An easy way to open a jar

DEAR HELOISE >>

Just read a recent column of yours in the Orange County Register. The easiest way to open a reluctant jar is to turn the jar over and tap it on the floor. It never fails for me.

— Claudine, Huntington Beach

DEAR READERS >>

Moving, whether it’s a short or long distance, is a big event. To make it easier, planning in advance and being organized are both important steps in having a successful move. Contact several moving companies to get information on how to make the move successful. Then, if you are going to do the move yourself, create several checklists to help. Make one for all the digital equipment, too.

Pack each room in your home separately. Mark the boxes and make an inventory list. Give each child a box to pack their prized items. To save money, wrap dishes and breakable items in clean sheets, towels, washcloths, pillowcases and clothing.

If you are going to personally move your key family documents (wills and financial documents), transport them yourself. Keep your jewelry safe and transport it yourself. And when you pack your items, take note that the first box in a moving van is the last to come out.

DEAR HELOISE >>

In your suggestion on decluttering your house, you say to toss “trash” in the garbage. All clutter is not trash. One person’s clutter could be another person’s treasure.

Please go through your clutter and see what might be donated to a thrift store. Maybe some items could be recycled. Old towels, sheets and blankets could go to an animal shelter. Reduce, reuse and recycle!

Thank you for all the hints over the years that I have read in the Ventura County Star.

— Lilith, Ventura

DEAR READERS >>

Here are three easy and quick ways to remove dust from your mini blinds:

1. Use a 2-inch paint brush.

2. Put clean socks on your hands to wipe off the dust.

3. Grab a microfiber cloth to do the job.

DEAR READERS >>

To help prevent having a smelly garbage can, take these steps:

Wash the inside and outside of your can often. Then place a clean plastic garbage bag inside with several used fabric softener sheets to help deodorize the inside. Also, you can spritz the can with disinfectant spray to cover the smells. Keep your trash in the shade to help, too.

DEAR HELOISE >>

Sparky, aka Poohpah, waits for me to settle in to snuggle and get love. Meow!

— Cheryl Davie

Readers, to see Sparky and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers?

Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@heloise.com.

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@heloise.com.