Four habits for the things you own.
15 October 2026 · 4 habits · by the Lifeable team
Things you own come with dates and facts you'll need exactly once, at the worst moment: the warranty when it breaks, the service date when it rattles, where the spare key is. These four habits write it down while you still know.
1. Keep the receipt where you can find it
The day something breaks is the day you need the bill.
Warranties are only useful if you know they exist. When you buy something that matters, note when, where, the price and the warranty end date. Future you will thank you.
- Add your most expensive appliance or device
- Note the warranty end date
- Add where the bill is kept
Two minutes now saves a fight later.
2. Write down where it is
Spare keys, passports, warranties — where exactly?
Hunting for important things wastes hours a year. Note where you keep the important ones: documents drawer, spare keys, the box with the warranties.
- Pick five important things at home
- Note exactly where each one is
- Update it if you move them
Find it in seconds, not hours.
3. Service dates on the calendar
Cars, ACs, water filters — before they break.
Most breakdowns are skipped services. Note when each thing was last serviced and when it's due next, and let the date come to you.
- Pick two things that need regular service
- Add the last service date
- Set a reminder for the next one
Look after it, it looks after you.
4. Declutter one drawer
Not the house. Just one drawer.
Decluttering everything is overwhelming. Decluttering one drawer takes ten minutes and feels great. Do one a week and the house changes in months.
One drawer at a time.
