As Mercury heads into retrograde for the first time this year – which astrologists say can increase forgetfulness – Australians across the nation may start to feel the effects. But frazzled Australians can find solace in the seventh annual Lost & Found Index – which shows no matter how crazy things in orbit may seem, there’s always something crazier to be found in the back of an Uber ride!

If you’re experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary behaviour from Mercury in retrograde, it turns out you aren’t the only one, with thousands of Australians losing their marbles (literally) and forgetting to take their increasingly wacky items with them as they leave their rides.

From false teeth to a wedding dress, the potential love of someone’s life’s phone number and even a rabbit’s medication, it appears Aussies’ memories really took a backseat this past year. Not even esteemed ex-Olympians can keep track of their gold and prefer to decorate Uber seats with their medals. So, let’s take a deep dive into some of the unusual items in the Uber lost and found bucket this year. 

Love is in the air! Turns out baby brain isn’t clouding Australians’ judgement this year – blame it on the wedding fever. Wedding bands, wedding dresses and marriage certificates have all taken a honeymoon in the back of an Uber.

Over the last year, we discovered bigger does mean better – a better chance of getting left behind that is. If you’re wondering how on earth someone could leave behind a lectern, a giant wall clock or even a fridge, so are we.

“Where the hell are ya?” Oh Australians, always good at remembering to bring their budgies to the beach, or snags to the barbie, but not so good when it comes to remembering their most prized possessions. Stubby holders, a Great Northern bar mat, thongs, a 6 pack of Carlton, full esky coolers, a koala teddy, Paw Paw lip balm and the highly sought after Cool Cabana have all been found following Uber trips. 

Something else was in the air too with passengers leaving behind a few *cough* – intimate items behind including adult toys, a costume and a diamante whip. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when these items are returned… 

Brisbane reigns as Most Organised City, while Sydney and Perth forget everything but the kitchen sink

Brisbane deserves a medal this year as Uber data confirmed it is the most organised city in Australia for the second year running, leaving behind the least amount of items. Unfortunately, not only did Sydney come off second best in last year’s State of Origin, but the Emerald City didn’t fare up to Brisbane when remembering belongings – becoming one of the most forgetful cities this year. But Perth still reigns supreme as the most forgetful city for a second year (rumour has it they’re going for a three-peat for next year).

The hangover effect from April Fools Day 2022 was felt strongly last year, with April 2nd being the most forgetful day for Aussies – I guess the joke was on us!

Hoa Nguyen, Head of Rider Operations at Uber ANZ commented: “Uber’s annual Lost & Found Index is back for its seventh year and it’s more bizarre than ever. From a Harry Styles concert ticket to a taxidermied cat, Aussies have really outdone themselves when it comes to forgetfulness this year! The important thing to remember is that we do have a process if you suddenly realise you’ve left your phone, wallet or Harry Potter Wand in the driver partner’s car- head to the app for help and follow the prompts to retrieve your items.”

Check out the full list of quirky items below – and most importantly, instructions for how you can retrieve your lost items.

How to retrieve lost items:

Look no further than this help page, which outlines the simple steps you can take the next time you leave something behind during your Uber ride. 

The best way to retrieve a lost item is to call the driver-partner via the app – but if you leave your phone itself in the Uber ride, you can login to your account on a computer. Here’s what to do:

  1. Tap “Your Trips” and select the trip where you left something
  2. Scroll down and tap “Find lost item”
  3. Tap “Contact driver about a lost item”
  4. Scroll down and enter the phone number you would like to be contacted at. Tap submit.
  5. If you lost your personal phone, enter a friend’s phone number instead (you can do this by logging into your account on a computer, or using a friend’s phone).
  6. Your phone will ring and connect you directly with your driver’s mobile number.
  7. If your driver picks up and confirms that your item has been found, coordinate a mutually convenient time and place to meet for its return to you. 
  8. If your driver doesn’t pick up, leave a detailed voicemail describing your item and the best way to contact you.

If you’re unable to find a convenient time to meet the driver, consider using Uber Package to retrieve the item. Uber’s same day delivery service, Uber Package is available through the Uber app to send and receive packages and parcels. It offers a convenient solution when you need items in a hurry. You can learn more about this here. 

Top 25 most ‘unique’ lost items: 

  1. A girl’s number on a piece of paper who “might be the love of my life”
  2. Wedding dress
  3. Adult toys
  4. Rabbit’s medication
  5. Harry Styles concert ticket
  6. Olympic gold medal
  7. Taxidermy cat
  8. Segway scooter
  9. A painting of Marilyn Monroe
  10. Harry Potter wand
  11. Nduja (sausage paste)
  12. False teeth
  13. Cockpit trainer poster
  14. Wedding band
  15. Cattle whip 
  16. Chainsaw
  17. A lectern
  18. Number plates 
  19. Birth certificate
  20. Tray of lasagne
  21. DJ decks
  22. Hair extensions 
  23. Jock strap
  24. Robotic pool cleaner
  25. Leather bunny ears

Top items that were commonly left behind during a trip over the past year: 

  • Clothing 
  • Phone/camera 
  • Backpack/ bag/ folders/ box/ luggage 
  • Wallet/ purse 
  • Jewellery/ watch/ make-up