Uber's lost and found box sure does tell a story

Uber's lost and found box sure does tell a story

Let this be your reminder to always double-check the seat before hopping out of your Uber – or any ride, really.

A person forgetting their phone on a seat
A person forgetting their phone on a seat/iStock/monkeybusinessimages

You might think it impossible to forget your belongings when travelling, but that's far from the truth. 

More often than not, we misplace things in moments of distraction, only to realise later they’ve vanished without a trace. 

Whether it’s forgetfulness or simply not paying attention, leaving something behind in a private taxi or on public transport can be incredibly stressful, especially if the item is valuable or holds sentimental meaning.

Now in its ninth year, Uber’s annual Lost & Found Index offers a fascinating look at the most commonly forgotten items left behind in their rides.

According to Uber, over the past 12 months, the top three most commonly forgotten items were phones, keys, and wallets. The title of most forgetful city went to New York City, while the most forgetful day of the year was October 26, 2024.

We're not sure that is something to be proud of, considering your tardiness might cost you more than money. 

While Uber drivers encounter all sorts of personalities during their trips, they also tend to collect a few mementoes along the way – from misplaced gadgets to quirky personal items. 

The good news? If your belongings were handed in, there’s a chance you'll be reunited with them.

Uber’s annual list might spark some laughs (and a few “that’s so me” moments), but it also serves as a useful reminder: lost items can be easily recovered through the Uber app.

Whether you're a gamer who left behind a Nintendo Switch, a pilates enthusiast who forgot your grip socks, or one of the 1.7 million riders who parted ways with their phone last year, retrieving your valuables is just a few taps away.

We included the top 20 items from the Uber Lost & Found Index for 2025. 

  1. Mannequin head with human hair

  2. Viking drinking horn

  3. Ghostbusters ghost trap

  4. Chainsaw

  5. Breast milk

  6. Fine china

  7. My turtle

  8. Urinal

  9. Club promoter sign reading “Annie’s married” – it belongs to the club

  10. Sticky boob bra 

  11. Aviation headset

  12. Shrek ears

  13. Bermuda shorts

  14. A pink fan that has two hearts and the word “bimbo”

  15. DNA testing kit

  16. Pickleball paddles and ball

  17. Two mattresses

  18. 15 hookahs

  19. Amethyst crystal

  20. Aquarium

You can check out the full list of 50 here

Which of these was the most unusual for you? For us, it was the breast milk, urinal and the Ghostbuster ghost trap.

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