Bring some good luck by turning things in, don't be the wook that just takes ground scores.
Speaking of this, I label my important items with "plastic key tags," so my name and phone number are on them. I like that I can choose bright colors so I hope they stick out on my items and people look at them to see my name and number. Unfortunately, they don't handle water the best.
I love my label maker for this and other things. Labeling and organizing is fun lol. (These links are NOT referrals btw.)
But of course I only get my lost stuff back if honest people find them. Tips like OP's regarding not losing items in the first place is the first step to take.