You've got a lot on your mind — and the last thing you need is to feel like you're losing it as you hunt for your car in the parking lot. How to remember the minutae? Writing is the most effective mnemonic device. But when pen and paper are impractical, try these techniques for not forgetting.

Where you put your keys: Train yourself to put them in the same place every time you walk in the door. Put hooks on the back of your door or place a dish next to your mail.

A name: The trick here is practice, but with a twist. As soon as you hear the name, repeat it to yourself. Then wait a few seconds and repeat it again. Then repeat it once more after a minute or two. The waiting time forces you to think and pay attention.

Five-item grocery list: Form a nonsense word based on the first letter of each item (BAPED for butter, apples, paper towels, Enfamil, and diapers).

Where your car is parked: Stare at your parking spot and tell yourself what's unique about the location — next to a store you like, in a specific row (turn "P5" into "Peter has five cars"), or on a street with an odd name.