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Tips on remembering things?

(67 Posts)
GraceP Thu 12-Nov-15 20:09:58

Keys, handbag, scarves, cardigans (always leaving them places - it's like my calling card). Nothing seems to be where I left it. And my phone. If I counted up the hours I've spent searching for my phone, I'd be horrified. And appointments - I often turn up on the wrong day (luckily usually a day or two early). How can I be more organised? I've tried carrying a notebook around which is helping somewhat -although even that's been misplaced a few times. Am I a lost cause?

alternativeageing Fri 13-Nov-15 14:52:37

I always put my keys by the radio in the kitchen, or on the stairs! Sometimes I forget to do that, but on the whole, it works! My phone is glued to me because I'm a blogger and need it by my side, unless it's charging, which is always next to the keys! I "mislay" other things constantly and drive my dog mad every time we go out for a walk saying.....where's this, where's that...what have I done with....it delays me at least 10 minutes looking for all the extras.....dog ball, poo bags, sunglasses, glasses, earphones,money, blah blah bla. .....so you are not alone! I guess a little basket near the front door's the answer?

PS DON'T keep your mobile down your bra, JACKYB, you don't know the effect of those EMF rays near your breasts.
Suzi x

SusieB50 Fri 13-Nov-15 14:54:43

GraceP you sound just like me !I leave my mobile behind when I go out so often, that DH says I do it deliberately so to be "incommunicado" . The other evening I left my bag of shopping at my DS and DiL house after collecting my DGC from school. I only discovered I had, when I looked for the chicken I had bought! blush

petra Fri 13-Nov-15 15:04:23

Silly question, I know. Why don't some of you put your keys in your bag.
I know your going to say: but I change bags, so do I, a lot, but all that I need comes out and goes into the other bag.

JackyB Fri 13-Nov-15 15:04:42

I thought someone somewhere would have found out that a mobile in your bra is bad for your breasts. So should I keep it in my trouser pocket - next to my ovaries?

Michelle Fri 13-Nov-15 15:15:31

I was told this trick by a memory expert . We DO remember everything , we just don't pay attention to the signposts . So the trick is to label the activity . You give yourself clues like 'It is rainy today so I am putting my keys by my hat ' . the clever woman who always puts her things in the same place , has stored that memory , and has it well sign-posted on the bread bin . For those of us who rush about , we need to slow down and pay attention . That's it , and it works !

Teacher11 Fri 13-Nov-15 15:23:45

Have a ritual. For instance, before you leave the house put your bag on the side and physically remove and return important items to it saying: 'front door key, car key, glasses, purse' or whatever you wish to remember. I do it and feel a complete idiot doing and saying it. However, it works.

annodomini Fri 13-Nov-15 15:26:31

I see I've called my GD1 GS1 by mistake. Just as well she won't be likely to read this. confused

loopylou Fri 13-Nov-15 15:38:12

Car keys and door keys go back in my handbag, phone sits and is charged by my chair then goes into handbag.
Glasses I wear all the time other than in the bath or bed.
I'm very guilty of not being sufficiently attentive though blush

NanSue Fri 13-Nov-15 15:49:34

"GraceP" You could totally be describing me! Except for the appointments thing. I do seem to be very good at that but nothing else. I lose all the items that you mention plus umbrellas and even money. I actually walked away from a cash point once without taking the £20 that I withdrew. I am constantly looking for my glasses, even though I have two identical pairs for this very reason. I get so cross with myself. DH gets even more cross with me. sad

Coolgran65 Fri 13-Nov-15 17:23:19

I am so organized that I almost irritate myself. Can find anything within a few seconds. Everything has its place.
EthelB I could feel the anxiety rising in me as I read your post...... how I wish I could be a little more like you smile

ajanela Fri 13-Nov-15 17:52:59

I use electronic sticky notes on my computer and click them off when an appointment or event is passed.

My mobile is frequently lost but I ring it from my landline or husband's mobile to find out where it is or at least which handbag it is in.

Keys are a nightmare but at least when I get home I drive into the garage using the remote control on my keys so I know they are in the house somewhere. I do have a bad habit of walking around with them in my hand and put them down in a variety places including the toilet. I am often pleased when I find them where they should be on the hook but then my husband tells me he put them there.

But I am not very organised and have to many ideas in my head and my multi tasking days are running out.

Nannanoo Fri 13-Nov-15 18:27:49

I'm not very organised, but if I have to be somewhere the next day, I make sure that I have everything clean and lined up the night before so that there's no last minute panic. I learned this when I was a student nurse when we just didn't dare turn up late on duty, or with untidy hair, unpolished shoes etc.

helmacd Fri 13-Nov-15 18:28:41

Well done, annodomini. I'd do that if I could remember the number!

mazza2108 Fri 13-Nov-15 18:49:15

I've been reading posts for a while now, with interest, but I am puzzled by some of the abbreviations everyone uses. DH? Dear Husband is all I can assume, please can someone enlighten me? PS I spend a lot of time running from room to room looking for my glasses!

suzieq Fri 13-Nov-15 19:18:38

I'm starting to get really concerned by my memory lapses because I see my behaviour mirroring that of my very elderly mother. Yes, the phone, keys, diary etc etc as so many previous posts. My worst sin has been locking my car keys in the boot of one of the most difficult cars to break into - twice! Once outside the house, thank goodness before I locked the house door so I could call Skoda Assist, and the second forty miles away when I had to ask DH to find a friend to bring him and his keys to me. I was too embarrassed to ring roadside assist a second time.

Tegan Fri 13-Nov-15 19:49:05

I always have to go back to my car to check I've locked it; I then open it to pretend I've forgotten something [in case someone is watching me and thinking I'm bonkers] which means that, as I walk away I worry that I haven't locked it. It's a wonder I ever get anywhere...

Mauraann Fri 13-Nov-15 19:52:15

Tee time and Tanith .....we must be kindred spirits, I have to be
Organised..phone,IPad, for all reminders and day to day diary
For notes to check. Don't miss much, however it can become
A tad obsessive!!!!

grannyisland Fri 13-Nov-15 19:57:01

This discussion has reminded me to get myself one of these locating devices that has tags for keys, phone, wallet etc!

shysal Fri 13-Nov-15 20:12:31

But grannyisland, you have to be able to find the handset of the locator!

mazza2108, to see the most common abbreviations, use the 'acronyms' box above a thread. You will soon find yourself using them too.

grannylyn65 Fri 13-Nov-15 20:31:19

I just have Post It notes everywhere, but particularly by the kettle!

grannyisland Fri 13-Nov-15 21:15:36

Ah.... true shysal! ??

grannyisland Fri 13-Nov-15 21:17:25

Forgot emoticons don't work here confused

Elrel Fri 13-Nov-15 21:19:21

Why do I always find the previous thing I've mislaid when looking for the currently urgent one? I have CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) but overcame it this week as I had intended to give two friends lunch for months. It was good to see the dining table (usually under books/papers and/or toys) and I made Slimming World soup and crustless quiche. We had a lovely time and I'm sure it will encourage me to get/stay tidier and maybe the kitchen window key will emerge from its hiding place!

narrowboatnan Fri 13-Nov-15 21:25:55

Ethel - it sounds a though you are quite tired. Are you getting enough sleep?

narrowboatnan Fri 13-Nov-15 21:28:19

I put my purse in a safe place last week. Any of you any idea where this safe place is cos I'm buggered if I do confused