Planning is key to a successful move

DEAR READERS: When you are moving, good advance planning and organization are keys to a successful move. Use these hints to make this big task less stressful.

Compare moving companies and prices first. Get recommendations from family and friends too.

1. If you are packing your own household items, get instructions from the moving company on how best to do it so your belongings won’t get damaged.

2. Wrap dishes and breakable items in clean sheets, towels, washcloths and pillowcases, along with wrapping items provided by the moving company.

3. Use suitcases to hold your clothing, but pack only enough to fit without wrinkling. Don’t forget to use trunks, duffel bags and totes.

4. Pack each room separately. Clearly label and mark the containers. Keep an accurate inventory list.

5. Personally move your valuable documents, such as wills, financial and property records and expensive personal items like jewelry. Or put them in a safety deposit box during the move.

6. Finally, remember that the first box put in a moving van is the last to come out, so place them accordingly.

DEAR READERS: Brass needs occasional attention to keep its surface clean and shiny. How you clean it will depend on whether it is lacquered or unlacquered brass. Use these Heloise Cleaning Hints for each type.

For lacquered brass, simply wipe the piece with a soft, damp cloth; do not use any type of household cleaner. For unlacquered brass, squeeze a dollop of ketchup onto a cleaning cloth and rub over the surface.

Gently wipe off any residue with a damp cloth and buff dry.

DEAR READERS: Old furniture can develop small cracks and scratches. Wood furniture needs a good polish to prevent it from drying out. If there are big problems, take the piece to a furniture pro. But here’s what you can do to contain or cover small problems.

Buy wax sticks that you can find at big-box or hardware stores. Match the wax stick color to the wood finish. They can cover up cracks or deep scratches in wood. Rub the stick into the crack until the wax is flush with the surface.

Then heat a putty knife in hot water and use the flat side of the knife to press across the area filled with the wax to make certain you have an even, smooth surface.

Write to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.