5 Reasons You Keep Losing Things in Your Home

Here’s a familiar scenario: You set something down at home, the phone rings, a family member needs you, or you get distracted by something else, and then all of a sudden that item you set down earlier is nowhere to be found. Losing things around the home happens to all of us every now and then, and when it happens frequently, it can be a major source of frustration.

Do you ever wonder why you keep losing things at home? Well, here’s a hint: It probably has to do with organization and clutter. So, we spoke with pro organizers to find out what they have to say about this common dilemma. Here are five potential reasons you might be misplacing items around your home—and helpful solutions to prevent this problem in the first place.

You Don’t Have Drop Zones

Kris Hargrove, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Kris, says that when items are frequently lost, it’s usually because there aren’t visual cues or designated drop zones for them. “We mindlessly walk to an area of the house and drop items there,” she explains. “Since we’re distracted upon entering the home, we forget where we put things.” 

The organizer suggests creating a drop zone right by your door. The best way to do this is to purchase a bench with storage and hooks for keys and bags. Best of all, this can elevate the design of your space while also keeping you more organized. If your entryway is too small for a piece of furniture, consider installing hooks or a rack instead.

You Have Too Much Stuff

According to Angela O’Brien, professional organizer and founder of Your Space Reclaimed, it can be very challenging to find what you’re looking for if you have too many things. “Decluttering is where I start with all my clients,” she says. “Because we’re using our homes and using the items in our homes, it is perfectly normal and expected for us to move things in, out, and around.”

While she doesn’t recommend treating your home like a museum—a little curation can be immensely helpful. “Taking a few minutes a week—set an alarm if you need help remembering—to go through the house and remove any items that no longer serve you can go a long way toward maintaining a sense of organization in your home.”   

You Haven’t Designated a Space For Your Items

It’s impossible to find things if they don’t have a designated space. For example, do you keep losing your television remotes? Using a decorative tray or basket to corral them on your coffee or side table means you’ll never need to send a search party to look in between your couch cushions again.

You Don’t Put Items Away After You Use Them

Once your items have designated locations, you need to remember to put them away every time you use them. “Even if you don’t remember to put items away after their use, make a habit of ‘closing down the house’ by taking ten to fifteen minutes a night to tidy up before heading to bed,” O’Brien says. “This can mean the difference between a rushed morning searching for your keys and a calm morning knowing that what you need is where you need it.” 

You Aren’t Using AirTags

Things get misplaced in even the most organized homes. If this keeps happening, despite your best efforts, Hargrove advises using AirTags or similar products. “AirTags and Tile Tags that track your keys, wallet, or bag are timesavers in case you revert to your old habits,” she says.