I know this doesn’t really answer your question, but I use find my, from my watch, and Apple TV ALL THE TIME. I mean daily!
So don’t feel bad! I think the best is probably to ping it through find my, as it’s very reliable.
Try to create a system, where you only put things like phones and keys down in specific places, regardless of the circumstances. For instance, my wedding ring is only ever in two places. On my finger, or on a specific hook in the bathroom. I will never ever put it down anywhere else, in or outside of my home, because then I won’t remember where I put it.
For my phone, there is a specific place in each room, and if it’s not there, find my ping it is.
Best of luck with finding a solution!