All my life, I've been forgetful and easily distractible. I joke that I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached. This challenge is part of my ADHD, and I can't overcome it with sheer willpower. The list of things that I've lost over the years is staggering- homework (oh so much homework…it was usually stuffed somewhere in my locker), clothing, books, charging cables, water bottles, earrings (what am I supposed to do with the remaining single earrings?) and a white polar bear stuffed animal (he was left in a hotel room on a road trip as a child). I'm looking forward to learning where all my things went when I die and go to heaven.

     So if this can’t be overcome with sheer willpower, how can you adapt? Check out these techniques or tools to see if you find something that would be useful for yourself.

Information
* Create a tool for yourself for storing the data you need to be able to access reliably. This website is full of high-yield medical information that is rapidly accessible, but a website is a labor-intensive option. You don’t have to invest time and money into a website. Here are some other options (check out this post for more details):

     -  Invest in a planner. Electronic options that sync are useful because they minimize the need to re-write things in multiple places. Another option that I prefer is one notebook that keeps all my events in one place, along with my collection of lists and reminders.

     -  Write everything down. My planner is my note repository. The Apple Notes application is also useful because it can sync across multiple Apple devices. At home or work, dry-erase poster paper can be used to take notes, keep track of schedules and provide reminders for long-term tasks and due dates.

     -  Trello is a user-friendly free application with multiple functions, including the creation of lists, storage of documents, and the ability to share notes or documents among team members/ family members.

Items

* Magnet strips. Using magnetic sheets the size of business cards, cut pieces and strips to put on various items and stick them to the fridge or other magnetic surface of your choice. For example, if you use dry-erase poster paper on the refrigerator, thin strips of magnet can be cut to fit along the length of several dry eraser markers, so they're always on hand when you have something to jot on the whiteboard

* Keys on a hook by the front door. 3M hooks work well, but the hook design isn’t as important as placement, ideally not in direct sight of the door. You can also hang your work ID badge or any other small items you need when you leave the house.

* Keep track of all your cords with these tie wraps. Inexpensive and sturdy. I didn’t think there was any way I’d use 50- I figured maybe a couple, just for a handful of my charging cables that always end up in a jumble. But trust me, you'll find plenty of uses for them!

Finances and Important Documents

* Save receipts for anything valuable. If it was purchased online, download the digital receipt. Use the "Create PDF" function to combine receipts. For paper receipts, an envelope in a drawer is a simple option. Every so often, review the receipts, and if there is anything you don't need anymore, toss it.

* Paper shredder. Anything with personal information should be destroyed before being thrown away. This is technically not about avoiding losing something, but it’s an important task so it is included here.

* Taxes. Instead of waiting until tax season, keep track of key documents and expenses throughout the year. A running spreadsheet of business expenses, donations, etc, can avoid the frantic search in March.

* Metal rack of hanging file folders. Each folder has a different label, including taxes (donation receipts, investment statements, etc), moves (signed leases, welcome packet with key information, etc), and business (bank paperwork, original EIN and registration forms, deposited checks).