Tools and tricks for keeping track of everything from toys to keys to just-washed socks
Alexandra Rowley
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Keep Track of Your Wallet, TV Remote, Glasses, Credit Cards, and Cell Phone
Don't Lose Your 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.
Don't Lose Your 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, such as Brookstone's the Smart
Find Remote Control Key Locator, www.brookstone.com.
Don't Lose Your Glasses
If you primarily use 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, www.snootyjewelry.com).
Get eyeglass cases in bright colors to make locating them easier
($3 to $20 for various models, www.debspecs.com).
Don't Lose Your 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 credit cards, front and back, making sure the
customer-service phone numbers are legible. Put the copies in your
filing cabinet under C. If you lose a card and need to cancel it,
you'll have all the necessary numbers ready.
Don't Lose Your 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."
If your phone has a strap, make a habit of wearing it on your
wrist. Or wear it like a necklace on a chain or a lanyard around
your neck.
Always keep your charger plugged into the same outlet, preferably
one in plain view.
