The 10 most lost items in Belgium (and how to protect them)

In Belgium, the average adult loses about 3 important items per year. That amounts to millions of euros in losses and countless hours spent searching. Here is the ranking of the most frequently lost items, with tips to protect them.

1. Keys (33% of losses)

Keys top the list without surprise. Car keys, house keys, office keys… We put them down everywhere and forget them. Solution: a Bluetooth tracker (AirTag, Tile) attached to your keyring lets you locate them from your smartphone.

2. Smartphone (28%)

Ironically, the device we use to find everything else is itself the second most lost item. Enable the "Find My" function (Find My on iOS, Find My Device on Android) as soon as you buy your phone.

3. Wallet and bank cards (24%)

Losing your wallet in Belgium is a nightmare: cash, Bancontact cards, eID, STIB Mobib cards… Choose a wallet with a built-in tracker or slip a flat AirTag card inside.

4. Glasses (18%)

Prescription glasses and sunglasses are very frequently misplaced. An engraved tag with a phone number on the inside of the frame increases the chances of return.

5. Luggage and bags (15%)

Handbags, backpacks, suitcases in transit… Belgian public transport (STIB, SNCB, De Lijn, TEC) and Brussels-Zaventem Airport are the main locations for losses. Always clearly identify your luggage with your name, email and phone number.

6. Official documents (12%)

Passports, driving licences, Belgian identity cards (eID)… These documents are difficult to replace and require costly procedures at municipal offices. Scan your documents and store digital copies in a secure cloud.

7. Earphones and audio accessories (11%)

AirPods, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth headphones — their small size makes them very easy to forget on SNCB trains or Brussels trams. Apple models benefit from the Find My network.

8. Jewellery (9%)

Rings, watches, bracelets: often removed to wash hands or exercise, they are easily forgotten. Make a habit of always leaving them in the same spot at home.

9. Laptop (7%)

Engrave your contact number on your laptop and enable location tracking. A reward-on-return label significantly increases recovery chances, especially in Belgian co-working spaces and universities.

10. Clothing and accessories (6%)

Scarves, gloves, umbrellas, hats: clothing forgotten in transport or restaurants makes up a non-negligible share of lost items in Belgium. Valuable clothing deserves a label with your email address.

eFinder: the solution for all these items in Belgium

Whatever the lost or found item in Belgium, eFinder centralises listings and facilitates contact between owners and finders. Our matching algorithm analyses descriptions to identify probable matches across Belgium.