Kit for new neighbors proves a welcome sight

Dear Heloise: Our dear friends next door moved, and I wanted to make the new homeowners feel welcome. Instead of going out and buying a store-bought gift, here is what I did for them.
UOn moving-in day, I took a cardboard box and wrapped it up with ads from our local newspaper -- this way, they could see what stores are in our area.
UNext, I filled the box with little things that you always need when you move and you just know you packed them -- but where are they now? A roll of paper towels, two rolls of toilet paper (one for the master bathroom and one for the guest bath), a few paper plates, plastic silverware, a few foam cups, an extra phone book, a local newspaper and our phone number in case they need something. Along with that, I invited them to come over for lunch, where I presented her with a very nice scented candle to sit on her kitchen counter.
UThey really appreciated it all and said it made them feel "right at home," which is what we all want when we move to a new neighborhood. Dee L. in Arkansas
What a nice neighbor you are, and how welcome you have made the new homeowners! Your hint is rather like the organization years ago that would welcome new homeowners to a community with a basket of goodies provided by local businesses. Heloise
Dear Heloise: We have limited space in our small home. When I start to sort clothes for a cruise or trip, I utilize our spare bathroom by putting an extra shower-curtain rod across the tub area, and I hang all the clothes there. It is really easy to see what is hanging there, and it sure helps. Another thing we do while cruising: I pack enough clear, plastic newspaper bags for each of us to put our worn undergarments in, and when back at home, I just take all of those bags and put them in the laundry room. Makes the unpleasant job of unpacking a bit easier. Jeanne Rogozenski, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: In order to not wake up my hardworking husband when I need to get up during the night, I placed a large, stick-on, glow-in-the-dark star on the doorjamb of the bathroom. I also put a star on the flashlight on my bedside table and another at the switch for the bedside lamp. They are a terrific dark-time help.
These stick-on, glow-in-the-dark items can be purchased at various party and crafts stores. Barb in Linden, Va.
Dear Heloise: I purchased a set of vertical blinds, and the slats were fabric-looking vinyl. My daughter installed the hardware, and when she put the slats into the holders, the slats clung together from static. She asked me for a fabric-softener dryer sheet and ran it down the front and up the back of each slat -- no more static cling. The vertical blinds now hang properly -- an inexpensive solution to an annoying problem. Colleen Wheeler, Indianapolis
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate