Name your belongings so you can find them later

Start with the word you would search for

Imagine needing the item a month from now. Would you type “adapter”, “charger” or “power supply”? Choose the word you normally use so the record matches how you look for things.

For belongings shared at home, agree on a name everyone understands. If a term is technical, add a plain-language explanation in the description.

Add one useful detail

The item and one distinguishing feature are usually enough: its purpose, colour or size. You do not need to list everything visible in the photo.

For a charger, the device matters; for a tablecloth, the size; for keys, the lock they fit. Start with one detail and put other information in the description.

Example names

• Laptop charger — black
• Extension cable — 3 metres
• White tablecloth — 150 × 200
• Spare bicycle keys

Keep the item name separate from its location

An item can move from a shelf to a drawer while its name stays the same. Record its location with the box or in the description: “Bedroom wardrobe, top shelf”.

In My Stuff, you can group belongings in a virtual box that corresponds to their physical storage place. When you move an item, update its record and box assignment to keep the list useful.

Pair the name with a photo

For similar belongings, photograph a detail that identifies them: a cable connector, a fabric pattern or the shape of a key. Check that the relevant detail is clearly visible.

The app lets you save an item's photo, name and description. For example, use “Laptop charger — black” as the name and specify which laptop it is for in the description.

Try it with three similar items

Add three chargers or three items from one drawer. Close the item card and try finding the one you need by name. If a different word came to mind first, adjust the record or add an explanation.

One small drawer is enough for a first attempt. Then use the same approach elsewhere: a familiar word, one distinguishing detail, a photo and a clear storage location.