5 Unconventional Life Hacks for Forgetful People

 

We’ve all been there: rushing out the door and halfway through the commute, you wonder, “Did I turn off the stove?” Forgetfulness can sneak up on anyone, especially when life gets hectic. But being forgetful doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of chaos—it just means you might need a few extra tools in your back pocket.

Here are five unconventional (and super practical) hacks to help you stay on top of things and make forgetfulness a thing of the past.

1. Use a Super Loud Alarm for Critical Reminders

Let’s start with the obvious: alarms aren’t just for waking up. A safe alarm clock app with features like custom reminders and super loud alarm sounds can act as your personal safety net. Forget to take out the trash? Need to drink medicine? Set an obnoxiously loud alarm to remind you.

Apps like Ultra Alarm let you customize reminders for specific tasks with features like timed alerts or repetitive alarms. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when that blaring alarm saves you from another “oops” moment.

2. Master the Sticky Note Hack

Sticky notes are a forgetful person’s best friend, and there’s a reason they’re still around—they just work. Place them where you’ll see them: on your front door, your coffee maker, or even your bathroom mirror.

Here’s the twist: instead of plastering sticky notes everywhere, create a dedicated “clutter zone.” This is your go-to spot for reminders, making it less overwhelming while still keeping you on track. Color-coding them by urgency can also help—bright pink for “don’t forget!” and pastel blue for less critical stuff.

If physical sticky notes aren’t your thing, apps like ColorNote are an amazing alternative. You can create digital notes, color-code them, and set reminders right on your phone. It’s like having sticky notes on the go, minus the paper clutter. Perfect for when you need to stay organized without turning your space into a neon explosion.

3. Automate Your Routine with a Safe Alarm

Let’s be real—forgetting stuff doesn’t mean you’re a mess; life is just a lot. That’s where a safe alarm comes in clutch. Instead of trying to remember every little thing, let your phone do the heavy lifting.

Apps like Ultra Alarm are basically your personal assistant. Need a loud, can’t-ignore-it reminder to check the laundry or feed your pets? Boom—problem solved. A well-timed, in-your-face alarm is like having your future self say, “Hey, don’t forget this, you legend.” Bonus: it frees up brain space for the important stuff (like figuring out what’s for dinner).

4. Pair Tasks with Existing Habits

One of the easiest ways to remember something is to link it to something you already do. It’s called habit stacking, and it’s a game-changer.

For example:

• Water your plants while waiting for your coffee to brew.
• Take your vitamins right after brushing your teeth.
• Set an alarm to remind you of your new pair-up habit—“Brush teeth? Time for meds!”

By connecting new tasks to existing habits, you turn forgettable actions into automatic routines.

5. Build a “Forget-Me-Not” System

This one’s a bit more old school but still effective: write it all down. Create a daily “dump and check” list where you jot down every task or thought that crosses your mind throughout the day. Then, set an alarm in the evening to check your list and cross off what you’ve completed.

The beauty of this system is that it offloads mental clutter. Instead of keeping everything in your head, you have a physical or digital log to refer back to. Combine this with recurring alarms for repetitive tasks like locking the doors or switching off the stove, and you’ll be unstoppable.

Bonus Hack: The Double Reminder

For super important tasks (like meeting deadlines or catching a flight), double up on your reminders. Use a free alarm app with custom notifications and follow it up with sticky notes or digital calendar alerts. It’s extra effort but totally worth it for peace of mind.

Forget Less, Stress Less

Being forgetful doesn’t mean you’re hopeless—it just means you need the right tools to stay on track. Whether it’s a super loud alarm sound to remind you about the little but important things, sticky notes (or ColorNote for digital fans) in strategic spots, or pairing tasks with habits you already have, these simple hacks can smooth out your routine and make life feel less chaotic.

The secret is finding what clicks for you. Maybe it’s using Ultra Alarm for loud, reliable reminders or keeping a “dump and check” list to offload the mental clutter. Whatever your method, small changes can lead to big improvements.

Next time you catch yourself stressing over something you forgot, try out one of these tricks. Life doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to feel a little easier. You’ve got this!

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