A Lost and Found Basket Works!
A Lost and Found Basket Works!
“Keep a lost & found basket in a central location where family members can stash things they find lying around the house and look for things they have lost.”
– Harold Taylor
I subsequently do this and it works!
I use it a lot. Much more than the rest of the family. It makes me crazy when things are lying around, and out of place, since I like everything neat and organized more than everyone else.
“Everything in its place” is my motto.
When the space is organized through the use of baskets, bins, or boxes, wayward items will seem more organized and there will be a central location for all family members to look for items that are “lost”.
It’s certainly quick and easy. Throughout the day, you may choose to walk the circuit in your home to collect items, or you may grab them as you go.
You can create order in no-time-flat! Share on X
Why not see if a Lost and Found Basket works for you?
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Janet Schiesl
Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.
She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.
Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Janet Schiesl
Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.
She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.
Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
The ‘lost and found’ basket is an excellent way to keep clutter contained and ready to be rerouted. It can either work well or become another collecting vessel that is never emptied. But when it works, it’s fantastic.
It’s not always possible, but I prefer to return the ‘transient’ items to their homes immediately. I know that’s not always possible, which is when the basket idea is especially helpful.
I have some clients with baskets for each member in their family, and the mom stays on top of it and makes sure things are put away.
I agree with you, the purpose of having a basket is to make sure it doesn’t become a clutter collector, mom dad and kids need to be in charge. It’s also good to start teaching the kids from an early age.
Such a great idea! We are perfectly accustomed to the concept in public places, but might not think to have one in a busy home. I have baskets for each family member, which is where I put their belongings if I find them lying around. However, where to put things if I don’t know who owns it? You just answered my question!
it’s always a good idea. It feels like kids put things on the floor and forget about them. The basket helps minimize the clutter laying around, even if you didn’t know who it belongs to, having a place to go and not be completely lost is a good idea.
The idea of a “lost and found” basket is terrific. It also works for things that are laying about but are not lost – just things out of place. When you don’t have the time or inclination to put something away (particularly if the ‘home’ is in an inconvenient place having a basket is a great way to tidy up. Then you can take the basket with you as you ferry the items to their homes.
Absolutely, thanks Diane.
I think this is a great idea. I am wondering if it helps family members to put their things away?
This has become an easy thing for all moms to stay in control of toys, socks, shoes and other items. As long as we get to it at the end of the day or week and find the right home for each item.
Great idea! The best thing about a Lost & Found basket seems to be that the mom of the home doesn’t feel obligated to schlep the misplaced items back to their proper homes. It would be better for the kids and spouse to put things away, but at least this solution keeps one person from having to pamper family members who are old enough to know better!
I can see the basket getting full, but perhaps this works in concert with a daily or weekly refresh where everyone in the family has to take their possessions out of the lost & found basket or Mom gets to sell/donate/purloin them!
That is absolutely true. The baskets will keep the items in one place instead of scattered around the floor. It might take few attempts to have everyone take care of emptying these baskets. Designate an afternoon or a week end, same thing like doing their homework.
Mom gets to sell/donate… not a bad idea.
I love this! Our house right now is multi-level, so I have a few baskets that travel up and down the levels so I don’t have to every time I want to put something away. Thank you for sharing!
That’s wonderful! I’m happy that the basket idea works for your family.