Try this easy way to open a jar
Dear Heloise: 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, California
Making your 1st major move
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. 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.
Pack each room in your home separately. Mark the boxes and make an inventory list. Wrap dishes and breakable items in clean sheets, tow- els, washcloths, pillowcases and clothing.
Transport family documents and jewelry yourself. And when you pack your items, remember that the first box in a mov- ing van is the last to come out. — Heloise
Decluttering
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! — Lilith, Ventura, California
Cleaning mini blinds
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. — Heloise
Smelly garbage can
Dear Readers: To help prevent 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. Also, you can spritz the can with disinfectant spray. Keeping your cans in the shade will help, too. — Heloise
Pet pal
Dear Heloise: Sparky, aka Poohpah, waits for me to settle in to snuggle and get love. Meow! — Cheryl Davie, via email
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? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise