Dear Heloise:

You know those perfume samples that come in magazines, the ones where you peel back a fold and you can sniff the fragrance? I take those and toss them inside my luggage to keep the inside smelling nice.

— Lacy N., Kalamazoo, Mich. Dear Heloise:

My hint has to do with travel. I save worn-out clothing, socks, leggings and underwear, and pack those as part of my clothing. As these garments become dirty and worn, I simply throw them away. It frees up room in my suitcase for souvenirs, and I’m not hauling around dirty, stinky clothes. Best of all, the amount of laundry to be washed when you return is less.

— Cynthia S., Colome, S.D.

air conditioner, and they keep air moving in the room.

Floor fans also are a cost-efficient way to keep the house cooler by forcing air through the house.

— Jean D., Lowell, Mass.

Jean, it’s always a good idea to save energy, and this may become increasingly important in the coming years. —

Heloise Heloise Dear Heloise:

It’s very important to count the rows of seats on a plane from your row to the nearest exit. In case of an emergency, this would prevent a jam at the front of the plane in which only a small number of people could get out. In a smokefilled cabin, this would at least allow you to feel your way out of the plane.

— Linda F., Austin, Texas Dear Heloise:

Got an old checkbook cover lying around? You can use it as a coupon organizer and a place to store receipts or business cards.

— Wendy K., Carson City, Nev.

Wendy, that’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip.

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