Heloise

Dear Heloise: Eliza Jones from California said that her friend hired an estate sale company to deal with her “stuff.” The leftovers were donated to a local charity. She left out a very important element: her children and grandchildren.

I have many family treasures. My friends have mentioned that their children aren’t interested in their “stuff.” I took photos of all my treasures and put them in albums. These items had a brief description of the item in the photo album (i.e., Great grandma’s notebook, or Barbara’s bread plate that was always on the table at the farm).

Each of my children were given the album, and I told them to put their name by any item that they were interested in. After I received their choices, I determined who would get what; however, I haven’t told them yet. They’ll find out on the day that I die.

True to my prediction, 95% of the items have a request. So many of my friends say that their children are not interested in their “stuff.” Well, this showed that they might be. Another solution is willing these items to your grandchildren. If your children object, just tell them that your grandchildren have better taste! God bless. — Jackie Schnittgrund, in South Dakota

UNDER THE KITCHEN SINK

Dear Heloise: For under-the-kitchen-sink storage, you can use trays or plastic baskets with low sides. Four fit under my sink with a little space to spare for a couple of very large containers. Items all stay organized, and you have only four to remove for cleaning or if you need to clear the area for a plumber.

Depending upon the weight, all four baskets can be filled, or you can use more or less baskets to meet your needs. — W.P., in Omaha, Nebraska

DISPOSING OF FUNERAL FLOWERS

Dear Heloise: Regarding the disposal of leftover funeral flowers, my husband’s service was held at a chapel on the grounds of a cemetery. After his service, I requested that his flower tributes be taken to their “Babyland” burial section. So many infant graves eventually go undecorated as families move away or move on. — Cheryl Huddle, via email

PHONE BOOK RECYCLING

Dear Heloise: I bet you got this one already, but I was baking cookies the other day and didn’t have newspaper to lay down on my countertops to absorb the grease and protect my countertops. But I was recycling my old phone book, so I tore the pages out and used them for this purpose. I was so pleased with myself that I kept the phone book for the next cookie bake. — Kari Riemenschneider, in Iowa

TRAVEL JOURNALING

Dear Heloise: My friend gave me this travel journal tip, and I’ve used it for years. In a small journal, I just jot down the simple facts about the day: the activities, names of the restaurants, people met, and places where we stayed. It’s just a paragraph, but these simple facts evoke many memories when reviewed even decades later. — Hedy Williamson, in Laguna Woods, California

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Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.