How to Pack for a Trip

How you pack plays a big role in the outcome of your trip -- if you've ever arrived at your destination only to find your suitcase splattered with the remains of a toothpaste explosion, you know this to be true! To pack for a trip, you have to organize everything you'll need while you're away and pack it all into your suitcase in a manner that reduces space while still protecting your stuff from leaks or other damage. There are also a few specific pointers to keep in mind for anyone traveling by plane or train.

EditSteps

EditSample Packing Checklist

Packing Checklist for Short Trip

Packing Checklist for Longer Trip

One Bag Packing Checklist

Packing Checklist for Winter Weekend

Packing Checklist for Beach Trip

Packing Checklist for Hiking Trip

EditPacking Your Things

1. Make a checklist of every item you plan to take on your trip. This will include clothing, shoes, toiletries, and paperwork and possibly also maps, guidebooks, reading material, and hotel or rental car information. This checklist will also help you when packing for the trip back home as you will have a list of everything that you brought with you.
   
   • Commonly forgotten items include toothbrush/toothpaste, socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, pajamas, razor, and deodorant.
   • Never underestimate how quickly your space will fill up. Will you really need five pairs of shoes for three nights? And four coats? Consider the weather and what kinds of activities you will be doing. You might want to visit http://ift.tt/1cCqnn5 to check out how the weather will be at your destination.
2. Plan your outfits ahead of time to avoid over-packing. If you have a decent sense of what the weather will be like, you can be very precise. If not, bring versatile items (ex. a cardigan or light jacket that goes with several of your tops, some three-quarter-sleeve shirts, jeans that look good rolled up at the bottoms) that will allow you to adapt to changing conditions. As much as possible, bring items you can get away with re-wearing. Layering is a good way to not only disguise re-worn items but also deal with changing weather.
   
   • Stretch your travel wardrobe by color-matching. If you make sure every piece of clothing you pack works with many other pieces, you can create a host of mix-and-match possibilities.
   • Bring empty plastic bags for dirty items. If you won’t have an opportunity to wash your clothes, tucking them away in a separate bag will keep you from having to mingle the clean with the dirty or sort through your stuff every time you want to change.
3. Buy travel-size containers for your toiletries, regardless of the length of your trip. This includes your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Unless you will be in a remote location for weeks, you can always drop into a local shop to restock your supply of soap and toothpaste. If you will be flying, there might also be restrictions on the amount of liquid or gel you can bring on the plane, meaning you may find yourself forced to choose between shampoo and toothpaste while going through airport security. Go to the airline's website to check out the guidelines.
   
   • Put all your toiletries in a secure bag. You definitely do not want an explosion or a leak in your luggage! Oh, and again, these should be in travel sizes.
   • If you will be staying at a hotel after your arrival, you can completely skip the shampoo and conditioner and simply use what the hotel provides. (You can buy other necessities at the destination such as toothpaste.)
4. If you will be going through customs, check your luggage prior to packing. Ensure that it is completely empty (especially if the luggage is not yours), because as soon as you're in security check, no one is responsible for its contents except you. Usually, suitcases have hidden zippers along the center or side. Open these and give it a good once-over. It is better to be safe than sorry.
   
   • If you will be crossing borders, consider using tamper-evident products to seal your case so you can check if your luggage arrives without being breached before you go on to clear customs.
5. Place heavy items at the bottom of your bag, especially if it is an upright model. Struggling with a rolling luggage that twists and flips in every gentle turn and falls over when you let it go is no way to move around.
   
   • As you pack your luggage, check items off your list. Be thorough; you don’t want to have to dismantle your entire bag in a panic to find out whether or not you’ve taken care of something.
6. Pack clothing using the time-honored "roll" technique. Lay two or three items on top of one another, smooth to flatten, and roll them up like you would a sleeping bag to save space and prevent wrinkles. For added wrinkle insurance, place a sheet of heavy tissue or packing paper between items of clothing before rolling. Don't worry about wrinkle-prone garments; most hotel/motel/inn rooms have an iron and board in the closet for your needs, not to mention a hotel laundry service.
   
7. Pack sweaters, jackets, and underwear in reusable compression bags, which can create up to 75% more space in your luggage. These lock in odors, so they also work for storing dirty laundry. Compression bags work very well. Ziploc sells these. What you have to do is place the item inside, close the bag, and put the included air pump over a little one-way hole. Suck out the air with the pump. It's that easy.
   
8. Place breakable items, like jewelry or glass, wrapped in socks and tucked into shoes inside your luggage. This ensures ultimate safety.
   
9. Buy wide clip rings. Available at major supermarkets like Target or Walmart, these look like shower curtain rings, and can be opened and then clipped onto something to connect it. Clip important things like the passport baggie onto your handbag or carry-on and clip that to your suitcase. Big bulky bags that you must let go of while tending to other concerns are an obvious target for thieves. Keep paperwork, identification, money, and expensive items slung over your shoulder or even hidden on your body (you can buy under-clothing pouches for slim items) depending on the safety of the location. However, don’t hide anything you will need immediately.
   
10. Bring snacks in case you get hungry. Bring light snacks for quick trips or places where you can purchase meals and heartier ones for long bus/plane/train/car rides. If you have allergies or conditions that call for certain foods (e.g. gluten-free or nut-free) and won’t have many options while traveling (planes that offer meals usually cater to this), bring more filling snacks.
    
11. Bring entertainment in case you get bored. Diaries (and pens), travel-size games, decks of cards, books, and mobile devices are huge boredom-killers during long rides.
    
12. Remember that trips are meant for fun and rest, not stress! Don't fret too much over organizing and planning. If it gets too stressing for you, have a traveling agency plan your voyage. Sites like tripadvisor.com or seatguru.com can help you find reviews of places, hotels, restaurants, and airlines as well as good seats and hot deals.
    

EditPack for a Plane Ride

1. Know which items not to bring on a plane. This applies to safety, size, weight, and even food, as there are restrictions on all of these.
   
   • Safety restrictions vary between countries but include obvious safety hazards (knives in your carry-on, flammable liquids in any of your luggage), not-so-obvious hazards (nail clippers or files in your carry-on), and a few seemingly inexplicable items (an unopened bottle of water on US flights – unless you purchased it after going through security).
   • Weight and size restrictions depend on the airline, so check their website ahead of time for more information. Most medium duffel bags and hand luggage marketed as carry-on will be accepted into the cabin.
   • Avoid bringing peanuts on planes. These can cause allergic reactions in other passengers.
   • If crossing international borders, don’t bring agricultural items (fruits, vegetables, seeds), meats, or dairy products. Though you may be able to get away with it in some countries, many regulate these items to reduce the spread of nonnative species and disease.
2. Separate liquids from the rest of your carry-on. Liquids should be easily accessible so that you can remove them for inspection while going through security. In the US, there are very specific liquid and gel allowances:
   
   • You are allowed to bring a maximum of 3.4 ounces of a liquid/gel per container (not total). For example, a 2-ounce bottle of shampoo, a 2-ounce bottle of toothpaste, and a 3.4-ounce bottle of face wash would be okay.
   • All individual containers of liquid must be placed together inside a resealable 1-quart bag (provided for you if necessary as you move through the security line). Before you and your luggage go through the scanners, you will have to place the bag of liquids by itself on the luggage conveyor belt so that it can be inspected if necessary.
   • To circumvent the hassle of packing and storing liquids separately, bring solid toiletries (ex. solid deodorant, powder concealer, etc.). You can also put liquids in your carry-on bag.
   • Liquid allowances don’t usually apply to prescription medication (provided that you have documentation with you to verify), infant formula, breast milk, or the like. Just be sure to store these separately from your other liquids and inform an agent that you have them.
3. Avoid checking in luggage if possible. Many airlines pad their bank accounts by charging passengers for check-in luggage. Even if you don’t mind the extra expense, waiting for check-in luggage to be processed and redistributed after arrival can add another half hour or more to your airport experience – and occasionally, bags that don’t make the flight must be sent to you at a much later date. If you are traveling with kids, make sure each one carries the maximum amount of luggage allowed (if possible) so that, as a group, you can bring more items into the cabin. Wear your heaviest clothing (such as jeans, running shoes/tennis shoes, sweatshirt) while traveling to save on space. Consider replacing your jeans with light-weight travel pants which take less space and dry quickly.
   
4. Consider getting a TSA-approved laptop bag. If you are flying in or through the US and your laptop is inside your bag together with other items, you will be asked to remove it before your things are X-rayed, which can slow down the line and create a mess if not properly organized. If you’re still luggage-hunting, you might want to get a bag designed to avoid this process (usually consisting of a laptop flap that folds away from the rest of the bag so that the laptop can be X-rayed by itself without technically being removed).
   
5. Keep your most important items in your smallest bag. Most airlines allow one small and one medium piece of carry-on so that people are still able to bring things purses and diaper bags. Since you will most likely be stowing the larger of the two bags in the overhead bin, avoid putting things you will want during the flight (ex. a sweater, book, or snack) up there or you will have to stand in the aisle and dig through it mid-flight.
   

EditPack for a Train Ride

1. Distribute heavy items evenly between bags. Most trains have huge luggage allowances, making them a great alternative to planes in some situations. Like on planes, these items are often stored in overhead bins, but since you may be dealing with full-sized luggage instead of little bags, lifting them up and getting them back down can be tricky. Make sure you don’t have any one bag that feels like a ton of bricks or you may find yourself stuck in the aisle with shaky knees and a bag over your head asking strangers to bail you out.
   
2. Keep valuables on your person. Stowing luggage in the overhead bin might make you feel so much like you’re on a plane that you decide it’s safe to put important items there, but remember that your stuff won’t be monitored by attendants and that passengers get on and off trains all the time. Carry your valuables with you at all times, especially if you plan to stretch your legs, get snacks, or nap.
   
3. Make sure the train offers snacks before deciding not to pack any. Most trains do (or stop at places where either vendors come aboard with food or you can quickly pop out and get some), but if you’re traveling in a country where you aren’t as familiar with the customs or train protocol, make sure you don’t find yourself on a 18-hour overnighter without a scrap of food or drink.
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Don't wait until the last minute to pack for a trip. This will put more stress on you and you are more likely to forget the most important items.
• Try to pack your clothes as compact as possible. For example, roll your shirts very tightly. Put your underwear and socks inside a zip lock bag. Push out the air slowly by continuously pushing or rolling the zip lock bag. If it's very compact (like 2 times less volume than the original size) you can now lock the zip lock bag. No need for a vacuum. You can put small clothes inside the zip lock bag, like babies and kids clothing, also.
• Make sure your luggage is able to standout, or get a vibrant luggage tag.
• Pack neatly. When folding your clothes to put in your suitcase, fold them neatly and don't just throw them in. Try to be space conserving. When you fold neatly it'll definitely give you some more space! Also, try to use every part of your suitcase, wedging errant socks into gaps whenever possible.
• Pack the most important stuff in a large bag.
• If you are going to a warm place be sure to pack lightly because bulky clothing is an unnecessary hassle.
• Always have a 10% to 20% empty space on your luggage for your souvenirs, giveaways or items that will be bought while you're traveling.
• When packing, lay your suitcase open on your bed and try on all the clothes options you have to make sure they fit you.
• Going abroad? Make a photocopy of your passport and store it separately from the original. If you lose your real passport, having a copy will speed the replacement process.
• Always bring your prescription from your doctor while traveling. Some countries are strict when buying medicines.
• Use gallon size zip lock bags to pack clothes into then press the air out of the bag and seal it. this saves space and also can help keep things in you suitcase organized in sections.
• Double check everything you want is packed. Then add or decrease if you need to.
• First pack necessary things like clothes, phone, passport. And then you can pack other things like jewelry, food, or makeup, so you will have enough space to keep all the things you need first.
• Ask the person who organized the trip about things you need to bring.
• Use straws to keep necklaces untangled by feeding the necklace through the straw!
• Pack three days before you leave for your trip, it will save time.
• Make sure your socks are clean before you roll your jewelry and glass in it.
• Try putting a matching outfit in one Ziplock bag at a time, so that you can take that outfit out without digging through the whole travel bag.You could keep the outfit rolled up to save space if it does not fit. Press the air out of the plastic bag to save space.
• If you wear makeup, take concealer, foundation, powder, eyeshadow, lipstick or gloss, and a blush. Sometimes you can get two or three makeup products together, so take them, as this will save space.
• Prepare everything 2 or 3 days earlier.

EditWarnings

• Be aware of the dangers of luggage tampering. Check your luggage prior to going through immigration to ensure its integrity.
• Be sure to pack medications and other important items in your hand carry, not your check-in baggage. If your luggage gets misrouted, you will still have them.
• In some countries, you are not allowed to bring in certain foods, and can get fined or arrested. Be sure to double-check what you're allowed to bring into the country.
• Keep in mind that the FAA's airport security measures disallow many carry-on items including straight razors, scissors, and "strike-anywhere" matches. For a complete list of both prohibited and permitted items, check out TSA's chart here.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Pack a Garment Bag
• Pack Without Overpacking
• Know What You Can and Can't Carry on Board an Aircraft
• Travel Light With Scuba Gear
• Be Comfortable on a Long Airplane Trip
• Pack for a Move
• Pack a Beach Bag
• Track a Flight in Progress
• Pack Everything for Your Vacation Into a Carry on Suitcase
• Get Through a Long Trip With Pre Teens
• Pack a Carry on if You Have Hypoglycemia
• Take Your Baby Doll on a Trip With You
• Pack a Car for a Long Road Trip
• Have Fun when It Snows in West Virginia

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How to Color White Chocolate

To color chocolate, you'll need to melt it first. This is always a tricky process, and even more difficult with white chocolate, which burns easily. If possible, allow extra time to track down the right ingredients and work on a test batch.

EditSteps

EditSetting Up

1. Choose a white chocolate. The ingredient list should tell you whether a white chocolate is made with real cocoa butter, or with a cheaper vegetable oil substitute. Imitation products are less likely to seize (turn gritty) than real chocolate. Experts tend to back real chocolate in terms of taste, but some brands of imitation chocolate compete well in blind taste tests.^[1]
   
   • Use freshly purchased chocolate. Chocolate suffers in flavor and texture when stored too long, especially if it's the real deal.
   • For detailed chocolate artwork, use a thin dipping or coating chocolate.^[2]
2. Pick your food coloring. Even a drop of water can turn your melted chocolate into a gritty mess. For best results, buy powder or oil-based food coloring from a specialty baking store or online.^[3] You can use the instructions below with regular liquid food coloring, but the process is much more difficult.
   
   • Oil-based food coloring is best used for light colors, since too much of the coloring can add a bitter taste and stain mouths.^[4]
   • These food dyes are more concentrated than liquid dyes. They will stain clothing, skin, and countertops.
3. Warm oil-based coloring in advance. As though keeping the chocolate dry weren't difficult enough, chocolate can also seize if the food coloring is a different temperature than the chocolate. If you are using oil-based food coloring, raise it above room temperature first.^[5] (Keep other types at room temperature.)
   
   • Place the closed bottle in a zip-locked bag. Remove as much air from the bag as you can, then seal tightly.
   • Submerge the bag in a bowl of warm water for 10–15 minutes. The water should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not scalding.
   • Shake the bottle once or twice during the process to distribute heat evenly. Replace water if it has cooled to room temperature.
   • Remove the bottle from the bag and dry it thoroughly.
4. Bring a double boiler to a simmer. If you do not have a double boiler make one from a large pan, plus a heatproof mixing bowl or small pan that can sit atop the larger one. Start with just the large pan, uncovered. Heat 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) of water until it reaches a low simmer.
   
   • Dry the top container and a stirring utensil thoroughly while you wait, even if they don't look wet. A rubber or silicone stirrer is ideal, since wooden spoons may contain absorbed moisture.^[6]

EditMelting and Coloring

1. Decide when to add the food coloring. The timing depends on which type of food coloring you are using. Read the full instructions below before you start, since you may need to change the order of the steps:
   
   • Add powdered dye as soon as the chocolate starts to melt.^[7]
   • You can add oil-based dye after the chocolate melts, as long as you warmed the dye as described above.
   • Liquid dye is less likely to cause seizing if added right away, before the chocolate melts.^[8] (This is why there is no need to warm the dye in advance.)
2. Place the chocolate in the smaller container. Put the chocolate into the top portion of the double boiler, which should still be at room temperature. Place this container on top of the simmering pan. The indirect heat from the steam will warm the chocolate slowly, keeping it below seizing temperature.
   
   • If using a chocolate bar, break it into small pieces of roughly equal size.
   • Make sure your hands are completely dry. Any moisture could ruin your chocolate.
   • If using chocolate with real cocoa butter, you may set aside 1/3 of the chocolate for later use. This is only necessary if you want your chocolates to look glossy.
3. Stir until melted. White chocolate burns very easily, and should never get above 115ºF (46ºC).^[9] Keep the heat on the lowest setting, or turn it off completely if melting a small batch of chocolate. Stir slowly and constantly until smooth, then remove from heat.
   
   • If the instructions above call for adding the dye before the chocolate is melted, see below for more information.
   • If melting a large batch of chocolate (several pounds or kilos), a chocolate thermometer or an instant-read thermometer with 1 degree increments is highly recommended.^[10] Keep the chocolate between 100 and 110ºF (37–43ºC).^[11]
4. Add the dye slowly. Most powdered and oil-based food dyes are more concentrated than the common liquid type. Add in small increments and stir in thoroughly before deciding whether to add more.
   
   • Shake bottled food coloring well before adding.
   • If the chocolate seizes (turns gritty), remove it from heat and stir in a neutral-flavored vegetable oil a spoonful at a time. The chocolate will usually smooth out again, but this can affect the flavor.^[12]
5. Temper the chocolate (optional). If your white chocolate contains real cocoa butter, it may end up dull and slightly soft after melting and setting. This doesn't affect the taste, but you can restore the gloss if you like by "tempering" the chocolate. There are many ways to do this. Here's a common approach that doesn't require any extra equipment except an accurate thermometer:^[13][14]
   
   • Remove the chocolate from heat and wrap a towel around the base to keep it warm.
   • Add chopped, unmelted chocolate until you have a ratio of 1 part unmelted chocolate to 2 parts melted.
   • Stir constantly until the chocolate reaches 80–82ºF (27–28ºC), and all the chocolate has melted.
6. Let the chocolate set. Many chocolatiers cool their chocolate slowly at room temperature, so it is less likely to crack or sweat. Others prefer to let it set in the refrigerator for 10–20 minutes, which may work better if your kitchen is warm or humid.^[15] Store your finished chocolate in a cool, dry room away from light.
   
   • For best results, place paper towels in your refrigerator to absorb moisture.
   • If you are pouring chocolate into molds or using it as a dip, keep it warm until you've finished working with it.

EditThings You'll Need

• Double boiler (bain marie)
• Rubber or silicone spatula or stirrer
• Food coloring — powdered or oil-based strongly recommended
• Bowl & zip-locked bag (if using oil-based food coloring)
• Additional white chocolate for tempering (optional)

EditWarnings

• Melting chocolate is very difficult if humidity levels are above 50%.^[16] Run a dehumidifier in clammy weather.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Make Ice Cream Dipping Chocolate
• Make Chocolate Hearts for Valentine's Day
• Make Non Paraffin Based Dipping Chocolate
• Make Hand Dipped Chocolates

EditSources and Citations

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How to Get Someone to Take Over Your Car Payments

Are you stuck with a lease or loan for a car you just don't want any longer? Many leases, and some loans, allow a new person to assume the remaining term of the lease, taking over the vehicle and the payments on it. This person could be the person you are selling your car to, allowing you to walk away from the transaction without any more payments hanging over your head. This is not simple and you need to take care to ensure everything is fully documented and agreed with your leasing company.

EditSteps

EditFinding Out If You Can Transfer an Auto Loan

1. Determine whether it is a lease or a loan. You will no doubt already know this, but if you are in any doubt be sure to clarify whether your have leased the car or have an auto loan. A loan would mean that you have in effect bought the car and you are paying off the cost in instalments to a bank, auto dealer, or other financial institution. A lease, on the other hand, is a limited term contract that will expire after a certain length of time.^[1]
   
   • If you are leasing a car it is generally easier to transfer the lease to another person than it is to transfer a full auto loan.
   • It is often not possible to directly transfer one loan between two people, but there are alternative ways to bring about the same result.^[2]
2. Check your loan contract. Before you go any further you need to make sure you understand your contractual situation. Thoroughly read through all the documentation you have about your auto loan, looking for information about your options if you are struggling to make the payments, or want to get out of the contract early for whatever reason.
   
   • There may be options in your contract to sell the car and pay off what you owe, or to trade in the car for another model and adjust the loan accordingly.^[3]
   • If you are uncertain about your position, contact the loan company and consider getting some legal advice from an attorney.
3. Speak with your creditors and find a buyer. Once you have established your position with your loan company, you may well find that your best option is to sell your car privately. You could then use the money to pay off the amount you owe, with the new owner making the payments to the bank or loan company. If you decide this is your best option you need to have the agreement of your loan company before you go ahead with it.
   
   • Until you have paid off all the debt on the car, you will not completely own it, so you will need to get permission from your loan company to sell it.
   • Taking responsibility for the sale yourself will make it more likely that you will get a good price than if you left it to the creditor to sell.^[4]
   • Defaults and repossessions are costly for creditors so they will most likely be interested in alternatives if you can't make the payments.
   • If you have an agreement with a friend or family member this can help the process move more quickly.
4. Come to an agreement with the buyer and your loan company. The simplest way to effectively transfer an auto loan between between two people is for the new owner to take out a loan which he uses to buy the car from the old owner. The old owner will use the money from the new owner to pay off the amount he owes to the loan company and the car's ownership would be transferred to the new owner.^[5]
   
   • If you are operating with one loan company this process could be more straightforward than if you are dealing with multiple organisations.
   • By doing this you are basically transferring the loan and the outstanding payments to another person.
   • Make sure that you also transfer the title of the car to the new buyer, in accordance with the laws in your state. Notify your insurance company that the car is no longer in your possession.

EditDetermining Whether a Lease Take Over is Permitted

1. Check your contract. The first thing you need to do is make sure that there is an option in your leasing contract to transfer it to another person. This varies from company to company so you need to know where you stand.^[6] If you are unsure whether your lease agreement allows assumption of the lease, consult the leasing company or an attorney.
   
   • Generally, leases are easier to transfer to another person than loans are. If you are only leasing the car, you are not working towards buying it outright, so the contract will be shorter than a full auto loan.^[7]
2. Speak to the leasing company. After you have checked your loan agreement, you should contact the leasing company directly to discuss your options and the possibilities. Before any lease assumption can be made, you will need to have it signed off by the leasing company, so it's a good idea to talk to them in the early stages. Some leasing companies might work with you to determine whether they consider an assumption as a good and viable option.^[8]
   
   • Some companies may work on a case-by-case basis, so they may be able to help you with the process.
3. Consider your options. If you are struggling to keep up with your lease payments or your circumstances change and you decide to try to pass on the lease, you should take some time to consider your various options and the impact they will have financially and on your credit rating. It can be very expensive to terminate a lease early, and defaulting on the lease will lead to repossession and a significant black mark on your credit record.^[9]
   
   • One alternative might be just to sell your car outright rather than transferring the lease to someone else.
   • If you are in negative equity, meaning the value of the car is less than the amount outstanding on the lease, selling the car won't cover your debts.^[10]
   • You may be able to work out a deal with your creditors that enables you to turn in the car. So always speak to the leasing company about your options.^[11]

EditFinding a Third Party to Assume the Lease

1. Contact a specialist company. Perhaps the easiest way to find someone to take over your lease is to go through a company that matches people with leases. For a fee, these companies will help buyers and sellers connect and act as a go-between which can assist in the process and vet potential buyers and sellers.^[12]
   
   • Search online for car lease swap companies and look for customer testimonies and companies with positive feedback.^[13]
   • Weigh up the costs of the fees with the value of the service being provided. If you need to find a buyer quite quickly, it could be worth it.
   • Some lease swapping websites will enable you to search by make, model, and year.^[14]
2. List your lease online. An alternative to employing a lease swapping company is to list the lease online yourself, and deal with any interest you get from the advert. If you opt for this approach, you will have to do more of the work to find a buyer and negotiate a deal, but you will avoid the costs of employing someone else to do it. There will be listing and registration fees, so be sure you shop around to find the best deal with a reputable company.
   
   • The fees will vary but you should expect to pay around $200 to register with the listing site and place your listing.
   • There will be optional extra costs that will boost the visibility and presence of your advert.^[15]
3. Advertise it locally. The classified section of your local paper is a good place for an ad seeking potential drivers to assume your lease or take over your loan. Run an advert with a photograph of the vehicle, mileage, general condition, amount of monthly payment, and term remaining on the lease.
   
   • You can also use social media websites. If you use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or any other social media site, post an ad on it.
   • Be sure to include a photograph and the amount of the monthly payments, as well as the remaining term of the lease.
   • Talk to friends, family, and co-workers. Let friends, family, and co-workers know that you are looking for someone to take over your loan or lease.

EditTransferring the Lease and the Vehicle

1. Contact your lease company. Once you have found someone to assume the lease, you need to work with your leasing company to ensure everything is properly agreed and all the paperwork is complete. Each financial institution has its own procedure for lease assumption, but the procedure generally includes:
   
   • Submission of credit application by the new owner. When taking over a lease, a potential owner/lessee will have to fill out a credit application and be approved for the total amount remaining on the lease.^[16]
   • Payoff or transfer of the current lease. Once the new owner/lessee is approved for purchase/lease of the vehicle, the lease or title will be transferred to him or her.
   • Creation of new lease in new lessee name. When lease for the vehicle has been opened or transferred, the new lessee becomes responsible for the remaining payments on it.
   • If you are operating through a lease trading company they will guide you through this process.^[17]
2. Take the buyer for a test drive. The buyer will no doubt want to take a test drive in the car before completing the deal. They will also want to inspect the vehicle to verify that is in the condition you stated in the listing or advert.^[18] This is important for both buyer and seller, as you will both inspect the car together and agree on its condition. Having a clear and recorded understanding will avoid potential disputes down the line.
   
   • The seller should always accompany the buyer on the test drive.
   • Be sure you are present for any independent inspections of the vehicle. It can be helpful to take photographs to ensure that you have proof of any minor blemishes or damage.^[19]
3. Prepare the vehicle for its new owner. When turning over a vehicle to a new owner, you will want to be sure to remove all personal items. That means taking out your iPod, gloves, charger cord, and any other items of personal property out of the vehicle. After this, be sure you clean the interior of the vehicle. Wipe down the dash, doors, and steering wheel, and clean the inside and outside of all the windows. Take the vehicle through the car wash or wash it yourself. Be sure to put a nice wax on it when you are through.
   
4. Turn over the vehicle. Depending on the arrangement you have reached, you will pass the car on to the leasing company, lease trading company, or directly to the person taking over the lease. Follow the instructions you have been given by your lease company to turn the vehicle over. Most companies will pick up the vehicle and handle turning it over to the buyer.
   
   • If you are in possession of the title to the vehicle, you will need to sign it over to the new owner or your financial institution. Check with the lease company for instructions on whom to sign over title to.
   • Contact your state's Motor Vehicle Department to transfer ownership. This will eliminate the possibility that you might be held liable for any damages after the transfer.
   • Once the paper work is all complete, and you have handed over the keys, the process is complete.^[20]

EditLeasing the Car to Someone You Know

1. Ask around friends and family. Another option is to allow someone you know and trust to use the car and make payments to you which you then use to make your lease payments. If you are considering this option, you should approach trusted friends and family who might be interested in taking over the lease.^[21]
   
2. Contact your lease company. Before you consider this you should check your leasing contract to see if such an arrangement is expressly forbidden. Simply allowing someone to take over your lease contract without the involvement and approval of the leasing company is likely to violate your contract.^[22] If you have a trusted family member lined up to take on the lease, the company may look on the proposal more favourably.
   
   • Speaking to the leasing company can help you decide whether to transfer the ownership completely by putting the lease in someone else's name.
   • If you do this the new lease holder will have to be checked and approved by the lease company.
   • The alternative is to keep the lease under your name and have the other person pay you directly, but this may breach your contract, so be sure that you are clear.
3. Understand the risks. This more informal arrangement comes with inherent risks that you should understand. If someone is using your car and making payments to you, you essentially become a creditor so if the person stops making payments to you, you will have to repossess the car. This can be difficult and complicated. You will still need to make the payments on the lease regardless, so you are exposing yourself to risk.^[23]
   
   • Any damage to the vehicle will see its value depreciate and push you into negative equity.
   • If you own the car, you will need to add the new driver onto your insurance, which will likely raise the premium. If you do not, the driver will not be covered, which is often illegal.
   • Due to these risks you should carefully consider the risks before embarking on this kind of arrangement.
   • Think about the trustworthiness of the person, as well as his ability to make the required payments to you.

EditWarnings

• If the car remains in your name, you will be liable for any parking fines or other charges that might be incurred by whoever is driving.
• Ensure you have legally binding written agreements with whoever assumes your car lease.

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2gwf85d

How to Make Perler Bead Keychains

Perler beads are a surprisingly versatile craft material. They were originally marketed to children, but have been used to create cute geeky hair clips or "sprites" of video game characters, among other things. Perler bead keychains can be a great way to accessorize a purse, backpack, or lanyard in a unique and inexpensive way.

EditSteps

EditMaking the Perler Design

1. Gather your materials. While Perler beads, jump rings, and Perler accessories can usually be found in craft stores, you might have to order the key chains online. You can also just use string to attach your creation to the item you're accessorizing.
   
   
2. Prepare the work area. Pull out a pegboard, if you're using one, or use a hard, iron-safe work surface like a wooden table.
   
   
3. Make your pattern. Arrange the Perler beads on the pegboard or surface in whatever pattern you want, such as a heart or Pokeball. Use a picture for reference if you need to.
   
   
4. Prepare to iron. If using a pegboard, carefully transfer it to an ironing board and turn on the iron. If not using a pegboard, leave the beads on the surface and turn on the iron. Place a sheet of parchment paper or Perler ironing paper over your design.
   
   
   • Make sure the iron is on a "dry" setting, not a steam one.
5. Press the hot side of the iron over the beads. Carefully move it in a circular motion, making sure that all of the beads are fused. Pressing too hard or moving too roughly can knock beads out of place! Completely fused beads shouldn't have visible holes in the center.
   
   
6. Set the iron aside. Put a heavy flat object on top of your creation and let the beads cool.
   
   
7. Remove the heavy object. Lift the fused beads and flip them over, then iron the back for a smooth, finished look.
   
   

EditTurning Your Craft into a Keychain

1. Carefully poke a hole through one of the perimeter beads. If you have jump rings, spread one open with your fingers or jewelry pliers. Push it through the hole in your creation. If using string, thread it through the hole.
   
   
2. Secure the jump ring around the key chain's end, joining it through the key chain's last link. If using string, simply loop the string through the key chain's last link (you can loop it through more than once for extra strength), tie it off in a knot, and trim the ends.
   
   
3. Attach the key chain to a buckle, zipper tag, or decorative metal loops on the purse/backpack/etc. Alternatively, tie the Perler bead creation directly to the purse/backpack/etc. using string.
   
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• The heavy object placed upon the Perler pattern during cooling helps prevent the beads from warping.
• A picture can be really helpful in figuring out your design!
• Using more than one bead color can add depth to your design.
• The ironing paper or parchment paper protects your iron from the plastic beads. I've found that using parchment paper works just as well as the official Perler ironing paper, but feel free to experiment.

EditWarnings

• Using a pegboard is recommended, because otherwise it's very easy for the design to be skewed or knocked out of place.
• Be careful when using the iron! Have an adult do it for you if you're not experienced with them.

EditThings You'll Need

• a pack of assorted Perler® beads
• "pegboards" to make them easier to shape (optional)
• an iron
• parchment paper or Perler ironing paper
• key chains with rings
• open jump rings or thread
• an image of the design you want to make (optional)

EditRelated wikiHows

• Use Perler Beads
• Make a Beaded Keychain

EditSources and Citations

• Videos provided by CafeMako

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2gbWzpq

How to Remove Tonsil Stones (Tonsiliths)

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, off-white deposits that you can see in the craters of your tonsils.^[1] They are usually caused when bits of food get lodged in these craters; bacteria start feeding on them, digesting them until they turn into the foul-smelling gunk we know and hate. Tonsil stones are not uncommon for people with deep tonsil craters. Although they are regularly dislodged during coughing and eating, and medical or home intervention is often unnecessary, there are several methods for removing these deposits and prevent their recurrence.

EditSteps

EditRemoving Stones with Cotton Swab

1. Assemble your materials. Get together the cotton swabs and other necessary components:
   
   
   
   • Cotton swabs
   • Toothbrush
   • A mirror
   • Flashlight, flashlight app, or lamp that you can direct.
   • Running water.
2. Shine a light down your throat. Open your mouth and shine the light into your mouth. Do this in front of a mirror so that you can locate the tonsil stones.
   
   
3. Flex your tonsils. Close off, or flex, your throat muscles while sticking out your tongue. Go "Ahh," and tighten the muscles in the back of your throat. Do this while holding your breath, almost as if you were gargling water. This should push your tonsils forward so you can see them better.
   
   
4. Prepare the cotton swab. Run water and dab the cotton swab into it. This will make it softer and less irritating for your throat.^[2] Don't put it down, or you risk contamination. Minimize the contact your cotton swab makes with any germ-carrying surface, including your hands. When you remove the stones, shake them off into the sink without touching your swab to any surface, or wipe them on a clean paper towel.
   • If you touch something like the sink or counter with your swab, trade it for a new one.
5. Poke at the stones gently with your cotton swab. Press or poke at your stone until you dislodge it. Carry it out of your mouth on the cotton swab.
   
   
   • Be very gentle, as bleeding may occur. Although a little bit of bleeding is normal, try as much as you can to minimize the bleeding.^[3] Cuts and wounds can get infected by the same bacteria in your mouth that cause tonsil stones.
   • Rinse if bleeding occurs, and brush your teeth and tongue as soon as it stops.
6. Rinse with water and repeat. Rinse with water and move on to the next stone. Rinse especially if your saliva feel sticky, which sometimes occurs after the throat has been poked. As sticky saliva starts forming, drink water to thin it out.
   
   
7. Check for any hidden stones. After you have extracted all the stones you can see, place your thumb into your neck under your jaw, and your (clean) index finger into your mouth right beside your tonsil and gently try to squeeze any remaining stones to the openings (like squeezing out toothpaste). If no stones appear, don't assume they aren't there. Some craters are very deep and it is sometimes hard to get them all.^[4]
   
   
8. Remove stubborn stones carefully. If you have a stone that won't come out with a cotton swab, it may be especially deep. Don't force it, as this may cause bleeding. Use the back of your toothbrush to gently nudge it until it loosens, then remove it with the swab or with the toothbrush.^[5]
   • If the stones still won't come out, you can try gargling with mouthwash for a few days and then trying again.
   • If that doesn't work, you may want to try using an oral irrigator. If this doesn't work, you can increase the stream a little.
   • Keep in mind that some people have a strong gag reflex and will not tolerate poking.

EditUsing an Oral Irrigator

1. Buy an oral irrigator. Oral irrigators, such as water-picks, can be used to push tonsil stones out of their cavities.^[6]
   
   • Test it out briefly on your tonsils before you buy it—if the spray is too strong, and hurts in any way, don't use it to get out your stones.
2. Use the irrigator on its lowest setting. Place the irrigator inside the mouth but not touching the stone, and switch on the oral irrigator on the lowest setting. Direct the stream of water onto one visible tonsil stone, keeping it steady until the stone has been dislodged.
   
3. Help your stones along with a cotton swab or toothbrush. If the irrigator is loosening the stones but not removing them, alternate using the pic and using a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush.
   
   • Repeat steps for each visible tonsil stone. Remember to be gentle as you pressurize the stones away with the water.

EditGargling to Remove and Prevent Stones

1. Gargle with mouthwash after eating. Since tonsil stones often form after leftover food gets stuck in tonsil craters, it's prudent to gargle with mouthwash after eating. Not only will mouthwash improve the health of your teeth and gums, it will also help dislodge tiny bits of food before they become a meal for tonsil stone-creating bacteria.
   
   
   • Make sure to use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
2. Try it with warm water and salt. Mix one teaspoon of salt along with six ounces of water, stirring until incorporated. Gargle the salt water with your head tilted back. Salt water could dislodge bits of food from the crater while helping to soothe any discomfort caused by tonsillitis, which sometimes accompanies tonsil stones.^[7]
   
   
3. Invest in an oxygenating mouthwash. Oxygenating mouthwashes contain chlorine dioxide and natural zinc compounds. Oxygen itself hinders bacterial growth, making oxygenating mouthwashes helpful for treating and preventing tonsil stones.^[8]
   
   
   • Oxygenating mouthwashes are very strong, however, and therefore should only be used once or twice per week to avoid overuse. Supplement your natural mouthwash regimen with oxygenating mouthwash.

EditMedical Intervention

1. Talk to your doctor about getting a tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy is a relatively simple and effective procedure. It is relatively low-risk, and the recovery period is often short, with throat pain and minor bleeding being the most common concerns.^[9]
   
   
   • If your doctor is concerned about your medical history, age, or other factors, they may advise you to go another route.
   • Keep in mind that a tonsillectomy would only be recommended for someone with recurrent or very stubborn or complicated tonsil stones.
   • You can also ask your doctor about removing your tonsil stones. Your doctor may be able to remove them using special irrigation equipment.
2. Consider a course of antibiotics for persistent or severe tonsil stones. Different antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin, may be used to treat tonsil stones, but they fail to reverse the underlying cause of tonsil stones, which is food being caught in the tonsils. There may be a relapse, and antibiotics may also have adverse side-effects. Most antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria in the mouth and gut which would help do battle against the problem bacteria.^[10]
   
3. Ask about laser treatment. The tissue that deep tonsil pockets are made of can be removed via laser. Laser resurfacing smoothes out the surface of the tonsils so that they no longer have pockets and craters. This procedure is not without risks of its own, however.^[11]
   
   

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1E2oEGf