If you have pets, you know they come with stuff. Even if you stick to the basics, your furry friends will need food, water, dishes, leashes, toys, brushes…it can stack up quickly. And it can be hard to keep it all wrangled and easy to access. Read on for some ideas for storing and organizing your pet supplies.
Plastic bins. Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are a great option for storing pet food. Make sure you choose a bin with a tight-fitting lid so that your kibble stays fresh. You can find bins made specifically for pet food, but you may also find something in the general storage section of your big box store. Bins with wheels can be a good choice if you want to be able to stash your pet’s food under a cabinet, in a closet, or otherwise out of sight. An added bonus? Your pet won’t be able to chew through a bin like they could with a food bag.
If you have pets, you know they come with stuff. Even if you stick to the basics, your furry friends will need food, water, dishes, leashes, toys, brushes…it can stack up quickly. And it can be hard to keep it all wrangled and easy to access. Read on for some ideas for storing and organizing your pet supplies.
Have a designated spot. Keeping all your pet supplies in one place is a simple way to keep them organized and know that you’ll have everything you need handy. Whether you choose a designated cabinet, a set of shelves, or just a tidy corner, placing your supplies in the same spot each time you’re done with them helps keep them from getting scattered all over the house. Plus, if you need someone to pet-sit, they’ll easily be able to access all the essentials.
Metal trash cans. This is another way to securely store pet kibble or cat litter. Metal cans are easy to clean, and they’re chew-proof. Keeping clean cat litter in a trash can keeps it handy when it’s litterbox cleaning and changing time, and it’s far more attractive than the yellow plastic bucket or clear plastic bag you buy litter in. Choose a brightly colored can, or decorate one yourself.
A walk station near the door. Keep the supplies you’ll need for taking Rover on his walk near the door — front or back, whichever you use most often. A simple set of hooks will hold your leash, a totebag with pet waste bags and gloves for cleaning up, even a collapsible pooper-scooper. A collapsible water bowl and a bottle of water can be tucked into your tote too, for longer or summertime walks. Include an umbrella for yourself!
Grooming totes. If you bathe and groom your pet at home, place all the supplies you’ll need in a tote or bucket. Fabric totes with lots of pockets are a great choice here — they keep things organized and are washable. But a metal or plastic shower tote is more than fine. Stash shampoo, dry shampoo, wet wipes, brushes and combs, and any other supplies you need to keep Fluffy or Fido looking sharp.
The toy basket. If you feel like your home is being overtaken by catnip mice or squeaky fire hydrants, you’re not alone. Corral all your pet’s toys into a basket in a central location. This is also a chance to sort through and toss out toys that have seen better days or that your pet never really warmed to. Rotating toys in and out — especially with cats — is also a way to keep pets interested without having to buy new toys all the time.
The document holder. In addition to food and treats and toys, your pet’s medical records and other paperwork are important supplies! Gather up immunization records, vet records, registration or adoption paperwork, and any other important documents related to your pet and stash them in a plastic expanding file, document holder, or other secure place. You may want to make a copy to keep in your firesafe with other important household documents as well.
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