I hate it when things like that happen. I am 'reorganizing' my sewing room and doing a 'great' job. I have a place for my favorite "to do soon" patterns so I can just go there when I am ready. I told my sister in law that i had the perfect pattern for her project and I knew where it was...in my 'favorites' bin because I am so organized now. Well, NOT. Can't find it anywhere. I knew where it was before I organized.
I am always afraid to give things away, for fear of things just like you mentioned. I do remember a story from my childhood. My mother had to cook for so many as we were ranchers and had hired men. One day she told me to throw the pan of scraps out to the chickens. So I did....I actually threw out the stew instead of the scraps. My mom was so nice about it but it still haunts me.
I just gave a very nice ski jacket away...fortunately checked the pockets first. I found $10.