# It's time to go - do you know where your keys are? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 21, 2022, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168 "2022-01-21T12:30:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/61 "2022-01-21T18:30:45Z")
All the things that go with me when I leave the house have a place: wallet, keys, phone, watch, Blistek, hat, gloves, water bottle, etc. all reside in the same place whenever I am at home so they are not lost and are easily taken up. Similarly, all these things have a specific pocket or place on my person when I am outside the home so that I don’t misplace them. Some things have a place in the car (phone, hat, gloves, water bottle, etc.) in addition to a place on my person. ---
**Author:** ![BrickBat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/62 "2022-01-21T18:48:38Z")
That’s an easy question. Waking hours: On the small counter of a pass-through window between the kitchen and living room. Keys, wallet, phone and watch. Sleeping hours: On the nightstand beside my bed. I do this because If there were ever a fire and/or whereby it wasn’t safe to leave the bedroom, I could grab them and bail out the window ( just 2 feet from the ground ). ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/63 "2022-01-21T18:55:29Z")
House key is on a purpose-bought carabiner ([mini pear](https://www.kong.it/en/product/mini-pear/)), which is usually hooked on a make-up bag (very little actual make-up in it), which goes in my purse, or is hooked on a key loop of a larger bag. But if it’s hooked on a key loop of a larger bag, it’s because I have my car key as well, which is also hanging on the carabiner. Most of the time the car key/fob sits in the basket by the door, along with my husband’s car key/fob and our work badges. Those are all things we don’t use often, beause we’re working from home, and only use the car once a week. Phone might be plugged in on top of the cabinet in my home office. Might be in the bathroom, kitchen, living room, some place else in my home office, in my purse, backpack, other bag. I spend far more time looking for my phone than for my keys. ---
**Author:** ![Dogginit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogginit/32/16920_2.png) [@Dogginit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogginit)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/64 "2022-01-21T19:14:42Z")
Keys are always clipped to my belt loop, personal & work, or on my nightstand on laundry day. Cell phone is either in my belt holster or on the wireless charger. Other necessary keys (wife’s car, mailbox, camper) in the junk drawer in the kitchen, without fail. ---
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/65 "2022-01-21T19:15:22Z")
There’s a dish inside the door we call the cauldron. All car keys and my wallet live there. We rarely ever have to look for car keys. If we do they are in my wife’s coat pocket because she had her hands full when she came in the house. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/66 "2022-01-21T19:18:28Z")
> [@Keeve](#): > > > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > > > My keys are always in one of the following places: > > > > - The front right pocket of the pants I am currently wearing > > - The front right pockets of the pants I used to be wearing > > - My hand > > - My car’s ignition > > Ditto. I am very surprised that so few posters do this, or some version of it. So I’d like to ask a few followup questions: > > Why do so many people have this need to put their keys somewhere when they get home, rather than keep it in the same place as it had been while out (namely: pocket, purse, wherever). Is it really that uncomfortable to leave them in your pocket? > > And if leaving keys in your pocket IS uncomfortable, then I am very curious what you do while at work. Do you leave your keys in a desk drawer at work, and then realize that they’re still in your desk when you arrive at your car to go home? Etc etc etc Because I don’t always wear trousers (female) and if I do I don’t always wear the same pair two days in a row. I don’t always wear the same coat either. The majority of women carry this thing called a handbag (or pocketbook or purse). Keys go in there whilst at work. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/67 "2022-01-21T19:29:37Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > That’s kind of the whole point of wearing pants. Good thing a kikoi is not pants, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/68 "2022-01-21T20:27:21Z")
My keys are either in my pocket or on my dresser. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/69 "2022-01-21T20:41:45Z")
If I’m at home, my keys are sitting on a shelf in the kitchen. That specific spot has always been their “resting place” since we moved into the house in 1996. (Well, except for the one time that they wound up in the toaster, but we don’t talk about that… 😉 ) If I’m away from home, and I’m not currently in the act of driving, then my keys are in my right front pocket. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/70 "2022-01-22T01:29:14Z")
When not in use, my keys are in a small metal dish on the bookcase near the front door. Last year I added a little rack above this spot where I hang my masks. Is that a thing other people have done so they don’t forget a mask? ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/71 "2022-01-22T01:38:41Z")
I have ADHD and lose things _ **constantly** _. Shoes, my purse, coats, deodorants, hair brushes, DIY and craft items, scissors… There are 2 things I almost never lose, though: my toothbrush and my keys. The keys are hung on the same wooden peg just about every single time I come inside with them. If I can’t find my keys more than twice in the same year, it’s been a bad year. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/72 "2022-01-22T01:46:46Z")
My keys are attached to a belt loop by a carabiner, so I always have them when leaving the house. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/73 "2022-01-22T01:51:39Z")
I always (well, _almost_ always) leave my keys in my [horned lizard bowl](https://hornedlizardcreations.com/bmz_cache/6/6cd1a4df46cc72c234be97e4875c012a.image.750x289.jpg)-repurposed-as-a-catch-all on the end table next to my front door. If my keys _aren’t_ there, I may be in trouble if I have to leave in a hurry…but I do have a spare set in an inside pocket of my day pack if I get desperate. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/74 "2022-01-22T01:51:39Z")
Keys are in the top drawer of the high-boy dresser, along with the wallet, the wedding ring, nail clippers and hanky. They will all dutifully return to the drawer upon completion of the trip. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/75 "2022-01-22T02:43:52Z")
They’re always in my handbag. I only ever use one handbag, don’t swap between them for different outfits, so it always contains keys, oystercard (travel) and so on. I guess it’s trickier for people who don’t regularly take a bag out with them, which would include some women and most men. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/76 "2022-01-22T03:20:04Z")
My keys are **always** attached to my current handbag with a long “leash.” It’s long enough that I can unlock my front door while the key is attached. My car key is one of those fob thingies so it stays on the leash, too. ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/77 "2022-01-22T03:47:47Z")
Right front pocket. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/78 "2022-01-22T04:37:18Z")
At home my keys are on my dresser in an old Havana tobacco box ca. 1885, along with my wallet, watch, and a couple of pocket knives. In the car they’re in my pocket (keyless ignition), and at work they’re in my messenger bag as I swap them for my work keys which live on a lanyard. I cannot imagine not knowing where they are. That would stress me out to no end. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/79 "2022-01-22T15:14:14Z")
One of only three places: - Specific key hook - Clipped to lunch bag - Pocket (rarely) If they are elsewhere, somebody stole them. mmm ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168/80 "2022-01-22T15:44:35Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > > [@MrDibble](#): > > > > my at-home kikois and Thai fisherman’s pants don’t have pockets. > > Even when I’m at home, I want pockets. That’s kind of the whole point of wearing pants. Indeed! A coworker invited me to his nudist camp and I blurted out “But I need pockets!” And having to change pants when you get home (“my at-home kikois”) sounds very 20th century. One day I realized ‘dress pants’ were uncomfortable and a stupid “sell out”, so I started wearing black jeans to the office. No one said anything\*, so I just kept it up for a couple of decades. . \*except my wife: “You’re wearing jeans again? They’re going to fire you…” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-time-to-go-do-you-know-where-your-keys-are/958168.md?page=5)