Losing your belongings is not only frustrating, it is financially draining, and time-consuming. Whether you have misplaced your phone, keys or wallet, losing your essential items is a stressful experience that can disrupt your day, adding unnecessary stress. However, there are strategies you can implement to help you better keep track of your belongings and stay organised.
Make a List
Make a list of all the things you need to keep your eyes on, starting with the most valuable items.
Your list could look like this: House keys, work ID, car keys, phone, wallet, TV remote, glasses.
Trying not to make the list too long so you can prioritise the items you value or use the most.
Alternatively, write a daily to-do list. You could either use a physical notebook or use an online notetaker like Google Docs. Writing your to-do lists a few days or a week in advance, reviewing them first thing in the morning, and checking them throughout the day can make staying organised much easier.
While to-do lists are often task-focused, they can also include simple daily reminders such as: ‘pack headphones in bag,’ ‘don’t forget headphones at work,’ ‘remember to pick up my work lanyard,’ or ‘leave keys in bag.’
There’s nothing worse than losing your keys and having to type in ‘locksmith near me’ because you left them on the bus. Using lists not only helps you stay organised but also clears your mind and ensures that nothing important is forgotten.
Use Reminders
Relying solely on memory can lead to trouble, especially as your schedule becomes busier. Staying organised is key, and reminders can play a vital role in helping you keep track of important tasks and belongings.
Consider using your phone’s calendar to set reminders for appointments or deadlines. Alternatively, try a sticky note system. Place notes in strategic locations such as your bedroom, work desk, or computer screen, but ensure they do not become a distraction. These small steps can make a big difference in staying on top of your commitments.
Keep Everything in its Spot
Keeping everything in its spot means that all your personal items have limited spaces to be kept and reduces the chances of you losing them. For example, your phone can be kept in one of the following four places: 1) in your hands, 2)in your pocket, 3) plugged in and charging, or 4) in your bag.
Resist the urge to place your phone in random spots, such as on tables, in the bathroom, or on your bed. If you’re carrying it, keep it in your pocket or bag (just avoid putting it in your back pocket.)
By giving your belongings a specific spot, you’ll always know where to look. This limits the search to just one of those four places, reducing stress and making it easier to locate misplaced items.
If you’re often forgetful, creating secure, limited spaces for your items is crucial. It will save you time and frustration that comes with searching for things.
Air tags
Air tags are great for keeping track of your most cherished belongings. To get the most out of them, make sure to invest in an AirTag holder. At £35 each, AirTags are a pricier option, but they offer reliable tracking.
These small devices use Bluetooth technology to help you locate lost items. If you own an Apple device, you can use the Find My app to track your belongings. And for Android users, Chipolo and MiLi are great alternatives to AirTags which work with Google’s Find My Device to quickly find your misplaced possessions.
With AirTags or their alternatives, you can avoid the hassle of needing lock repair because you lost your keys and had to get your locks changed.
Final Thoughts
Losing things can cause a lot of emotions and so the first rule after you have misplaced something is to take some deep breaths and retrace your steps to the last place you remember having it. It’s important to stay calm and methodical in this process, as you will be more likely to find your belongings when your mind is clear.
If you are sure to implement all the strategies suggested such as designated specific spots, using reminders, creating lists, using airtags (or their alternatives) over time, you’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of losing your possessions.
And as these habits become ingrained into your routine, retracing your steps will become less necessary. It’s key to be consistent as the more you stick to these practices, the more organised you will become, breaking the repetitive cycle of misplacing your belongings.
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