If you’re a fan of essential oil scents and have built up a good stash over time, you’ll likely have discovered that mise en place for your collection can become a bit of a bottleneck. But fear not! The trick is, with purposeful strategies, your collection can be well displayed and at the same time, easy to access. If you’re a veteran of HBNO essential oils or, well, are, in the beginning stages of such, these recommendations will make the most of your space and improve your daily fragrance experience.
1. Categorize by Fragrance Notes
When you begin organizing your essential oil fragrance collection for the first time, categorizing them by their primary scent notes is the first step. Not only is this great to find the right fragrance, but it also makes it easy to select oils that will blend beautifully together.
- Top Notes: Because citrus oils like lime and orange are bright and uplifting, they’re perfect for those quick bursts of freshness.
- Middle Notes: Balanced aromas are floral and herbal such as chamomile and sage essential oils.
- Base Notes: Warm fragrances, like patchouli and myrrh, are great for those richer deeper experiences.
But categorizing your notes helps you come up with scent combinations more intuitively, and find the perfect mix for every occasion. In addition to its fun and tantalizing properties, it also offers a touch of intrigue to your fragrance experience, because it stirs your brain into ascertaining the personality of each essential oil.
2. Quick Identification Label
Labeling your bottles may be basic, but it’s a game changer when it comes to fragrance management. Know that the band name isn’t going to be on your bottles, it’s going to be on the bottle labels, and make sure they’re clear and legible and they have the name of the essential oil with the scent family. Choose to go with the pre-made labels or get crazy and create your custom stickers to match your aesthetic. This way you will know exactly what peppermint oil or sandalwood you grab when you reach for your HBNO.
Try to add some extra information to your labels such as the date of purchase or blending notes. This helps you keep track of how long you’ve had each oil and only use them before they start to lose their potency. The enjoyment comes from knowing which oils pair well together, and then inspiring you to experiment with new combinations and create your signature scent for your home.
3. Choose the best Storage Solution to highlight your collection
Not only should your storage keep your essential oils safe but it should also make them visible through your collection. Here are a few storage solutions:
- Wooden Display Racks: They are perfect to show your essential oils if you have a counter or shelf that needs adding. Easy access plus an attractive display of your collection.
- Drawer Organizers: If you like that your collection is out of sight, try having drawer organizers with dividers to keep oils in a neat and organized manner.
- Rotating Carousels: Both are practical and fun. You can spin it so quickly and pull any part of your collection without having to open a single folder.
You can be assured that your essential oils will stay in one place in each of these storage solutions and that location will always be easily visible and accessible. What’s more, a great collection lends an aesthetic twist that your fragrance corner ought to be appealing, and a place that intrigues you to grab a few products from time to time.
4. Keep Proper Lighting and Temperature
HBNO’s essential oil fragrances must be managed properly to maintain the quality of the fragrances. The oils are also not designed to withstand direct sunlight and excessive heat because they can modify the oils’ scent and functionality. Keep your collection in a cool, dark place. If you’re using open shelves, avoid the windows and cover them with curtains if you don’t want sunlight.
But your oils can also be affected by temperature fluctuations so always try to keep them in a cool and somehow equally warm place. More delicate, such as the oil in citrus-based fragrances has a tendency to oxidize quickly when exposed to too much heat or light.
5. Create a Seasonal Rotation
If you are into having a seasonal rotation of the same fragrance or the lights of your residence, it is a lifesaver for those who love to pair their fragrances with time of year. In hot months, store your summer favorites like citronella and lemon essential oils at the front of your collection, and pull forward the warm, comforting scents of cedarwood and clove for fall and winter. This rotation system makes your collection more personal and you never miss out on the season.
Not only do you stay away from “fragrance fatigue” when you create a seasonal rotation, but you also introduce yourself to new scents. By constantly changing your collection around, you keep your olfactory fun happening and keep your space feeling new all year round.
6. Keep a Fragrance Journal
A small essential oil journal will help you further develop your organizing strategy, documenting impressions and experiences with each oil. Make a few notes about how each scent makes you feel, how long it lasts, and which combinations you like best. Tracking your usage can help you to know how much liquid you are using and can actually help with stimulating new scent pairing ideas.
A journal can also be a great way to document the recall of special scents with significant meaning. Let’s say you’ll always associate sweet orange essential oil from HBNO with sunny summer mornings, and patchouli with balmy autumn nights. Your journal will slowly grow as a guide to your preferred fragrance.
7. Prioritize Your Favorites
It’s safe to say that there are at least a few go-to fragrances that you simply fall back onto more than others. Separate these from the rest of your collection for quick, easy access. Designate a top of your stash area where you have your most-loved HBNO essential oils (I’m talking eucalyptus or sweet orange) so you grab them, instead of out of your entire stash.
It keeps your favorite fragrance routine efficient and enjoyable. Also, it helps to show off your most used scents to guests who also appreciate essential oils.
Conclusion
Gathering your rich bouquet of essential oils together doesn’t have to be a difficult thing to do. These practical storage solutions, with a bit of creativity, will help you to put an end to the race to get the last of it, will not only help you to create a space that you love but will make every smell experience a wonderful one. Categorizing your oils and keeping a fragrance journal is not only aesthetically pleasing but also greatly simplifies the task of choosing which oil(s) to use each day. Take advantage of these tips and take your collection (filled with the most delicious HBNO essential oils) to become an inspiring part of your day-to-day life. Happy organizing!
