How to Organize and Store Pet Supplies and Toys

Pets are members of our family. Just like every human in the family, our pets can also accumulate a lot of “stuff” which can slowly take over space in the home Keep your home clutter-free of pet supplies by organizing them into specially designated areas. Everyone’s pet situation is unique because there are so many varieties of pets including dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, hamsters and more. Not every organization type will apply to each of these pets. If a pet is confined to a tank or cage, keeping their supplies organized in one area is much easier than trying to keep supplies and toys organized for a cat or dog. Below is an overall list that will help get you organized with the majority of pets.

Organize Your Pet Supplies

Just like with any home organization project, create a decluttering and organizing plan. To start off, purge unnecessary pet items and then split them by daily activity. Organize the supplies into use categories: food and bowls, toys, grooming needs, medication, leashes, collars and waste disposal items. Create pet storage areas to hold each category near to the area where you will be doing the activity with the pet. This will allow you to keep your pet supplies organized in one area and the following tips will help keep your home clutter-free:

1. Set up a place for eating: If a pet has a regular spot in the kitchen to eat, it will keep potential messes confined to one area. You could put the food bowls on a colorful mat on the floor or have custom built food dishes made.
2.  Pet Food Storage Tips: Pet food storage is one of the biggest areas of concern when organizing pet supplies. To keep food fresh, put an airtight plastic container near the pet’s feeding area. Also, don’t forget about having a space for pet treats, such as in a pantry or on a kitchen counter. Keep an eye on the expiration dates and throw out all expired food.
3. Organize dog and cat toys and supplies: Find a place to put all the toys and other needed pet supplies such as medication. First, sort through pet supplies using the basic organization tactics: keep, donate, throw-away or sell. Toss broken toys, leashes and brushes, donate unused items to a vet hospital or to a friend with a pet and dispose expired medications. Choose a storage solution that fits into your lifestyle to keep everything you need for your pet. Hang leashes and have waste supplies by a back door for easy access when you need to take your dog out for a walk. Store dog and cat toys in a bin or basket where you play with the pet. Keep a basket for indoor play and one for outdoor play.
4. Pet Grooming Supplies: Keep grooming supplies, such as brushes and shampoos, in a bucket where you wash the pet. Animal medicines, flea treatments and bathing supplies should be kept out of reach from pets and children. Standard pet shampoos can be toxic to children.
5. Sleeping Spots: Create a special sleeping spot for your pets, such as a plush pet bed or custom built solutions. Pet beds can easily be tucked away out of busy traffic areas in the home. Cats love to sit in window seats. For these situations, use a removable washable cushion cover to keep the window seats clean and pet hair free.
6. Pet Records and Document Storage: Keep pet records together in one spot. Medical records, adoption and vet files and everything else that pertains to the pet should be compiled and organized by putting them in a binder or file folder.
7. Litter box placement: Put a litter box in a low traffic area so the cat can have privacy. A good suggestion is a laundry room or guest bathroom. Keep a broom, plastic bags, extra litter and a scoop near the litter box area for easier clean-up.

Pet Storage Options

Larger pet items such crates, pet transports, pet beds and other supplies will require more storage space. Of course, never store perishables such as pet foods in a self-storage unit. If you no longer have the need or the room for these items, then consider renting a self-storage unit. ezStorage offers a variety of household storage solutions including climate controlled storage units.