How to Remember Where You Parked
Was your car stolen—or did you just completely forget where you parked it? Here’s how to never have to figure that out again.
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You Will Need
- A cell phone
- A ribbon
Steps
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Step 1
Get into a routine
If it’s part of your daily commute, park in the same place every time. After a while, your brain will automatically head to the spot without even thinking.
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Step 2
Park next to a small spot
Park next to a tiny spot or a small, compact car. That way, when you get back, yours won’t be hidden behind a truck, SUV, or van.
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Step 3
Park under a light
If possible, choose a parking spot that’s underneath a light. Not only is this safer, but your eyes are automatically drawn to the lights in a parking garage -- so you’ll quickly spot your car.
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Tie something bright, like a ribbon, on your roof rack or antenna (if it’s fixed) so you can easily spot it from across the lot.
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Step 4
Think of a jingle
Compose a little song or jingle in your head that describes the parking spot. Studies show the less sense it makes, the better you’ll remember it! Just swap out the lyrics to your favorite tune.
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Step 5
Text it
If you’re really worried you won’t remember, simply text the location to yourself. If you’re charged for texting, just enter the details somewhere in your phone where you can easily delete them later, like the contact section.
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Step 6
Take a final look
Take a look back at your car as you walk away. A recent study found that people who took a final look at something remembered the details better than those who didn’t.
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Research shows we forget 50% of everything we’ve heard within 30 minutes.
