Dear Heloise: Whenever our family of six (two adults, four kids) would travel and stay in hotel rooms, there was never enough room for all of our suitcases. They’d be all over the floor, desk, bed, etc. Then I discovered that if you take the ironing board out of the closet and set it up, you can line up four to five carry-ons on it, all at chest height so there’s no bending over.

The kids have all grown up, but when my husband and I stay in a hotel room, I still get the ironing board out. It’s nice to have a place to put pretty much anything that you don’t want on the floor or bed. And it’s so much easier on the back! — Laurel, in Katy, Texas

STORING CELERY

Dear Heloise: I would like to share my tip for keeping celery fresh. I remove the celery from the plastic bag, wrap it in heavy-duty foil, and refrigerate it. The celery will stay fresh and crisp for weeks. I read your hints every day in the Messenger in Fort Dodge, Iowa. — Marsha H., via email

RECYCLING CAPS

Dear Heloise: I recently read a letter in your column from someone who could not put plastic caps with bottles in their recycling bin. I live in California, and they do take the caps.

They also appreciate when people hand-smash all their plastics and fold their aluminum cans. — K.R.M., via email

IMPORTANT DATA

Dear Heloise: Mary’s hint about keeping biographical information on her phone is a great idea. I’ve also put my documents in a secure folder, so if my phone gets lost or stolen, this highly prized information is more secure. It’s very important to learn the process for locating your phone if it is lost or stolen. Most phones supply many options to secure a lost phone’s data, wipe the phone, or lock the secure folder at any time. — Priscilla W., Leesburg, Florida

Priscilla, I know it’s probably easy for you to have all of this information on hand, but in case of an accident, it would useless if it was locked away in a folder. If it was stolen, you’d never know if the thieves had somehow gotten into your private information. I’ve been told that identity theft is on the rise. — Heloise

CURSIVE WRITING

Dear Heloise: With regard to writing in print for kids, this is OK when they are tots; however, children should be taught cursive writing so that they will be able to read it. After all, important documents — like the Declaration of Independence — are in cursive! — Jeanette P., in Dayton, Ohio

Jeanette, I agree with you. There isn’t any reason to skip this skill. If educators say that they don’t have time to teach kids cursive writing, then extend the school day by 1 hour and increase the teachers’ salaries. — Heloise

DOG FOOD

Dear Heloise: The other day, a reader recommended spraying broth on dog food for picky eaters. My picky dachshund likes a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on her food, and it has really helped a lot.

Thank you for your column! — Margret D., via email

Margret, I use cheddar cheese on my dog’s food, and he loves it! — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.