At a networking meeting yesterday, the speaker forgot their notes for the presentation she was about to give. We immediately felt the stress and anxiety they were feeling (in the past we've been known to forget a thing or two). We've come up with our own systems to keep us from experiencing another disaster after the jump.
Forgetting Items When You Leave The House?
Tips to Help You Remember
- We recommend these nifty organizers to friends and clients. It's the last place you'll see before exiting the house (and a great reminder). Just remember to put the outgoing bill or important piece of paper in its place the night before. We prefer doorknob organizers over an outbox for paperwork (that way the important information doesn't get lost at the bottom of a pile).
- For items like library books, DVDs, or clothes to take to the cleaners, we prefer an outbox. We really like collapsable outboxes so they can be stored when not in use (and hidden behind the couch).
- A sticky note on the bathroom mirror, dresser or refrigerator is a great tool to remind you to look in your outbox or doorknob organizer (one extra step to curb forgetfulness).
- It's likely we'll scoop our belongings up from our landing zone on the way out but before we leave the house, we always do a mental check; keys, cell phone and sunglasses.
- Just in case your systems fail you, post a label on your steering wheel that reads, "what am I forgetting?" One last double check will ensure you aren't leaving anything behind.
What about our AT readers? Do you have a unique way to circumvent forgetfulness? What are your tips to help you remember?
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Comments (8)
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I universally forget at least one thing before I leave. I always hated it when my mother would ask me, "Now, what are you forgetting!" Ma, if I knew that, I wouldn't be forgetting it, would I? :P
Anyway, I've seen those doorganizers in stores, I might pick one up. Of course, as you say, the trick is remembering to put things in it...
view Ina's profile
I do something unusual to help me remember. Very necessary since I have a terrible memory. For example, if I need to get gas, I hang my gloves off the parking brake or the steering wheel. So when I get in my car, and I wonder, why are my gloves on the parking brake...ah! I need to get gas! I have the worst time remembering to put my cell phone in my purse when it's done recharging. So I plug it into the outlet next to the door and wrap the cord around the doorknob. Hard to leave when you have something entangled around the doorknob!
It also helps that I have a metal door and can hang notes on it with a magnet.
view Myshkin's profile
I put the same things in the same pockets whenever I leave the apartment and the office:
Keys in left outside pocket, phone in right outside pocket, iPod and BusPass holder in Left Inside Pocket, Wallet in Right Inside pocket and sunglasses on my head - that way I can simply feel if I've forgotten anything.
view bepsf's profile
I do the same-things-in-same-pockets routine, too.
And if I have to do something outside my usual routine, I tape a note about it to the door jamb, and then bring it with me to the car and tape it onto the dashboard, so I don't slip mindlessly into the daily driving routine and forget what I need to do.
view Joan A.'s profile
I always love when men who do the "same things in the same pocket" pat themselves down before leaving the house. It always looks like some version of La Macarena. :-)
view Enamorada's profile
How interesting. Specifically men? I guess most women use purses instead. I can't stand them, myself, so I do La Macarena.
view Joan A.'s profile
We try to get ready for the next day every night before bed. I put the things I need to take to the office on our landing strip and make sure my clothes and lunch is picked out. Even if I'm in a hurry the next day, I don't forget as much as I would with out this! I also make lists often. I might leave a list on the landing strip for the morning too. Its easier for me to think and plan calmly the night before.
http://www.makemineeclectic.wordpress.com
view jessimarie33's profile
i just write on my hand.
view Nicole Sylianteng's profile