A new survey has uncovered the everyday items Britons are most likely to lose, revealing that receipts and vouchers top the list, beating out traditional culprits like keys and phones. The research, commissioned by Samsung, indicates that the average person in the UK loses track of at least three physical items every month.
The Hunt for Lost Belongings
The study of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll.com, found that a significant 52% have arrived at a checkout or returns desk without the necessary receipt. Furthermore, over a quarter (27%) of respondents admitted to spending between 20 minutes and a full hour searching for misplaced items. This daily hunt extends beyond the physical world, with 83% now struggling to locate documents or files on their digital devices.
Annika Bizon, spokesperson for Samsung UK & Ireland, commented on the modern frustration: "Searching for something you can't find on a device can be even more infuriating than losing your house keys. You know it's there, you just can't find it."
Digital Disorganisation Adds to Daily Stress
The problem of digital clutter is substantial. The research found that people typically have over 3,000 documents, photos, or videos stored on their devices. A third of those surveyed waste precious time each month—between one and six hours—scrolling through camera rolls or folders trying to locate specific items.
Other key findings highlight the scale of the issue: 30% have misplaced vital passwords, 35% often find items saved in the wrong place accidentally, and nearly one in five (19%) claim they can 'never' find the document they need to share. Interestingly, 34% confessed they lose more belongings as they age, and 52% said disruptions to their daily routine make them more absent-minded.
A Tech Solution for Human Memory
The research was launched to coincide with Samsung's unveiling of its new Galaxy Book6 series at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The device is engineered to help users locate files, photos, and contacts using natural language queries, rather than requiring precise file names or folder locations.
"Now you can ask for what you're looking for in a natural, human way, just as you would ask a friend," explained Annika Bizon. "It's designed around how people remember, not how computers store information, helping give valuable time back." She added that losing things, whether a receipt or a file, causes frustrating disruptions, and managing both physical and digital clutter is becoming an essential modern skill.
TOP 10 ITEMS BRITS COMMONLY MISPLACE:
- TV remote
- Glasses/sunglasses
- Receipts/vouchers
- House keys
- Mobile phone
- Earbuds/headphones
- Paperwork
- Car keys
- Chargers
- Bank cards
