Here’s how to pack books when you’re moving

Dear Heloise: We are getting ready to move, and I need to pack books. This will be long-term storage. What is the best way to pack them? Karen B., via e-mail

First, you will need some heavy-duty boxes and packing material, like butcher paper for wrapping the books and cushioning wrap (do not use plastic to wrap books).

Each book can be wrapped in paper to protect the covers if the books are heirlooms or valuable. Books shouldn’t be packed too tightly.

If books are valuable, they need a little extra effort and should be packed separately in a padded box. You can place them “standing up” with spines against the box, or stack them, which is really best for oversize or heavy books.

Books should not be packed with spines facing up (paper edges facing down). Don’t stack them at odd angles.

Don’t leave the packed boxes in a basement, attic or garage. These areas are too hot and humid, and pests may invade the boxes! Heloise

Dear Heloise: When my husband came home after being hospitalized, he had some trouble drying off after being in the shower.

I solved the problem by putting his terry-cloth robe and sometimes a large bath towel in the dryer while he was showering. When he stepped out of the shower, the robe or towel was right there, warmed, waiting for him. The warm toweling dried him almost immediately. He also felt like he was getting a very special “spa” treatment. Marge Lee, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: It’s been exciting recently to read the recycling hints you’ve published. Here is another one:

Some florists are happy to have vases returned (clean and empty). Check with your florist first. Freehold, N.J., Recycler

Dear Heloise: I am concerned about using dryer sheets to clean the dryer lint trap. Some sheets leave a residue on the screen of the trap that might clog the holes. The screen should be washed with dishwashing detergent and warm water, rinsed well and left to air-dry before putting it back in the dryer. This should be done on a regular basis. Sharon Squires, Goshen, Conn.

Sharon, a very good point indeed. However, I believe our readers are referring to a used fabric-softener sheet. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have three satellite receivers. The remote controls are identical except for the codes inside. I use colored dots on them so I don’t get them mixed up. Margaret Schumacher, 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