Today we are going to look at a challenge that troubles countless households: Keeping track of remote controls. Missing remote controls account for hours of lost productivity and families sometimes end up arguing as they attempt to find the missing devices. What are some effective ways to stop misplacing these?
I’m obviously exaggerating a bit here—this challenge is hardly serious in comparison to the other issues facing families today. However, losing remote controls is inconvenient and it happens frequently in my house. I’ve been looking for some way for us to keep track of them and I’ve found some interesting ideas.
How to stop losing remote controls
Designate a spot for the remotes and always place them there
The easiest solution to the problem of misplaced remotes is to designate a place in your home for them and then to always place them in that spot. Locations such as on an end table or on the coffee table in the living room make sense because the remotes would be easily accessible.
Secure the remotes in a designated spot with Velcro
Many families have had success keeping their remotes in a designated spot by using Velcro. Hook-and-loop fasteners, often referred to as Velcro (the brand that originally manufactured the product), consist of two pieces of fabric that attach to one another. One piece has tiny hooks on it and the second contains small loops. Using adhesive varieties, some families place a little Velcro on their remotes and larger pieces of Velcro in the places where they want to store their remotes. This way the remotes are actually attached to the surfaces.
Place the remotes in an over-the-armrest remote holder
Having remotes sitting out doesn’t work for many families. Some of these find it useful to place the remotes in over-the-armrest remote holders. These holders are comprised of rectangular pieces of fabric that have pockets sewn into them. The holders drape over the armrests of chairs or couches so the remotes can be placed in the pockets. You can purchase these holders in a wide variety of styles or, if you have the time and talent, you can make your own.
DIY over-the-armrest remote holders:
Place the remotes in a caddy
This idea is very similar to the armrest holders mentioned above except that these holders sit on surfaces instead of hanging over armrests. You can purchase these or there are numerous ways to make your own.
DIY remote caddies:
- DIY Remote Caddy
- DIY Remote Control Basket
- Jewelry Box Remote Control Storage
- Upcycled Remote Control Holder
Use wireless locating technology
Given how much technology is integrated into our everyday lives, it’s not surprising that companies manufacture products that you can attach to remotes that will allow you to locate them (and other items such as keys and wallets) using wireless technology. There are benefits and drawbacks to these various location finders, so you’ll want to do some research before purchasing one.
There are some helpful ideas here! I think we’ll probably end up using a caddy of some sort. We will be sure to store this someplace where the small, curious hands in our house can’t reach it!
Does your family misplace remotes? If so, what strategies do you use to keep track of them?
Shared at the following:
Farm Fresh Tuesday, Busy Monday, Over the Moon, and Encouraging Hearts and Home.
