Terms of UseHow to Find Things You Lost Explore this Article parts 1 Retracing Your Steps 2 Doing a Systematic Search 3 Getting Help Looking for the Item 4 Keeping Yourself from Losing Things in the Future + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS
Last Updated: April 23, 2025
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This article was co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS. Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. This article has been viewed 1,215,457 times.
Losing something can be annoying and inconvenient -- or totally nerve-wracking, depending on what's gone missing. Especially when its something you really want in a short period of time. Whether you've lost your wallet or your favorite necklace, the right tricks can help you find the lost item in a hurry. Retracing your steps can help you figure out where you lost it, but you're probably going to have to do a thorough search at each point. The key is staying calm, so you don't end up making it even harder to find your missing item.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 4:
Retracing Your Steps
1 Determine the last time you saw the item. It’s probably obvious, but the first step in tracking down the thing you’ve lost is picturing where you last had it. Even if it’s not the exact spot where you lost it, it may jog your memory so you start to remember where you left it. If it is not there, continue to broaden your search area--even if you don't usually bring your keys into the bathroom, you should still check there! [1]XResearch source
Not sure when you last saw the thing you’ve lost? Jot down a list of the last few places you can remember seeing it.
2 Get into the mindset you had the last time you saw the item. It may seem a little silly, but remembering what you were thinking and feeling when you last had your item can sometimes help you track it down. You’ll bring yourself back into the moment when you last had the item you’re looking for so little details that can help you find it come back to you.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Walk through all of the locations you’ve been since you lost the item. When you remember the last time you saw your missing item, you’ll want to go back to all of the spots you’ve been since you last had it. If you’re lucky, you just dropped the missing item and you’ll stumble upon it again just by walking through the space.[3]XResearch source
If you can’t retrace all of your steps since you last had the missing item, making a phone call can be a good substitute. For example, if you last remember having your cell phone at a hotel and you took a flight home, call the hotel and the airport to see if someone’s found it.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 4:
Doing a Systematic Search
1 Calm down. Of course you’re going to be freaked out if you’ve lost something important like your wallet or cellphone. But you’re going to have a harder time finding it if you’re all stressed out. Try to relax before you start looking so you have a clear head.[4]XResearch source
Having trouble calming down? Take a few slow, deep breaths to help relax yourself.
2 Check the areas where it should be. Even if you don’t remember putting the missing item back, start your search in the spot where it should be. If you always toss your keys in the basket next to the door, that’s the first place to look.[5]XResearch source
If there are a couple of spots where you usually keep the item, search all of them to be sure you don’t miss it.
Do a slow, careful search. If you start throwing things around in a panic, you’re just going to make a bigger mess and make it even harder to find your item.
It may seem like common sense, but don’t forget to check your pockets and bag. You may have tossed the item in to get it out of the way.
3 Widen your search range to a larger area. If your missing item isn’t in the spot where you usually keep it, it’s time to look in a larger area. Search a few inches out from the spot where you started and see if the item turns up.[6]XResearch source
If you still don’t find what you’re looking for, expand your search again. Keep widening your search area little by little until you find what you’re looking for.
4 Clean up the area. Sometimes, even expanding the search area doesn’t help you find what you’re looking. Unfortunately, there’s usually only one solution if that happens -- you’ve got to do some cleaning. If the room you’re searching is a mess, you’re probably going to miss the item. Tidy up the area to get rid of any clutter and your missing item just may turn up.[7]XResearch source . Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 4:
Getting Help Looking for the Item
1 Ask friends, coworkers, and/or family members. Sometimes, you may think you’ve lost something when someone else just borrowed or moved it. Ask anyone who’s been around the item if they’ve seen it or know where it is.[8]XResearch source
If you keep losing items because friends, family, or coworkers are always “borrowing” them, don’t feel bad about telling them to ask before they take anything. That’s the only way to keep track of your stuff.
2 Visit the lost-and-found in public locations. If you lose your item at a store, restaurant, or other public place, you can get lucky if someone else finds it for you. Head to the lost-and-found to ask if your item’s been turned in.[9]XResearch source
If your item isn’t in the lost-and-found yet, leave your contact info. That way, they can get in touch with you if it does show up.
3 Post fliers for the lost item. If you can’t find your item and you know you lost it in a certain area, make up a flier with all the important details. Describe the item and give your contact info so people can get in touch if they’ve found it. Hang the fliers up in the area and cross your fingers.[10]XResearch source
Post the fliers on telephone poles or bulletin boards in the area where people are most likely to see them.
If you’re really desperate to find your missing item, a reward can sometimes convince people to turn it in.
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Part 4 Part 4 of 4:
Keeping Yourself from Losing Things in the Future
1 Be consciously aware as you go through your daily routine. You’re more likely to lose stuff if you’re not thinking about what you’re doing throughout the day. Try to be more conscious about what you’re doing in your daily routine so you don’t wind up leaving your keys, wallet, or cellphone where you shouldn’t.[11]XResearch source
2 Keep your home and work areas uncluttered. If your home or desk is always a mess, it’s much easier to lose something. Don’t clutter up tables, desks, counters, and other flat surfaces or you can wind up hiding things that you’ll need.[12]XResearch source
Think about it this way: if you throw your cell phone down on an empty coffee table that isn’t covered with magazines and books, you’ll always be able to spot it.
3 Have specific spots to store items. The easiest way to keep from losing stuff is having certain spots where you put your items at the end of the day. Keep your keys on a hook beside the door, charge your phone on your nightstand, or store your wallet in the same pocket in your bag so you always know where you stuff is.[13]XResearch source
Be as specific as you can when you store your items. Don’t just hang your umbrella on any hook in the hallway -- always put it on the middle hook.
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Expert Q&A
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Question Am I at risk of getting my identity stolen if I lose my driver's license? Saul Jaeger, MS Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. Saul Jaeger, MS Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Answer Unfortunately, yes. With the prevalence of identity theft, finding a real ID is like gold for a criminal. In the vast majority of cases, someone is probably going to find it and turn it in to a business or drop it off in a mailbox and it won't be a big deal. But (and this is a big but), if a criminal does get their hands on it they could absolutely do some damage. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 61 Helpful 134
Question What happens if I get too stressed out about it? Community Answer Try to relax by drinking a calming tea, doing some yoga, meditating, or taking a walk. After about an hour, when your mind is clear and you are not stressed out anymore, try searching for the object again. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 248 Helpful 190
Question I dropped something tiny. How do I find it? Community Answer If it's reflective, put your eye down to the floor and shine a flashlight across it. If it's magnetic, buy a strong magnet and run it through cracks and along the floor. Put a nylon stocking over the end of a vacuum cleaner and vacuum the floor, checking the stocking to see what gets stuck there. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 335 Helpful 883
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
If you look in all the places where your item should be and you still can’t find it, hit the spots where it shouldn’t be too. You may not usually bring your phone into the bathroom, but if you can’t find it anywhere else, check the vanity just to be safe. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always losing your stuff? You can purchase a small, coin-sized tracker to stick on your wallet, keys, or phones, and then use an app on your smartphone to track it whenever it goes missing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you have lost an item such as a wallet, look where you keep your money. If you lost a phone, look where you use your phone most often. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Saul Jaeger, MS Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department This article was co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS. Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. This article has been viewed 1,215,457 times. 481 votes - 56% Co-authors: 108Updated: April 23, 2025 Views: 1,215,457Article SummaryX
To find something you lost, try walking through every room you've been in since the last time you remember having it. If you think it might be lost in a public place, call any establishments you've visited recently and ask if anyone has turned it in. You can also try cleaning up any rooms it might be lost in since it could be hidden behind or underneath something. If all else fails, ask your friends, coworkers, or family members if they borrowed it or know where it is. For tips on keeping track of your stuff in the future, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Maya Lerend
Dec 25, 2021
"I lost my sleeping mask and I can't sleep without it and this helped so much. First I calmed down, then started looking. I found it under my bed behind my skateboard. I do recommend this method for anyone who has lost stuff. I will definitely use this again"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Saul Jaeger, MS Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department 481 votes - 56% Click a star to vote 56% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 108Updated: April 23, 2025 Views: 1,215,457
Maya Lerend
Dec 25, 2021
"I lost my sleeping mask and I can't sleep without it and this helped so much. First I calmed down, then started looking. I found it under my bed behind my skateboard. I do recommend this method for anyone who has lost stuff. I will definitely use this again"..." more
E.K. S.
Feb 8, 2024
"I try to practice many of the ideas you mentioned in your article. I find that a lot of people when they are looking for something will glance around and not take the time to move things that could be covering up the one they are looking for."..." more
Mehdi Lambar
Jun 6, 2019
"I had lost my phone. Even though I searched everywhere, I couldn't find it. I started freaking out. But when I read this article, there were some steps that helped me remember a place I didn't search in, and I found it!"..." more
Kiana Hashemi
Jun 6, 2016
"Omg thank you so much. At the step of "look everywhere" I finally found the thing I lost. I think I laughed like crazy for a good 5 minutes. Again, I hope this helps someone as much as it helped me. Thank you so much."..." more
Eileen England
Jul 5, 2017
"Setting up a routine, especially getting up at the same time every day, was helpful. Clearing clutter is easier said than done, but I believe it is worthwhile. Eating the right food regularly is also useful."..." more More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Saul Jaeger, MS Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department This article was co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS. Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. This article has been viewed 1,215,457 times. 481 votes - 56% Co-authors: 108 Updated: April 23, 2025 Views: 1,215,457 Article SummaryX
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
579 
1 Determine the last time you saw the item. It’s probably obvious, but the first step in tracking down the thing you’ve lost is picturing where you last had it. Even if it’s not the exact spot where you lost it, it may jog your memory so you start to remember where you left it. If it is not there, continue to broaden your search area--even if you don't usually bring your keys into the bathroom, you should still check there! [1] 
2 Get into the mindset you had the last time you saw the item. It may seem a little silly, but remembering what you were thinking and feeling when you last had your item can sometimes help you track it down. You’ll bring yourself back into the moment when you last had the item you’re looking for so little details that can help you find it come back to you.[2] Advertisement 
3 Walk through all of the locations you’ve been since you lost the item. When you remember the last time you saw your missing item, you’ll want to go back to all of the spots you’ve been since you last had it. If you’re lucky, you just dropped the missing item and you’ll stumble upon it again just by walking through the space.[3] 
1 Calm down. Of course you’re going to be freaked out if you’ve lost something important like your wallet or cellphone. But you’re going to have a harder time finding it if you’re all stressed out. Try to relax before you start looking so you have a clear head.[4] 
2 Check the areas where it should be. Even if you don’t remember putting the missing item back, start your search in the spot where it should be. If you always toss your keys in the basket next to the door, that’s the first place to look.[5] 
3 Widen your search range to a larger area. If your missing item isn’t in the spot where you usually keep it, it’s time to look in a larger area. Search a few inches out from the spot where you started and see if the item turns up.[6] 
4 Clean up the area. Sometimes, even expanding the search area doesn’t help you find what you’re looking. Unfortunately, there’s usually only one solution if that happens -- you’ve got to do some cleaning. If the room you’re searching is a mess, you’re probably going to miss the item. Tidy up the area to get rid of any clutter and your missing item just may turn up.[7] . Advertisement 
1 Ask friends, coworkers, and/or family members. Sometimes, you may think you’ve lost something when someone else just borrowed or moved it. Ask anyone who’s been around the item if they’ve seen it or know where it is.[8] 
2 Visit the lost-and-found in public locations. If you lose your item at a store, restaurant, or other public place, you can get lucky if someone else finds it for you. Head to the lost-and-found to ask if your item’s been turned in.[9] 
3 Post fliers for the lost item. If you can’t find your item and you know you lost it in a certain area, make up a flier with all the important details. Describe the item and give your contact info so people can get in touch if they’ve found it. Hang the fliers up in the area and cross your fingers.[10] 
1 Be consciously aware as you go through your daily routine. You’re more likely to lose stuff if you’re not thinking about what you’re doing throughout the day. Try to be more conscious about what you’re doing in your daily routine so you don’t wind up leaving your keys, wallet, or cellphone where you shouldn’t.[11] 
2 Keep your home and work areas uncluttered. If your home or desk is always a mess, it’s much easier to lose something. Don’t clutter up tables, desks, counters, and other flat surfaces or you can wind up hiding things that you’ll need.[12] 
3 Have specific spots to store items. The easiest way to keep from losing stuff is having certain spots where you put your items at the end of the day. Keep your keys on a hook beside the door, charge your phone on your nightstand, or store your wallet in the same pocket in your bag so you always know where you stuff is.[13] 
Saul Jaeger, MS Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. 
Community Answer Try to relax by drinking a calming tea, doing some yoga, meditating, or taking a walk. After about an hour, when your mind is clear and you are not stressed out anymore, try searching for the object again. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 248 Helpful 190 
Community Answer If it's reflective, put your eye down to the floor and shine a flashlight across it. If it's magnetic, buy a strong magnet and run it through cracks and along the floor. Put a nylon stocking over the end of a vacuum cleaner and vacuum the floor, checking the stocking to see what gets stuck there. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 335 Helpful 883