In today’s world, where space is often at a premium, knowing what to keep and what to discard can be a challenge. A recent discussion with Heloise offers some practical advice for those in Texarkana and beyond, particularly when it comes to collectibles and household items.
Keeping Original Boxes for Collectibles
Laurel B. reached out to Heloise with a question about whether to keep original boxes for collectibles like crystal and figurines. Heloise suggests that holding onto these boxes can be beneficial if they add value to the items, especially if you plan to sell or gift them in the future. However, she warns against letting these boxes clutter your space. A balanced approach is to keep boxes for high-value or sentimental items while discarding those for items you intend to keep permanently. To save space, consider flattening the boxes or storing them in a single bin.
Organizing Baking Mats
Sherrill from Virginia shared a clever tip for storing baking mats, which can often become unruly in a kitchen drawer. By attaching strong clips to the inside of a cabinet door, you can hang the mats flat, preventing them from getting wrinkled or lost. This method not only keeps your kitchen organized but also extends the life of the mats.
Teaching Teens Responsibility with Family Cars
Kelly E. from Arkansas offers a simple yet effective rule for families with teenage drivers: ensure the car always returns home with a full tank of gas. This rule instills a sense of responsibility in young drivers without lengthy lectures. It also ensures fairness for all family members using the vehicle. Additional habits like cleaning out trash and reporting car issues promptly can further teach respect for shared resources.
Dealing with Scam Calls
Susan suggests a straightforward approach to handling scam calls: don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message. This strategy helps maintain privacy and reduces unwanted interruptions. While some may find venting at callers a stress release, Heloise advises against it, recommending silence as the best policy.
For more practical advice, readers can send their tips to Heloise, who continues to share the best ideas in her column.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
