1. Keys

One of the most important things to check before leaving the house is that you have your keys. If you need to lock your door to close it properly, you're okay. But if your home has one of those locks that slams shut, you're in trouble if you don't have your keys with you! Of course, you only ever realise that fraction of a second before the door clicks shut …

2. Your Appearance

However much of a hurry you're in, you can always spare a moment to look in the mirror. You don't want to realise after a really important meeting that your shirt button was undone or your lipstick smudged! Even if you're not going to work, you don't want people to see you with chocolate smeared on your face, do you? So check your appearance every time you go out.

3. Gas off

Okay, the chances are that you probably haven't left the gas on, and that you're not going to return to find a pile of rubble where your house used to be. But why take the risk? Make it a part of your routine to check that all gas appliances are off. That's not going to make you OCD. If you always forget to turn off the gas, move to an all-electric house …

4. Wallet

One of the most excruciatingly embarrassing moments in your life must be realising that you've forgotten your wallet. Naturally, it always happens when you've already pumped the gas or piled your cart full of shopping. No matter how much you search your pockets or your car, you'll never have enough loose change to pay for your purchases. So always check you have your wallet before you leave.

5. Matching … Everything

You can get away with not wearing matching underwear, but do check that everything external matches. Otherwise you may find one day that you're wearing mismatched shoes or drastically different socks. This is not a good look, but one that can easily occur in a moment of distraction.

6. The Cat is Where You Want It

If your cat is an indoors cat, check that it hasn't managed to sneak out - they're very good at squeezing through a tiny gap in a split second. You should also make sure that he has access to his litter tray, or you might come home to find he's left you an unwanted present!

7. The Weather

It's always wise to check the weather forecast before going out, and look out of the window to see if the skies look like rain. Getting wet isn't much fun, so make sure you've got your umbrella if you might need it - and suitable footwear.

Making these simple checks before you leave the house could save you a lot of hassle. Otherwise you could end up explaining to the attendant at the gas station that you've forgotten your wallet - or running out of gas altogether. Most people can't manage without their phone today either. What's been your worst memory lapse?