Zipper-topped bags are handy for moving
Dear Heloise: We moved many times during my husband’s career in the Navy, and zipper-topped plastic bags were my favorite pre-packing items.
In the kitchen, I bagged silverware and set it back in the compartments of the plastic holder in the drawer. All kitchen utensils went into plastic bags.
It was quick and easy for the packers to wrap paper around the bags, and at the other end, unpacking was a breeze, with everything sorted and clean.
Before discovering this method, we would unwrap the paper and have little odds and ends falling out and into the bottom of the packing box. For moves where they would pack dresser drawers, I put lingerie and socks in the bags.
Bathroom items were bagged so that not everything would smell and taste like soap.
Pens, envelopes, stationery and other desk items stay sorted and come through in better shape when put into plastic bags. Susan from Texas
Having moved many times with my military family, I know how stressful it can be. Your hint will help many others, military and civilian alike. Thank you for writing. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I travel every year at Thanksgiving to my mother’s home. I always have perishables in my fridge when I’m getting ready to leave. I use a tall kitchen bag, put it in my ice chest and then put in the food. I take all the food that would spoil if left.
I put a frozen plastic bottle filled with water in the chest. I stop and buy two bags of ice for the chest. Everything is ice-cold, and nothing gets wet from melting ice. A Reader from Texas
Dear Heloise: I did not like the half-sheet paper towels — until I found a terrific use for them. A half sheet is perfect to fold in half and use under a coffee cup to absorb any liquid, especially now that saucers are no longer for that purpose. Sue Daino, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: Toward the end of each month, I look up the next month’s occasions (birthdays, anniversary, etc.) and buy cards for all of them. I sign and address them, then slip them into my desk calendar on the day I want to mail them. I write the date on the upper right-hand corner (where the stamp will cover), so if they should fall out, I know when they should be mailed. I never, ever miss anyone’s anything! Shaye in California
Dear Heloise: I have always thought that the top flat bedsheets are never wide enough to tuck under the mattress and stay put through the night. So, when I find sheets sold separately and not in sets, I buy the next size up for the flat sheet, and buy the fitted sheet in the size of the bed. Now at my house, everyone is tucked in tightly all night long! Claire, Louisville, Ky.
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