This post is the beginning of a new category for Pfitz’s Miscellany. “Practical Tips” are mostly going to be brief tips to make life a little easier, that I’ve either experienced or read about somewhere. For starters, here’s a tip on opening bundled packages.

Plastic strips get used for bundling newspapers (if you’re a delivery person), for holding U-Haul boxes together, and for shipping boxes of paper reams. Many people think you have to get box cutters or scissors to get those off, but I discovered an easy way when I was delivering newspapers in high school.

Somewhere on the strip the ends had to be fused or glued together. That spot is usually on the bottom of the package. If you try to pull the end that’s on the outside, it doesn’t often work. Instead, twist that part around so you can grab the end that’s on the inside of the strap. THAT end usually comes up much more easily. No sharp utensils required.