the best choice of material for your sleepwear. On the other hand, it enables your skin to breathe, so it’s less prone to create rashes or other skin irritations. Also, there are many elegant cotton sleepwear options you can choose from. Silk and bamboo cloth are wonderful alternatives to cotton if you don’t like them.

Wearing slippers or socks is recommendable

embroidered elephant slippers — Comfortable waffle weave slippers with an embroidery are nice on your feet. They will keep your feet clean and warm at home.

Keep your feet clean and warm in comfortable waffle weave slippers. Or choose to keep your feet warm all night in comfortable socks. There are several advantages to sleeping with your socks on. According to research, warm feet help you relax and sleep quicker by lowering your blood pressure and preparing your body for sleep. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, socks may assist in absorbing the moisture and avoiding cracks and dryness on your skin.

Wearing a bra – not so much

Although many women believe that wearing a bra to bed can keep their breasts firmer, this is not the case. It might worsen your health by restricting blood flow and placing undue stress on your chest, making breathing more difficult. Overly-deep underwire bras may cause indentations, discomfort, and even cysts on the skin and deeper tissue.

Wearing bras to bed increases the chance of a fungal infection, mainly if you reside in a humid area. Finally, wearing a bra during sleep may promote pain and drowsiness, so skipping the bra is a no-brainer regarding sleep quality.

What about your birthday suit?

A lot of people nowadays choose to sleep nude. And that’s okay too. When sleeping naked, you are less likely to get overheated. It also aids in preventing the accumulation of sweat and moisture in garments. However, doing so can harm your genital area since it’s sensitive and not as protected. Sleeping without clothes is fine, but it is strongly suggested that you wear some underwear.

Proper storage of your sleepwear is important too

If you’re one of the people who always rush in the morning, you may also be one who throws away their PJs in a rush. This is not a very good practice. Leaving your pajamas to make clutter also means leaving them to collect dust and all the microbes on the floor. To prevent that, you should keep the space organized at all times. Storage and moving professionals say that identifying your bad habits is a good start in solving this problem.

Morning coffee wearing a comfortable and stylish white cotton nightgown — Keep your bedroom clean before you sleep so you wake up with no stress.

Use the fact that sleepwear can affect your sleep to your advantage

If you have trouble sleeping, there might be various reasons for it. And one of the solutions is to adapt your sleepwear to your needs. Yes, sleepwear can affect your sleep. As we said, it can improve your circulatory system, body temperature regulation, hygiene, and many other things. So, use that to your advantage and finally have some good night’s rest.

5 Benefits of Sleeping in Cotton Sleepwear and on Cotton Sheets

Women sitting in comfortable cotton sleepwear

After a long day of work, we all want to retreat to our soft beds and have a restful night. Sleeping is important for leading a happy and healthy life (and for having a ‘normal’ tomorrow). After all, that is why we spend a third of our lives doing it. Some people need 5 hours of sleep, and some need 10. Some people fall asleep as soon as they touch the bed, and some toss and turn the whole night. All of these depend on many factors – stress, tomorrow’s problems, health, etc. But, what plays a pivotal role in how we sleep are our sheets. In today’s world, you have all sorts of sheets – they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. But today, we will focus on cotton sheets and cotton sleepwear! That is, we will share with you 5 benefits of sleeping in cotton sleepwear and on cotton sheets.

mother and son playing in bed. — Sleeping on cotton sheets is a great option for all family members.

1. Cotton Sheets Breathe!

You probably know that cotton is a natural material. And as such, it helps our bodies breathe throughout the night. Moreover, the fact that cotton is breathable enables us to sleep comfortably even when our body temperatures change (and they do that quite often). For instance, some nights, when we can’t sleep, we tend to sweat a lot. You must read this article to learn more: The Benefits of Sleeping in Cotton. When that happens, cotton sheets absorb all the heat and sweat our bodies produce and make us feel a lot more comfortable.

Benefits of sleeping in cotton sleepwear — The cool, cotton nighties and bathrobes make a world of difference during summer. These styles are durable to last for years.

Moreover, speaking of temperatures, our bodies are not the only ones that change. As seasons change, so does the weather. Summers become scorching hot, and winters become icy cold. Cotton sheets and cotton sleepwear, again, can be helpful in both situations! When it’s hot, they will keep us dry and cool, and when it’s cold, they will keep us warm because they are naturally temperature-insulating. And the same thing applies to all cotton bed items—pillow cases, duvets, coverlets, etc. So, if you are not sure what to choose for your bedroom, you can’t go wrong with everything-cotton.

a white cotton-everything bedroom — Keep your bedroom full of cotton sheets, cotton pillows, and wear cotton pajamas to bed.

2. They Are Low-Maintenance

There is a common misconception that cotton sheets require a lot of work. But, that can be further from the truth. One of the biggest benefits of sleeping on cotton sheets is that taking care of them requires little to no energy, time, and money. Once you have slept on them (preferably for a week, nothing longer than that!), you should just put them in a washing machine, add your regular detergent, and set the program to 40′. Then, take them out while they are still damp and let them air dry. By doing that, there will be no need for you to iron them. And, even if you dry them in the drying machine, they will iron on their own as soon as you lay on them.

white cotton pajamas are perfect for keeping cool — Keep cool in comfortable white cotton pajamas this summer

In addition, cotton sheets are also great for folding, stacking, and even packing. Whether you need to put them in your closet or in moving boxes, you can! But, when moving supplies, don’t use them to wrap other things. You need to protect your linen! Don’t worry—you won’t have to do anything fancy. When packing linen, all you have to do is put it in a waterproof bag and then a sturdy moving box. As simple as that.

3. And, They Are Skin-Friendly

Two people's feet intertwined in bed. — Nothing is as skin-friendly as cotton sheets are.

Speaking of the benefits of sleeping in cotton sleepwear and on cotton sheets, nothing beats the fact that cotton is the best thing for your skin. That is, they are skin-friendly! When you spend hours on them (or in them), you will wake up without any irritations—no matter how sensitive your skin is. And this is something that can be said about materials such as polyester or fleece.

Moreover, cotton sheets are not prone to mold, bed bugs, dust mites, and other harmful particles. So, besides providing you with a good night’s sleep, cotton sheets will also keep you free of allergies, irritations, itchiness, etc. However, just because cotton sheets are not prone to developing and keeping the previously mentioned harmful particles doesn’t mean that you should not replace them regularly. Everything in your bedroom should be replaced when needed—that is the only way to sleep (and live) peacefully.

4. Sleeping on Cotton Sheets Means No More Allergies

A sick woman lying in bed. — The reason why you wake up sick might be your sheets. Make sure you have one of our embroidered Tissue Box Covers for your Kleenex Box nearby!

As mentioned before, sleeping in sheets that are made of artificial materials can cause many health problems. And one of those problems is allergies. You will notice allergies if you wake up swollen, with red eyes, runny nose, sore throat, etc. Moreover, you will notice allergies if your skin (especially on your back, hands, and face) is covered in rash or pimples. This can never happen with cotton sheets—they are allergy resistant! Cotton is soft and breathable, and thus, it is your best friend when it comes to fighting allergies.

So, no matter where you go, bring your cotton sheets, pillow cases, and covers with you. We mean that. If you are traveling, pack these things in your suitcase. And, if you are moving, have the guys from Michael Brooks Moving pack these things into your essentials bag as you will need them the first night. Thank us later.

5. Cotton is Durable

Mother and daughter in cotton sleepwear on cotton sheets — Mother and daughter wearing durable cotton sleepwear on cotton sheets

We all want to shop ’till we drop. When we are young, we tend to shop for clothes, make-up, etc. And, when we grow up, we turn to household stuff. It is true, in the beginning, buying linen, pillows, and similar items might be fun and interesting as we use them to make our bedrooms cozier and, simply, new. But, over time, that gets boring and, of course, too expensive! This is when you start praying that your sheets last longer.

With cotton sheets and cotton sleepwear, you don’t have to pray for that. There is nothing more durable than them. Even if you live with children and pets, be sure that your cotton sheets and cotton sleepwear will serve you for years. And, they will not lose their shape and color either as long as you don’t boil them (wash at temperatures higher than 60′) and mix them with other fabrics.

As you have seen, sleeping on cotton sheets and in cotton sleepwear comes with many benefits. They are good for our health, our surroundings, and our wallet. So, just as mentioned before, if you don’t know what material to go for when it comes to your bed set, cotton will always be a safe choice. You will certainly find it in the style and design you prefer.

Factors to Consider When Buying Onesies For Your Baby

Baby clothes have a pleasant effect on everyone, especially those about to become parents. So, if you’re expecting or are close to someone who’s is, you’ll want to know all the mom hacks that make lives easier. For instance, if you are moving homes and about to have a baby, it would be wise to do your research in advance. Do your research on colic, breastfeeding positions, comfortable clothes, valuable gadgets, etc. Because, even though a new baby fulfills you, the first couple of months can be a whirlwind of trying to feed and soothe them, get some sleep, or shower. With that said, it’s essential to learn about things that will make your life easier, such as knowing which factors to consider when buying onesies, for example.

Luckily, there are many valuable tips and tricks you can learn either online or from friends and family. This article will share what you should pay attention to when buying the most common clothing piece babies wear – onesies.

What Factors to Consider When Buying Onesies

jacaranda living baby onesie — Adorable baby Johnnie wearing our Jacaranda Living white cotton onesie with the embroidered puppy. Order the matching Puppy booties and hat!

Growing a family usually implies looking for a bigger house and preparing for the arrival of your little one. However, all of these things can be exhausting and cause stress. Usually, things don’t always go as planned, and you might fall behind on some tasks. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected situations in advance. Don’t panic if you’ve already had a baby and still need to move.

You can still live in your bigger dream home and have a safe process while moving with your newborn. The vital things are not to overreact and learn the best ways to be functional and adaptable. The same goes for choosing baby clothes and gadgets. There are always some ways you can learn to make everyday things easier for you and your family.

As your newborn will probably wear onesies more than other clothes, here are some things you should consider when choosing the right ones for them.

babies wearing cotton onesie and footie with embroidered elephants — Matching Pink & Blue Elephant Onesie & Footie for your baby girl and baby boy. Order these two little outfits from Jacaranda Living today!

Safety

First and foremost, safety is the factor of utmost importance when buying baby clothes. Thus, stop and think even though you might see something you find extremely cute and can envision your baby wearing it.

Onesies that include some of the following features aren’t considered safe for newborns:

- - - hooks,
    - ribbons,
    - flowers,
    - buttons.

A baby yawning in their seat — Safety is one of the primary factors to consider when buying onesies.

Additionally, be sure to avoid clothes that have waistbands and drawstrings. You will see that keeping your baby’s clothes simple goes a long way.

Size and style

Buying something you find aesthetically pleasing for your baby and finding out it doesn’t fit can cause disappointment. Additionally, having a newborn and needing to exchange clothes can be a daunting task. Especially if you are moving to a new home with the help of professional moving companies such as ccmover.com, you will want to make sure you’re fully dedicated to the relocation process so both you and your baby can enjoy your new home as soon as possible.

Then, once you’ve successfully moved, you can dedicate your time to adjusting to your new home and designing a calming room for your children. Thus, another crucial factor to consider when buying onesies for your baby is making sure they fit. Fitting in baby terms means allowing them to move freely and comfortably.

A woman kissing her baby that's wearing a nice brown onesie. — When buying onesies for your baby, you need to make sure they fit right.

Generally, most manufacturers have established dimensions to help you choose the right size onesie for your child. They are usually sold in these size ranges:

- - - preemie (uncommon to find in stores)
    - 0-3 months
    - 3-6 months
    - 6-9 months
    - 9-12 months
    - 12-18 months
    - 18-24 months.

The majority of moms recommend onesies with zippers and ones with snaps. However, pay attention to whether your baby reacts to metal snaps, as some might cause allergies.

Finally, if the onesie you chose has an annoying tag that might cause discomfort, make sure you cut it off before putting it on your baby.

Material

embroidered baby hat with monogram — Baby onesie need to be soft and comfortable on your baby’s skin.

Most newborns have sensitive skin. This is why most parents prefer to stick with cotton and be on the safe side. Luckily, some alternatives are safe for sensitive skin and are environmentally friendly. The most common examples are sustainable cotton and soy-based fabrics. This also goes for baby blankets, as they are often in direct touch with your baby’s skin.

Typically, natural materials shouldn’t harm the sensitive skin of a baby. However, if it happens for some reason, consult your pediatrician.

Seasonality

Another factor to consider is the climate in your location. What type of clothing might work in one part of the country might not be proper for another one. Therefore, make sure you purchase your baby’s onesies reasonably and adequately for the season you’re in.

A mother hugging her baby on the beach. — Your baby’s clothes should be season adequate.

With that said, it’s good to keep in mind that one shouldn’t go overboard with baby clothes. Babies grow (and outgrow clothes) and seasons last for 2 or 3 months. Additionally, it’s also environmentally friendly to try and get a few pieces at a time.

Cost

Finally, the cost is another major factor we shouldn’t neglect. The best-case scenario would be to limit yourself to a couple of onesies per size and have a couple of sets for special events.

So, when choosing adorable clothes made of natural materials for your child, you should limit yourself to a specific number. However, if you’re unable to resist, you can always find something in the promotions section and ensure you get quality clothing for a smaller price.

Final Thoughts on Buying Onesies

These were the five most important factors to consider when buying onesies for your baby. It is up to you to choose rightfully and give your baby the best onesies they deserve. Those are the ones that are made of natural materials and that fit right. Finally, buying baby clothes should be enjoyable and fun. So, make sure you follow the tips from our article when choosing onesies, and make your baby clothes shopping smart and fun!