Dear Heloise: When I have company staying overnight, I stage their bedroom and bathroom for convenience, not beauty. Guests need room to place their suitcases, backpacks, purses, etc. So, I remove all knickknacks from the dressers and tables in the bedroom, leaving them plenty of clear surfaces to place their things.

I put mats or runners on furniture that may get scratched. Older guests especially appreciate having their suitcases off the floor. Bathroom countertops also need to be clear for guests to lay out their toiletries.

I always provide drinking cups for toothbrushing or taking nighttime pills, as well as a wall hook for hanging clothes while bathing. A few empty hangers in the closet are important, too. Easy access to an outlet for charging devices is a necessity these days.

I try to provide most of the things you would find in a hotel room that will make a guest’s visit more enjoyable. — Sally, via email

BROKEN ZIPPER

Dear Heloise: I just read the response from Jackie K., in Wisconsin. I have used a key-chain ring when a zipper had broken on a purse or a piece of clothing. You can then add things like charms to individualize the ring and make it yours. These rings tend to accumulate, so here’s another use for them! — Connie Craig, in Wisconsin

SPARE TIRES

Dear Heloise: In response to a recent reader who wrote in regarding tires and a spare tire being properly inflated, I couldn’t agree more, and I have all of my tires checked when I get the oil changed.

When renting a car, make sure that you have an inflated spare tire and tools! We will never go back to the company that didn’t provide us with a spare when we were in desperate need of one. — Susan S.C., in Torrance, California

MAILING CLARIFICATION

Dear Heloise: I’m a retired letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. The Post Office will only return charity mail to the sender if the sender has specified on the envelope that a change of address was requested or if it was sent via first-class mail. Otherwise, nonprofit and third-class mail is not returned to the sender. It is destroyed. — C. Deeba Mizerany, in Arnold, Missouri

LATE-NIGHT WALKING

Dear Heloise: I wanted to share my solution for walking in the dark. Many of us seniors take nightly walks to the restroom. I have found that motion detector night-lights make the journey safer. They only stay on for those few minutes when you need them. No more bumping into walls or tripping on unexpected obstacles! — Linda C., in Huntington Beach, California

SHAVING TIP

Dear Heloise: Here’s how to get extra uses from a shaving razor. I use an old toothbrush to clear out whiskers and hair stubble caught between the razor blades, since this residue often impedes the efficiency of the razor. So, by clearing it as I shave along, I’m getting considerable longevity from the razors and saving money. This is even beneficial for cheap, dollar-store razors. — G.S., in Ohio

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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.