My exit strategy
Every day, as I leave the house, I have to look for my keys. And then my other keys. And then something else. I’ve decided I need an exit strategy. No, not that kind. I’m talking about the rhyme I say to myself as I leave the house to ensure I have everything I need for the day. When I was a kid, I often heard my mother say “keys, money, hankie, bus pass” as she left the house, and I’ve decided that I’m going to start doing the same thing.
So, from now on, I’m going to say “house keys, car keys, mobile, change for the parking meter, money, food, bottle of water, clubcard, staff discount card”. “Keys, money, hankie, bus pass” certainly is shorter. 
Does that say more about modern life, or about the fact I carry too much junk around in my pockets?
What are your tips for leaving the house efficiently?
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I used to lose my keys/wallet etc… all the time - then I read about the clever idea of having a basket located somewhere near the front door - when you come in, all critical items that will need to go back out with you go in the basket. I haven’t lost my keys in months, and it’s quite a stress-reliever.
Also, if I have other things that need to go out - my water bottle, mail, quarters for the meter - I just pop them in the basket, and that way I don’t forget them as I’m dashing out the door. If it’s too big for the basket (say, drycleaning I need to drop off) sometimes I’ll drop a post-it in there.
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm QuoteThe basket is a good idea. I do have a chest that I keep my change in, perhaps I should empty it and start using it for leaving-the-house stuff instead.
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:04 pm QuoteThat sounds like a great idea. Like your other commenter, we also have a basket right beside or door to throw things like keys, wallet, change, cell phone, bus passes, etc. Just be careful not to let the junk pile up too high in the basket like ours
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm QuoteSandy (Momisodes) said…
That’s probably what will end up happening - old chocolate bar wrappers and receipts galore.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:41 pm QuoteI usually forget something, but now since I never, ever leave the house (snirk), I ALWAYS forget.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 8:54 pm QuoteRee said…
You want to swap jobs? I work with the general public all day - staying at home to work sounds absolutely fantastic.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm QuoteHeh. I wish I could do the basket thing. It sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately most of my things wouldn’t fit in a basket. So I just stand at the door and recite: “Car keys, baby, diaper bag, purse, recycling, shopping list and make sure head is attached.”
I used to work with the general public myself…I feel for you Solomon.
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May 3rd, 2008 at 3:47 pm QuoteSolomon said…
Love it!
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm QuoteMy roommate in college used to say, “Got my keys, got my wallet.” And then we left.
I have adopted that for the last 20 years or so and kind of say it in a sing-song way — the tune goes up on “keys” and down on “wallet”.
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May 5th, 2008 at 10:53 am Quotecardiogirl said…
I seem to recall hearing somewhere that singing, or writing in rhyme, really helps with remembering things. It somehow cements things in the brain better.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:59 am QuoteMy mom used to stand by the stove before we would leave and go Off, off, off, off, like over and over, checking to make sure it was off. I never do that. I do try to make sure the doors are all locked.
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May 6th, 2008 at 5:43 pm QuoteConnie said…
Welcome to my Random Blatherings!
How did you find the blog?
I always panic about not having money for the parking meter. Irrational, because I always make sure I have it, but there you go.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:21 pm Quote