My Tail-Wagging Guide to Keeping Your Pet's Stuff in Check

If you have pets, you know these furry friends have a knack for taking over the home.

Your pet is a beloved member of your family, so they deserve their own organized spaces, too. Whether you have a tiny goldfish or multiple pets, it’s time to get them organized.

Choose a dedicated space for your pet's belongings – whether it's a cabinet, a space in a closet, or a special nook. Start by taking inventory of all their stuff, measure the space, and then selecting organizing solutions that fit. Remember to measure the space height by width by length first, then look at what you’re storing and purchase the container to match what you need to hold what will fit in the space. Don't buy anything before you know what you need!

Here are eight categories you can create to get your pet organized:

Food. Keep all their food and treats categorized together. You will no longer waste money purchasing too much food or too many treats. When everything is organized and contained in one area, you can make a shopping list from this area, and you’ll never waste money again. Consider clear, air-tight containers to keep everything fresh and visible.

Medications. Just like us, pets have their medications, too. They may have flea and tick medication and other medications you’ve accumulated over the years. Take inventory of the medication, check expiration dates, and declutter. You can categorize items you use most often and items you only use when your pet is sick.

Grooming. This category includes brushes, combs, sprays, and wipes for all areas of the body. They have grooming products just like we do, so we must organize and contain them. Categorize and itemize so when you need something, you can grab it immediately without having to move five items out of the way.

Fashion Forward. Declutter your pet’s wardrobe. Keep only the clothes that fit and are in good condition. For sentimental pieces, store them in a memorabilia box with your keepsakes. No need to clutter their current attire with nostalgic outfits.

Important dates. Keep track of flea and tick applications and vet appointments on the calendar. You’ll never miss another important date again.

Medical Records Management. Keep all important vet and store receipts filed and labeled. You can file their paper in the area of the home where you keep your paperwork. Create a system according to how you would like to function. Categorize and label the folders. If you don’t have too much information, you can purchase an accordion file and label.

Leashes and outerwear. If you have a big inventory of leashes and outerwear, keep them contained and organized. Keep their daily leashes and outerwear near the door for easy access.

Toy Treasure Chest. Let’s not forget one of the most important categories. Toys can take over just like kids’ toys. Get a decorative container to store them. If needed, place one on each floor of your home.

To maintain an organized space for your pet, keep their items in designated areas. Notify the entire family of the newly organized systems you’ve created. Show them the space and how items are organized. This helps the entire family know where everything is stored. Whether you have a tiny goldfish or a pack of pets, it’s time to get them organized and make life easier for you and your precious pet!