Organizing and Storing Pet Supplies
According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 65 percent of the country’s households own a pet. That number is up from 56 percent when the survey was first conducted in 1988, and now equals almost 80 million families.
No matter what type of animal you have, pets are considered cherished members of the family. And, just like any other family member, our furry friends can acquire a lot of “stuff”. From food and treats to toys and grooming tools, pet supplies can easily start to clutter up some of the storage areas around the home.
Organizing Pet Supplies
Setting aside some time every so often for organizing pet supplies should be a task on every pet owner’s list. After all, you want to be able to find that leash when you need it, as well as avoid food and treats shoved way back in the pantry getting forgotten about until they’ve expired.
To get started, pull out all the pet supplies you have and start purging the items you no longer use or need. Maybe Spot has some toys that have seen better days, covered in teeth-marks or stuffing exploding from the seams. Perhaps there are some treats sitting around that Fluffy didn’t like. Whatever hasn’t been touched lately or is damaged beyond repair can get thrown away.
Then, organize your items into categories. For example:
- Food, treats and extra bowls
- Toys
- Grooming supplies- brushes, nail clippers, shampoo
- Medications
- Leashes, collars and waste disposal
Once you have all your pet supplies organized into distinguishable categories, designate a space for everything to go. You can create pet storage areas around the home based on the activity; set up a space for feeding to keep any potential messes confined to one area. Place a few decorative baskets around the home to hold Fido’s favorite toys; bonus points if you can train your pet to put their toys away by themselves!
Grooming supplies should go in a bucket or container and confined to the area where you wash your pet. Don’t forget to keep flea treatments and shampoos out of reach of your pets and any children, as these can be toxic. If you have a litterbox, place it in a low traffic area to allow Kitty some privacy. Keep all the litter supplies like the scoop, plastic bags, extra litter and a broom or vacuum nearby for easy cleanup.
It’s also important to designate some restful areas for your pet to sleep around the home. Pet beds can be easily tucked away out when guests come over and they help keep your furry friends off the furniture. Plus, these beds often have removable covers that can be thrown in the wash occasionally to keep them clean and fur-free.
Finally, don’t forget to keep your pet records and other documents together in one spot. Compile medical records, adoption and vet files and any other pertinent info into a file folder or binder and store them with other important household paperwork.
Pet Supplies – Storage Ideas
First, it’s important to invest in some pet food storage containers that are airtight and can keep food and treats fresher for a longer length of time. Secondly, if your pet has a lot of toys, it’s worthwhile to put some storage bins in the areas of the home where you spend the majority of your time. This way your pet will always have toys nearby to keep them occupied. You can also consider designating a pet supplies storage space by the front door for leashes, collars, and outdoor toys.
Larger pet items like crates, cages, and carriers may require more storage space than you have in the home. Or, perhaps you’re in between pets and need a place to keep your supplies until you need them again. National Storage offer a variety of storage unit sizes for all your household storage needs. Find a location near you today!