We have all done it. We unplug something, move a piece of furniture or take apart a small household item, only to discover we cannot remember exactly how everything fit together.
Or perhaps we have stood in the grocery store wondering whether the lightbulb at home needs a standard base or a smaller one.
Here is an Everyday Genius trick that requires no special equipment, costs nothing and is probably already in your pocket: Take a picture before you do anything.
Your smartphone camera can be one of the most useful memory tools you own, and not just for capturing birthdays, vacations and grandchildren.
Turn your camera into a second memory
Before unplugging electronics: Photograph the back of your television, computer or entertainment system so you know where every cable belongs.
Before taking something apart: Snap pictures at each stage of a repair or assembly project.
Before shopping: Photograph an empty package, appliance model number or paint can label.
Before leaving a parking garage: Photograph the level or section number.
Before rearranging furniture: Photograph the original setup.
Before storing seasonal decorations: Photograph how everything fits into the storage container.
A photograph can protect your wallet, too
Photograph receipts that might fade, serial numbers that are difficult to reach and the condition of items before a repair or delivery. Pictures can help resolve questions about damage, although important original documents should still be kept when required.
Give those pictures a place to live
Create a photo album on your phone called Remember This or Household Information. Save reference pictures there so they do not disappear among vacation photos and screenshots. Avoid storing passwords or complete financial account numbers in ordinary photo albums.
Today’s Everyday Genius challenge
Before the day ends, find one thing around your home that you regularly struggle to remember. Maybe it is the furnace filter size, washing machine settings or someone’s favorite coffee. Take a picture and save it.
The genius is not in remembering everything. It is in making sure you do not have to.
Everyday Genius shares simple ideas, practical shortcuts and clever solutions that make everyday life a little easier.
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