She made moving a good experience

Dear Heloise: I have a hint that should help with moving. We’d moved many times throughout the years, and in the early years, it was always a disaster, even when a nationally known moving company did the job. If you are going to be moved by a commercial company, do your own packing of whatever you consider essential, and label those boxes. I found that it was best to do all the household packing, and I numbered each box, with a corresponding number in a notebook, listing everything in that particular box. When our shipment arrived, I had only to look at my lists to see which boxes we needed immediately. Some were stacked in the garage for months, as nothing in them was essential.

On our last move, I went to the new residence and used nondamaging tape to attach a photo of the furniture I wanted placed in that spot. The movers also had a map of the house to help. I stayed at the old residence to do all the last-minute cleaning so it would be perfect for the new owners. When I arrived at our new home, all the furniture was placed exactly where it was wanted. The movers told me it was the easiest job they had ever done. Annette Cheny, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: When traveling, I like to pack two or three hangers that have clips on them so I can hang things to dry. I also take a few clothespins. They don’t take up much room, and they often come in handy. Armida Brashears, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I read a letter from a reader regarding bleach spots on towels from toothpaste. Your readers should know that the same thing can happen from topical acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide. We were getting bleach spots on hand and bath towels, clothing and pillowcases. I discovered that it was due to the medication my sons were using on their faces. In some cases, they weren’t washing their hands thoroughly enough after application. In others, like the pillowcases, it was from direct contact with the face. I instructed them to wash their hands after application and bought some white pillowcases. Susan, via e-mail

SBlt Send 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