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HELOISE Checklist makes moving into and out of college easier

Monday, August 15, 2005


Dear Heloise: When our youngest child entered college, we developed a list of items we needed to remember to bring to school. We checked off the items as they were packed. Then, after he shared his rooms with four roommates, we used the same list to retrieve and pack for the trip home in May.
During the next four years, the list was refined and altered, but it was so helpful to have the basics written down. We didn't have to be afraid that we would leave something behind.
Soon after our son graduated, our grandchildren started college. We went to the computer and brought up the old list. Whenever we are invited to a high-school graduation celebration, we include a copy of this list with the graduate's gift. Each person has his or her own hobbies and interests, and the list needs to be personalized, but the basics are here. Lynn B. Huron, Oak Ridge, N.J.
We gave Lynn a call, and she graciously agreed to let us put her list on my Web site (www.Heloise.com, under Online Hints) so everyone can view and print it. Thanks, Lynn, from us here at Heloise Central, and from all the readers who will get use from your list. Lynn also shared the following hint about a great graduation gift: a soft-sided lunchbox filled with some of the things from the list. Heloise
Fast facts
Don't toss a plastic lid from a coffee can. It has a lot of uses, and here are just a few suggestions:
UUse under a small plant to catch any drips.
UUse as a handy, disposable spoon rest near the stove.
UKids love them to use as mini flying discs.
UWhen folded in half, they make an easy-pour funnel for salt, etc.
Dear Heloise: I have been putting audio and computer CDs into those slim plastic boxes (very cheap in lots of 100) to save space, since two can fit in the space of one in a standard CD holder. However, labeling them was difficult.
One day I hit upon two solutions:
UPaint a line of typewriter correction fluid along the back edge, then write on it with any pen when it's dry. To change labels, just paint over it again.
UUse a correction-tape cartridge to lay down a white line along the back edge, and do the same. The labels are neat and easily readable. Ann Simanton, Houston
Sound off
Dear Readers: Do you have a pet peeve (or as we call them, "Sound Offs") that really gets to you? Why not take a couple of minutes to share your Sound Off? We will pick several and print them in a full column. Those readers will receive a set of Heloise pamphlets. Send your Sound Off to Heloise@Heloise.com; mail it to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; or fax it to (210) HELOISE (435-6473). Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate