Want My Advice?

What's the best practical advice you've ever gotten? Perhaps to put all your toiletries in Ziplock bags before packing them, or that club soda is the best spot remover? Every month, we'll print the best Readers' Tips. Click here to submit your own tips and advice.

Here are some of this month's readers' tips.

SO THE STICKER PREVENTS SHOCK
Once, I thought the guy ahead of me in the security line was taking my laptop. Turns out, he simply had the same model. So I fixed a large sticker to the underside of my laptop and began placing it upside-down in the bin. Now I know which one is mine.
—Peter Threadgill
Millersville, Maryland

WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET?
Use the extra photo sleeves in your wallet to store business cards. When traveling for work, I keep cards of the contacts I have in that town in the sleeves. That way, I always have my associates’ names, positions, and phone numbers at my fingertips.
—Charles Miller
Albany, New York

NEXT TIME WEAR BUTTON DOWNS
Left your collar stays at home? Try this simple remedy: Unfold two paper clips and insert them into the collar. You can find paper clips everywhere, and they’re undetectable as stays.
—Richard Kimball
Amherst, New Hampshire

AND WE HEAR IT WORKS ON HAIR
A hot shower in your hotel bathroom usually fogs up the mirror. Instead of wiping the condensation off with a cloth, just take the hair dryer and aim the hot air at the mirror. This quickly solves the problem without leaving housekeeping with streaks on the mirror to wipe down or another hand towel to wash.
—Sean Basinger
Castroville, Texas

SHE’S A PIN PAL
Bobby pins keep a hairdo in place, but they have many more uses in a pinch. When going out on the town, you can use a pin to keep a few dollar bills together or tuck away a wayward bra strap. I like using one in place of a bag clip: The flexible pin slides easily over an opened potato chip or salad bag, keeping air from getting into your food. Plus, bobby pins come in bulk, so there’s usually one on hand.
—Maria Patawaran
Houston

COAT THAT REMOTE
One of the most germ-riddled items in a hotel room is the TV remote. So I always place it inside the plastic ice bag. The remote still works, and I get “safe” TV viewing.
—Remo Iezza
Thousand Oaks, California

IS “BOB” BOBBY FLAY?
Place a charcoal briquette under the seat of your car. The briquette absorbs odors inside the passenger compartment, keeping your interior smelling fresh.
—Bob Hendershot
Carrollton, Texas

Share Your Advice, Personal Tips, or Secret to Success