HELOISE: Copying serial numbers saves time

Dear Heloise: The other day, our office manager needed the serial number for my office laptop. I made a complete copy of the back using the copy machine. Now as new equipment and computers come in, we’re copying the back and labeling whose equipment it is. Lots less work than constantly looking for stuff, and avoids typos.

This is an easy way to store crucial information about home computers and other small appliances. I’ve also put copies in my safe-deposit box.

For bigger items, such as my washer and dryer, I used my digital camera to take a photo of warranty/serial number information. Saves a lot of work and time.

Juanita in Texas

Good hint, because many times those serial numbers are extremely difficult to get to or even read! While you are doing this, jot the number down in the manual if it’s not listed.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: A good fingernail polish is useful in so many ways. Place a dot of your favorite color on:

The bottom of vases and dishes for easy identification.

The inside of children’s shoes, so they can identify them easily.

Labels of a child’s coat and garments to ID at school.

The center part of the sheet you tuck under the mattress.

Backs of jewelry for ID.

Marie Poage, Houston

Purple and red nail polish are my favorites! I use nail polish to mark my hammer, screwdriver and other tools, etc., so they don’t walk away from my tool drawer in our kitchen!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I was forever digging into my tote bag or purse for my cell phone when it rang. I devised a bright-blue (or any other bright color will work) carrier by using a sock slipper. It provides a soft sleeve for the phone, it’s instantly visible in my purse, and best of all, it’s free!

Kris in Tennessee

Dear Heloise: My helpful hint is to hang black pants on one color hanger and blue pants on another color. This makes getting dressed faster in the morning. Takes the guessing out of whether it is a pair of black or blue pants?

A Reader in Santa Maria, Calif.

Dear Heloise: Will you please tell people that when they leave a voice message to slow down and give their name and phone number if they want to be called back, or if the message is important. This past week I have missed two messages because the name was not clear and the phone number was so fast I couldn’t get it. I am sure the one message was important; I played it about four times.

Kay in Ohio

How right you are. Readers, please state your name and call-back phone number slowly, repeat, and spell any tricky words.

Heloise

King Features Syndicate