Don’t Lose Your Belongings

Tools and tricks for keeping track of everything from toys to keys to just-washed socks.

Your Wallet and More

Wallet

• Choose a wallet in a vivid color, so it stands out inside your dark purse. Keep it in a zippered pocket, and always return it there.
• Try not to change bags too often. "Transferring between purses creates more opportunities for losing stuff," says Lisa Zaslow, owner of Gotham Organizers, in New York City.

TV Remote

• Use Velcro to attach the remote to the side of the TV when it's not in use.
• Use an electronic finder system.

Glasses

• If you primarily wear your sunglasses for driving, "leave them in the car," says James O'Connor, president of Clutter Control, a home-organization service in Lake Forest, Illinois. "Or designate a place for them near the front or back door. Don't bring them any further into your home, where they may be misplaced."
• Designate a fabric-lined tray for your reading glasses next to your chair or nightstand. Don't set them down anywhere else.
• Use an eyeglass chain to keep your specs securely on your neck ($18 and up, snootyjewelry.com).
• Get eyeglass cases in bright colors to make locating them easier.

Credit Cards

• Keep all your credit cards in the same wallet.
• When making a purchase, keep your card in view at all times, and ask for it back as soon as the cashier has completed the transaction.
• Photocopy your cards, front and back, making sure the customer-service phone numbers are legible. Put the copies in your filing cabinet under C. If you need to cancel a card, you'll have all the necessary numbers ready.

Cell Phone

• Always store your phone in the same pocket of your purse.
• Keep your phone in a case and "use the clip on the case to attach it to the pocket," says Nokia's Keith Nowak. "If the purse tips over, the phone won't go flying out."
• Always keep your charger plugged into the same outlet, preferably one in plain view.