Finders Keepers

Can’t find your keys (or another small object)?  Stay calm. Look for the object where it’s supposed to be and in close proximity to that location.  Be systematic. Thoroughly search a select area and then move on. Don’t re-search areas.  Search areas with clutter. Prevent lost time by looking in areas where an item is easy to overlook among other items.  Retrace your steps. Vividly try to walk through the actions, feelings, and context of when you last had the item.  Avoid creating a false memory. If searching with someone else, ask open-ended questions – not questions like “Remember, we saw it in the hallway?”