Even small amounts of excess moisture in the air can cause food spoilage, so it's imperative to make sure your pantry is as dry as possible. To see if your pantry passes the test, tape a sheet of aluminum foil on the inside of a pantry wall that faces an exterior side of the house. Leave the sheet hanging for a few days, then peel the foil off the wall and quickly examine it; if there is any condensation on the side that faced the pantry wall, there is excess outside moisture. On the other side, it's excess moisture in the air.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Among the worst waste offenders in the fall months are homeowners who rake up fallen leaves, bag them and dispose of them with their regular trash. Not only is this illegal in some communities, it's also unnecessary. Instead, run your lawn mower over the leaves to help chop them up. The smaller the dead leaves, the more quickly they'll break down and degrade. You can also use raked leaves as mulch; spread them around the base of trees and bushes to help insulate them and prevent weed growth in the spring.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Excess Bubble Wrap from packages or purchases should be saved and reused when you're shipping items that need a little extra protection. But you can also use Bubble Wrap to help take the chill out of your morning commute. When the temperatures dip below freezing, place a sheet of Bubble Wrap on your car windshield, using the windshield wipers to hold it in place. When placed on your car overnight, it prevents icy frost from forming on the window. When you remove the wrap in the morning, you'll be good to go.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION