Having trouble keeping track of your TV remote? You’re not alone. With small remotes getting lost in couch cushions or falling between chair cushions, keeping your remote in one place can be a frustrating challenge. But with some simple solutions, you can get control of your remotes and keep them within easy reach.
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Why Do Remotes Get Lost So Easily?
Remotes get lost for a few key reasons:
- They’re small and portable – Many remotes are lightweight and specifically designed to be picked up and moved around frequently. This makes them easy to misplace.
- Multiple remotes – Most households have 3-4 remotes for various devices. Keeping track of so many little gadgets can be tough.
- Couch cushions – The plushness of couches and armchairs allows remotes to easily fall into cracks and crevices between cushions.
- Clutter – When surfaces like coffee tables get covered in magazines, books, toys, etc, remotes can get buried and forgotten.
Solutions for Keeping Your Remote in One Spot
Luckily, with some simple solutions, you can corral those remotes and always know just where to find them. Here are some effective tips and tricks to keep your remotes in one designated spot:
Remote Caddies
Remote caddies or holders are a popular way to store multiple remotes together in one place. These caddies have multiple compartments, elastic straps, or clips to neatly hold remotes. They come in many styles such as:
- Acrylic caddies – Clear acrylic boxes with divided sections and snap-on lids.
- Silicone holders – Flexible silicone molds with spaces for multiple remotes.
- Magnetic strips – Use magnets to hold remotes on a bar or board.
- Wooden docks – Charging stations with docks for each remote.
Place your remote caddy on an accessible surface like an end table or coffee table to always know where your remotes live.
Command Strips
Another way to keep remotes handy is by using Command strips or hooks to mount them on the wall. This gets them up off surfaces where they can get knocked around and lost. Place strips or hooks:
- On the wall beside the TV or media console.
- On the side of a coffee table.
- By a favorite armchair.
Group all your most-used remotes together in one spot for easy access. Command products make it simple to mount them securely and remove them without damaging your walls.
Beside Baskets
Small storage baskets are ideal catch-alls for remote controls. Look for baskets that are:
- Low-profile – Shallow baskets don’t take up much room on tables.
- Small – Baskets with small footprints contain multiples remotes easily.
- Mesh – Wire or mesh baskets make remotes visible at a glance.
Place a basket on an end table near your favorite seat and toss remotes inside as soon as you’re done using them. Out of sight, out of mind!
Charging Stations
For households with many remotes to keep charged, a charging station can be a game changer. These docking systems have built-in batteries and ports to charge multiple devices at once. Benefits include:
- All-in-one charging – No more digging for the right chargers.
- Organization – Remotes have designated docks so there’s a place for everything.
- No dead batteries – Fully charged remotes are always ready to use.
Place charging stations in centrally located spots like the living room or family room so they’re handy whenever remotes need to be charged up.
Velcro
For a quick DIY storage solution, use Velcro strips to attach remotes to surfaces. Add Velcro tape to the back of remotes and the sides of coffee tables, TV stands, or walls. When remotes aren’t in use, simply secure them with the Velcro strips so they stay put.
Attachment Straps
Another DIY option is using stretchy silicone attachment straps to wrangle remotes. These flexible straps can wrap around remotes and attach them to surfaces like sofa arms, side tables, headboards, etc. Coil them around remotes when not in use for out of the way storage.
Tips for Keeping Remotes Organized
Once you have a designated storage spot for your remotes, keep these tips in mind:
- Label remotes – Use sticky labels, tags, or colored tape to mark what each remote is for.
- Use remote finder buttons – Many cable and streaming device remotes have buttons that make them beep so you can find them between couch cushions.
- Reduce clutter – Try to keep nearby surfaces like coffee tables free of clutter so remotes have a clear home base.
- Make a routine – Get in the habit of always putting remotes back in their storage spot after use.
Creative Storage Solutions
If you want to get really creative with your remote storage, try these unique ideas:
- Mount them on the wall with pegboard and hooks
- Store them in a vintage lunchbox or pencil case
- Keep them in a custom Lego brick holder
- Hang them from command hook racks
- Bookshelf cubbies or magazine files
- Eyeglass case or jewelry holder
- Repurposed wall-mounted spice racks
High-Tech Remote Finders
If you constantly misplace remotes and need some tech help, remote finder devices are handy innovations. They work by attaching a small receiver to your remote, then using a remote locator to make your remote beep when lost. Popular options include:
- Tile Mate – Attach the thin Tile Mate receiver to your remote, then use the Tile app on your phone to ping the remote when you can’t find it.
- Esky – This remote finder has a locator and color-coded receivers to find multiple remotes.
- ClickR – Uses a key fob clicker and remote receivers to activate a beeping alarm.
Keep Your Remotes Handy
Never lose your remotes in the couch again! With a plethora of clever storage solutions, you can keep all your remotes neatly corralled and easy to find. Try using remote caddies, command hooks, baskets, charging stations or creative DIY options to give your remotes one designated home. Establish routines like always putting remotes away after use and labeling them for easy identification. With a little strategy, you’ll eliminate the remote control clutter and always have them at your fingertips.