Everyone forgets to put things at some point, but if that's the case, it's really annoying. Getting angry at yourself for not being able to find an item and wasting time searching haphazardly is a natural response, but it won't help you find the missing item. Remain calm, review your actions, and conduct a systematic and thorough search in the places where you think you will find the object immediately.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking for Possible Places of Lost Items
Step 1. Check the most messy parts of your house or neighborhood
Research shows what you can guess is that they tend to get lost in the most cluttered places in your home or workplace. Do a systematic search in this messy place, revealing different objects and moving them aside to find the object in question.
Tip:
Do it slowly and carefully. The more cluttered the place is, the harder it will be to find what you've lost. Provide an empty space to put any items you set aside so they don't get mixed up with unchecked items.
Step 2. Look under or around larger objects
You may accidentally pile a larger object on top of a smaller one, often without realizing that you are covering it. Pick up the things that are at the top and then check what's underneath carefully to make sure the object you're looking for isn't under it.
For example, you put a stack of paper on top of the phone, or throw a key near some jewelry that looks a lot like the key
Searching in Narrow Places
In the car:
make sure you check the carpet, the underside of the bench, the box, and in the space between the center console and the bench. Also check the top. You could just put sunglasses, a drink, or even a phone on top and then forget.
In the living room:
Look between sofa cushions or under recliners and chairs. If you like it stretched, it might fall and slip.
Tip:
Remember how big the object is and where it could slip without you noticing. Don't forget to check the bottom of the cupboards, in the messy drawers, and on the floor.
Step 3. Check in small places to make sure it doesn't fall or slip
You'll often find these lost items in the car, tucked away on the couch, or dropped in the corner of the floor. Narrow your search to where the object is likely to be found-where you last remember placing it, and where you picked it up-and then search every nook and cranny.
Step 4. Search where you lost this item before
Do you often lose this item? If so, it's probably where you last found it. Remember where the object tends to fall and check the place carefully. You can also check places where you often lose objects that are similar in size, shape, or use.
- For example, you might leave your keys in the lock, find glasses on your head, or forget to put your computer bag in the car.
- If you lose sunglasses, for example, remember where they tend to be, especially if you think you've lost them.
Step 5. Check in the collection of found objects (lost and found section)
If you lose something outside your home, try asking the manager of the place you visited that day if they have a place to collect the found objects (lost and found box). The thing you're looking for may be right there, waiting for you to pick it up.
Places that usually have a collection of items found are schools, and places where events are usually held such as stadiums, concert halls, and cinemas
Method 2 of 3: Retrace Your Trip
Step 1. Keep calm and tell yourself that you will find it
You can easily panic or jump to the conclusion that you've lost something, especially if it's something important. Instead of panicking or running around looking everywhere, sit for a moment in a quiet and comfortable place and focus on organizing your thoughts. Refocusing your mind will put you in the frame of mind to think logically and search for the object in the most efficient way.
Keep Calm and Relax
Take a deep breath and get rid of the panicking thoughts.
Think of something that can ease your anxiety, such as a beautiful place, a place you feel comfortable, or fond memories.
Don't let negative thoughts dampen your motivation to seek
Instead of thinking, "It's never going to be found again," say to yourself, "It's around here and I'll find it."
Step 2. Close your eyes and try to remember for a moment where you misplaced the object
Just imagine the last time you saw that thing. What were you doing or feeling at that moment? Add as much detail as you can, even if they seem pointless. Making the memory as rich as possible can help you get to the key details for the object's existence.
Remember, you were there when it was lost. You still have a memory of the place, even if it's vague. Stay calm, close your eyes and remember
Step 3. Double-check where it should be and where it should be
If there's a place where you usually put your lost item, check there first--even if you're not sure it's there. You may have forgotten to put it back on it, or someone else did it for you. Then, check the area right around the place. Who knows if it fell or could not be seen.
- For example, your jacket may fall off the hanger you used to put it on, or your keys might be in a drawer under your desk where you usually put them.
- They may move around the house, but are usually no more than half a meter from where they normally are.
- Even if you don't think it's there, search the place carefully. Pick up objects and check nooks and crannies to make sure there aren't any hidden places you haven't checked.
Step 4. See where you last used the item
If it's not where it's supposed to be, try to remember the last time you used it. Go to that place and search carefully one more time, look around the place as well.
- If it's not there, close your eyes and try to remember if you might be able to put it down for a while or take it somewhere else after using it.
- For example, you may remember using the phone in the kitchen while making dinner, but the object wasn't there when you checked it. Ask yourself if you remember bringing it to the table before you started eating, or if you put it by the sink and forgot about it.
Step 5. Make sure you don't look anywhere else
People tend to be blind to familiar surroundings and ignore key details, especially when you go back and look where you first started and try to get a new perspective. Seeing things from a different perspective can help you notice details you missed the first time.
Whether you sit, stand, shift or even crouch while looking for the item
Step 6. Ask a friend or witness for help
Maybe someone accidentally took your item, or accidentally put it somewhere else. Politely ask other people in the vicinity, such as a co-worker, roommate, or family member, if they know of the item's whereabouts, or if they've seen it recently.
- For example, you could say, “Hey, I'm looking for keys. Have you seen him around here?"
- If you lose it outside your home, it may be stolen, although it may or may not be. It's possible you put it wrong. So, don't despair!
Step 7. Remember the last place you held the object if it was lost outside the house
Look back at the places you were today and think about the last place you brought it. Call the places and ask if the object was moved or found. Otherwise, call somewhere else you go. If you don't get information over the phone, go to each of these places in person. Retrace your steps there and look for the object carefully.
Before you call or retrace to another place, search your surroundings carefully. Don't let you return to work only to find that your wallet is actually in the car
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Items From Lost
Step 1. Make the object more visible so you don't lose it easily
If you tend to lose important things, make them bigger, more visible, and more eye-catching. Thus, the object is not easily lost, and easy to find if lost.
For example, attach a large, colorful, or ringing key ring to your keys, use a brightly colored phone case and don't turn off the phone dial tone (not mute it), or attach colorful patches to important notes
Step 2. Install a tracker on important items and use apps to find them
If you want a high-tech solution for tracking important items, consider pairing a tracking device with Bluetooth. Attach a small tracking device to the object and connect it to a smartphone app that can show you its whereabouts.
- Tracking tools with applications include Tile and TrackR.
- If you tend to forget where to put your smartphone, try an app like Find My iPhone. If you're using Android, visit android.com/ or search any browser site.
Step 3. Make a mental note every time you put down an important item
Every time you put something important, take a few seconds to remember where it is. Speak out loud or say to yourself, “I put this thing here,” and take a good look. Making mental notes will reinforce the object's location, making it easier to remember where it is.
- This may seem intrusive or a bit of effort at first, but getting used to it every day will make it easier and save time in the long run.
- If you tend to forget to take mental notes, try starting immediately after you lose the item and looking for it again. That's when you'll be very motivated to explore that thing better.
- This is followed by more mindfulness each day. Being more present in the moment, and more aware of what you're doing, will make it easier to remember where you put things.
Step 4. Check important items before you leave the room or the car
Build a habit of looking back when you get out of the car, especially if the room or car is not your own. Check your desk or office briefly before heading out to make sure nothing is left behind. This is a good way to find items that may have slipped out of your hand or accidentally fallen out of your pocket.
Step 5. Keep your space neat and organized to reduce the chance of missing items
A messy and full place makes it easy for us to lose things. They can be tucked away in messy corners, covered by other objects, or even thrown away accidentally. To avoid this, regularly tidy up where you spend most of your time. It may seem like a waste of time, but it actually saves you time and effort so you don't spend time looking for lost items.
Keep your home, room, office, car, or desk at school as tidy as possible. The places you use most often tend to be messy, so things can get lost there
Tips
- Make sure you sort each item in each of the places you browse. This will prevent you from wasting time re-checking the same place.
- More importantly, don't panic. If you stay calm, you will be able to search for the object more efficiently and systematically, making you more likely to find it.
- Check where you think it's almost impossible to find. Often the object is hidden in a place where you don't think it might be and it's obvious that it's not where it should be.
- If you can't find an object at school, try asking your teacher or going to a lost objects collection at school.
- If you've looked everywhere and remember where it might be, but still can't find it? Ask other people for information and ask if they saw it. In no time, you will have the answer!
- If you've cleaned up the place and are still having trouble finding what you're looking for, check out places you might have specially prepared for storage or will use next time.
