The island of forgotten toys

I like things to be put in their place. It helps keep things clean and organized AND more importantly you know where everything is. When I am done for the day, my keys are set in the same place on the countertop, wallet beside it, shoes by the door, etc. This way, in case of some unforseen emergency, you know where all your things are. This is not the case for young boys.
I can track Sterling down, whether inside or out, simply by looking for the trail of crap. Perfect example: the other day, Sterling asked for $ to get he and another boy a bottle of soda at the store. I asked what store, "Fred Meyer" he replied and grabbed his skateboard and took off. "Put a coat on" I yelled, which he did.
An hour later, I needed to go to the store. I grabbed car keys and took off. Thirty yards down the road was an empty "Big K" bottle. (Fred Meyer brand) I drove by it. Fifty more yards and there was his jacket. Another twenty yards...a skateboard and twenty more...Sterling.
As all parents do, I get tired of TELLING my child to pick up. Let alone actually picking up for him. I have enough to clean already!
One day I told Sterling I was done picking up after him. It was his responsibility to pick up after himself. I was excited when he quickly responded "ok" without looking up from his dinner. Man...I was looking forward to the new era of house cleanliness.
Bed time rolled around, Sterling was down and I looked around the front room. There was a belt and a nice hat Grandma had bought. I picked them up...cursed...and laughed. I had just come up with a brilliant idea. Instead of picking up all his stuff, the smartest dad ever would hide these items from him. When he began whining for them, the smartest dad ever WOULD NOT tell his only child where these items were! Oh what a lesson would be learned! I looked forward to the next day when he would surely beg for these treasures.
Next day...nothing.
Upon bed time the next night more items were left out for me to hide. I laughed out loud. "he'll miss these" proudly said I and hid his shoes and a 10lb weight he had used that night. Next day...nothing. At weeks end the cupboard could hold no more and he hadn't noticed.
Finally, I could hold it in no longer. I was like a little kid at Christmas. I began asking Sterling where these items were. "The belt and hat are at Grandma's" he replied. "oh and the shoes too." "I don't know where the weights are...probably under my bed". "HAHA...no they are not." I spung to the cupboard...flung it open and yelled "your stuff is here!"
"oh" he said.
Since that day I have stopped hiding his stuff and he has stopped attempting to pick up after himself.
That'll teach him.