Here's the rule: as soon as you come home, you must "unpack" your bags/pockets/whatever and put things where they belong. I know this is the last thing you want to do after being out all day, but if you can train yourself to quickly stash everything your home (or at least your entry area) will be as neat as a pin, AND you might even be able to find your keys. Make it easy on yourself by installing hooks for keys, coatracks, shoe storage, etc. right by the door you usually use. Put the charger for your cell phone there, and find yourself a nice tray or basket to keep your wallet or incoming mail or whatever it is you usually have in your hand when you walk in the door. I know it's a pain, but think of the time you will save by never having to hunt for your keys or cell phone. Plus, if someone drops in unexpectedly you won't break into a sweat trying to hide your mess.
I am guilty of violating this rule from time to time, and every time I regret it. I usually have a bag for work, a bag for my daughter's day care stuff, mail, keys, wallet, cell phone, and some groceries. Well, the other day I was grumpy and I decided it would be OK to dump everything inside the front door "just for now," and in so doing lost the only key to my bike. To go looking for it I had to rifle through all those different bags and now the entryway is a jumbled mess of books, papers, clothes, diapers, and other random stuff, and I STILL haven't found the key. Save your future self the headache of searching for stuff and take 2 minutes to unpack when you come home. And when you get to be your "future self" don't forget to admire your "past self" for doing you a huge favor.
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