HELOISE: Looking to rent a home? Try tips

Dear Heloise: I have a few hints for people who are looking for a home to rent. There are so many out there, and it’s hard to know which one is the best fit.

Some landlords take care of the lawn for you, and some don’t. If you don’t have a lawn mower or other yard equipment, you will want to take this into account.

Furnished or unfurnished? Your landlord may not have the capability to take away and store a washer, dryer or refrigerator that is already in the house. If you have one, this may be a problem.

Have pets? It might be best to find a house that doesn’t have carpeting. Dogs can put some wear and tear on certain types of carpet, and you may end up having to pay for it to be replaced.

Is an alarm system important to you for security? Be sure to factor this into your decision.

How much can you afford? Be sure to consider whether utilities are included.

Erin in Indiana

Good advice all around!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I repurposed a wooden necktie rack. It has 22 wooden pegs and a small hook at each end of the rack. The rack is attached to the wall in our dressing room. My casual, everyday-style necklaces hang neatly and safely out of the way but are easy to get to. The “fancy” jewelry still goes in the jewelry case. I wear my necklaces more when I don’t have to hunt for them.

Mary, via email

Dear Heloise: As a new quilter, I felt like I was spending a small fortune to get started: new sewing machine (mine was 30 years old), fabric, notions, patterns, classes, etc. The best tip I got came from the first class I attended. Rather than spending money on a nice plastic box to contain completed blocks before piecing, I purchased a new, unused pizza box from our local pizzeria for 25 cents!

Debbie, via email

Dear Heloise: Our family takes a vacation at least once a year, and here is one of my favorite, easy-to-do travel hints. I take along plenty of anti-germ gel. I use it when we get into our motel/hotel room for door handles, toilet flusher, light switches, etc., to eliminate any germs that may have survived.

I also pack several plastic grocery bags for bathing suits, towels or shoes that may not be completely dry when we are ready to leave. At the next stop, I do a load of laundry to prevent moldy clothes.

Samantha S., via email

Dear Heloise: In taking care of an elderly lady who needed a bib, I cut a hole just large enough to fit over her head in the middle of an old towel.

B.G. in San Antonio

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate