We all love our pets, but they can be a bit of a hassle at times. Between the spilled kitty litter and all the chew toys scattered throughout the house, it can be enough to get on your last nerve. However, it’s easy to manage a disorderly pet situation if you know a few tricks. Here are eight simple ways to organize your pet:
1. Designate a separate space for your pet
If you have a cluttered cat or a messy mutt, creating a distinct area for him or her is the first step in getting things under control. If you have an animal that lives indoors, you might consider giving him or her a section near the back door of your home. A corner of your laundry room is also a good option. For those with outdoor pets, a small spot in the garage or on the back porch will work. Just make sure the area is covered so that your pet’s food and toys will be protected from rain and snow. You can put your animals wherever is most convenient for you, but it is crucial that you provide a unique area that they can make their own.
2. Label everything
Now that you have a separate space for your pet, you can work on actually organizing his or her supplies. Labeling can be a great tool to help you do that. Label any storage bins or tubs that you might be using for things like food, treats, medicine, cat litter, puppy pads and anything else you may use regularly. By putting a label on each container, you won’t have to go digging every time you need to find something for your pet. This is a great time-saving tip that will help you keep everything in order in your home.
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3. Out with the old and in with the new
About once a month, it’s a good idea to take stock of what supplies you have on hand for your pet. Examine the date on bags of food as well as any packages of treats, catnip or dog bones. If anything has expired, throw it out and put the item on your shopping list. You should also check on the condition of all your pet’s toys. If the stuffing is coming out of your dog’s favorite chew toy and your cat’s feather wand is broken, it’s time to toss them. Those objects will be easy to replace during your next trip to the pet store.
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4. Create a pet toy box
Speaking of toys, creating a pet toy box is another fantastic way to keep your pet organized. If you have a particularly active pet, this will give you easy access to any tennis balls, Frisbees or wind-up mice your furry friend loves to play with. Just open the box and instantly grab anything your pet might want. When playtime is over, simply drop the toys back in the box and they’ll be waiting for you the next day. This means no more searching through the house for Mr. Squeakers!
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5. Hang up pegs for your pet
If you’re always losing your pet’s leashes and collars, installing some pegs on your wall can be a handy solution. You can hang pegs near your entryway as well as the back door of your home. You may already have some hanging for your human family members. If that’s the case, you might want to use one or two of those pegs for your pet. In addition to the aforementioned leashes and collars, pegs are perfect for harnesses, coats, vests and other clothing you typically use for your pet.
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6. Make a bathroom caddy for your pet
While some people choose to take their pets to a professional groomer, many pet owners opt to bathe and brush their animals at home. To make bath time a bit easier, you should place all your pet’s soaps, shampoos, combs, brushes and towels in one container. Waterproof buckets are nice options since they typically have handles that make them quick to grab. Plus, they can easily be wiped down and dried off, just like your pet. Once your pet is clean and spiffy, replace all your caddy’s necessary supplies so you’ll be ready the next time he or she is in need of a good cleaning.
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7. Create a folder for any pet paperwork
If you have children, you probably already have a folder that contains important information like medical records and babysitter phone numbers. Pets need their own folders as well. Make one specifically for your pet to give you easy access to phone numbers for your veterinarian, groomer, kennel, favorite pet stores and more. You should also place your pet’s medical information in his or her folder. That way you’ll have everything at a glance in case of emergencies.
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8. Maintain your pet’s space
Once you have your pet’s space organized, you have to be willing to maintain it. Don’t slip back into your old habit of leaving your pet’s stuff strewn all over the place. Stay on top of things so you don’t let your pet take over the entire house!
Pets are an important part of our families. However, it can be a bit of a challenge to keep all of their supplies in order. By using these simple tips, you can keep your pet organized so that everyone in your household is happy! How do you organize your pet?