Looking after your things on a night out

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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Limit valuables to one credit card, one ID, and cash when going out to get drunk.
To ensure you return with the same number of items you left with.
- Not leaving the house with belongings helps if you can't keep track of them, but negates having them in the first place.
one person who lived it
Take a taxi or ride-share home instead of parking in unsafe locations like drive-thrus.
Parking in places like Wendy's drive-thru lanes and passing out is dangerous.
one person who lived it
Buy alcohol from a liquor store and consume it at home to reduce cost and risk.
It is cheaper and less risky than other options.
one person who lived it
If you are drunk, stoned, or elderly, sit down before removing your pants to avoid injury.
Standing while undressing in these states can cause falls or pain.
- Some find it mechanically harder to remove pants while sitting.
one person who lived it
If you drink with a group, buy the first few rounds while sober to track your spending and avoid carrying drinks later.
Buying early helps monitor costs while clear-headed and builds rapport before others are too intoxicated to remember.
one person who lived it

Have one person buy and carry several drinks for the group at once rather than each person going individually to save time and reduce crowding.
It is quicker and easier than multiple people crowding the bar.
one person who lived it
Check the bar counter area for dropped bills, as people often lose money while ordering drinks.
one person who lived it
Set children's phone ringtones to something loud and obnoxious so you can locate them easily in emergencies where ride-sharing services are unavailable.
Uber and Lyft are not available in every town.
one person who lived it
Set a consistent routine for removing clothes and storing items so it becomes habitual.
Repetition builds habit.
one person who lived it

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Carry a separate phone when drinking to avoid losing or damaging your primary device.
one person who lived it