How to Remember Lists in 3 Easy Steps

Almost any subject can be broken down into a list of separate items. Though there are many techniques for memorizing lists, the link technique is one of the most popular. It involves linking two items to create a vivid mental picture of them interacting.

That way, when you're trying to remember a list, you only need to recall the first item and the second one will come to mind, which leads to the third, and so on. The method works best on an ordered list, like a grocery list or a to-do list, but it can be used on most lists.

To improve your memory with the link technique, follow these three steps.

Step 1: Write down your list of items

If you're trying to memorize a grocery list, you first have to actually make the list. It's much easier to memorize a written list than an unwritten one. Also note that the link technique works best with shorter lists of twenty items or fewer.

Step 2: Create links between items

To mark the beginning of the list, create a link between the first item and yourself. For instance, if the first item is milk, picture yourself opening the refrigerator and seeing the milk. Then link the first item to the second. If your list has three items, say milk, bread and eggs, link the milk to the bread and then the bread to the eggs. Make sure the links form a story that's easy to remember.

Don't forget to link the last item back to yourself to mark the end of the list.

Step 3: Review and recall

Now review the whole list and the link between each pair of items to make sure you remember every one. When you get to the store, you'll only have to recall the first item, which will trigger a strong mental image and help you recall the rest.

The link technique is just one of several memory techniques that work well with lists. If you truly want to improve your memory, learn more than one. A good next step is these methods to improve memory.