Cure for a Bad Memory

Candle tickler Card

A tickler card is a note to tickle your memory. While tickler cards are used by businesses to help them keep on track, they are very helpful at home. The one I use most often reminds me to take out the garbage and recycling. Our garbage/recycle service picks up on Friday—just once/week. So if I forgot, it piles up and worse, it smells. Knowing that motivates me. Using a tickler card, all I need to remember is placing the card in the spot where I will see it.

---

Trash tickler card

Each Thursday I take my tickler card (the same card I’ve used for years) from the magnetic container on the refrigerator. I place the card in a standing clip and position it on the kitchen counter near the coffee maker. Notice the location. You have to put the card where you are sure to see it. I am a coffee drinker. After breakfast Friday morning, I gather the papers, glass, etc. to recycle, and the trash to throw away. Once it’s outside ready for pickup, I put the tickler card back in its place on the fridge for use the next week. As you can see from my tickler cards below, they are abbreviated reminders. The trash day card does not state:

• Check refrigerator and discard (or compost) if needed
  
• Gather trash from every room including the basement 
  
• Place newspapers and other papers in recycling bin
  
• Place plastic, tin, and aluminum separate from glass
  
• Place glass in a separate container and label “glass”
  
• Wheel garbage can and recyclables down to the side of the road

I know all of those things in my head, so I don’t need to list them on my tickler card. The other card I often use reminds me to start the dishwasher. I always start the dishwasher when I’m at home and while I’m awake. Why? Years ago, I started the dishwasher, went to bed, and woke up to water on the kitchen floor from a leaky pipe. And while we hadn’t had a water leakage problem in years, once was enough. If the dishwasher is filled and ready before I go to bed, I simply take out my tickler card from the same magnetic container on the refrigerator. I place the card in a standing clip and position it on the kitchen counter near the—you guessed it—coffee maker.

You can create tickler cards for any repeated task where you need a reminder. When I burn a candle, I place the “Candle” tickler card on my purse—all it says is “Candle.” Before I leave the house, I know I need to blow out any burning candles. My newest tickler card? “Blog.” It’s another weekly task on my list and I need a reminder. What about you? Leave a comment and let me know the tickler cards you have or would like to create. 

---