As an ADD/ADHD coach, counselor, & support group leader, I have had to find my own solutions to losing things. This following tip has assisted everyone I have passed it on to:

Theory: (1) Verbal (auditory, out-loud) statements tend to register more strongly in memory than do non-verbal "thoughts." (2) Repetition creates non-conscious habits. (3) Awareness is increased through "slowing down" enough to pay attention to what is being done (stay focused...alert...to our actions).

Technique: To lose things less, (1) state aloud the action being done (e.g. "I am putting my keys on the kitchen counter"). As you say it aloud you are (a) slowing down to notice, (b) reinforcing memory, (c) paying attention.

Long term results: The longer you practice this technique, the more automatic it will become, & the easier it is to remember where things were placed (mental images actually will appear). I can easily "picture" where I put things now because I "stopped, looked, & listened."

Bonus: A bonus to the technique is that it "generalizes" (a psychological term that means that learned behaviors transfer to other activities not directly related to the learned behavior). So that, in time, you will most likely learn to slow down & pay attention to your behavior in all aspects of life (i.e., when speaking, shopping, etc.).

I would be interested in hearing results from those who try this technique (all my support group members are gung-ho on the positive results).

Best to all. Keep up the good work!

Dean.