If you have old photographs that you’re tossing out, be sure to keep them out of the paper recycling bin. Even though photographs are printed on paper, they are not recyclable. Photographic paper contains a thin layer of polythene, which gives the photo its glossy or matte finish. This polythene is like a plastic coating, which makes the photo durable. And it’s this coating that can contaminate an entire load of paper recyclables. If you must throw out old photographs, toss them into the trash -- or see if there are family members who may want the photos for their own albums.

Don’t store leftover latex paint in the can it came in. Mold and mildew can form inside opened paint cans, ruining your leftover touch-up paint. Instead, use squeezable plastic jars from pantry staples, like ketchup or mustard. Give them a solid cleaning, and pour leftover paint inside. Add a glass marble or two, too. When you need paint to touch up a scuff mark, just shake the bottle (the marbles help agitate the paint) and squeeze. Just enough paint will come out to get your job done in no time flat.

There are many companies that now sell “no-flip” mattresses, which feature designs that let you lay it down and essentially forget about it. But that doesn’t mean you should not rotate the mattress. Depending on who is sleeping on the bed, there are areas that will get more wear and tear over time. Rotating a bed can help keep wear even and maintain the overall shape of the bed. But how do you remember when to rotate? Whenever your clocks jump backward or forward, you should also rotate your mattress.