How to organize pet supplies – 6 tricks to learn

There are few greater joys than having a pet, however, they do have a knack for making even the most organized of homes a mess.

Whether it is their food demands, immense toy collections, or grooming essentials, pet supplies have a habit of getting in the way when living with pets.

So, to help keep a clean home when you have pets we asked professional home organizers and pet experts to share their top tips for how to organize pet supplies. Learn how to keep your home neat and tidy without having to cut back on your pet’s most loved stuffed toys.

How to organize pet supplies

There are more benefits to keeping your pet supplies organized than good home organization. The right system can also help to prevent pests by keeping food tidy, and even help banish pet odors for a fresh home.

Here’s how.

1. Keep pet food in airtight containers

Our food storage ideas go beyond our food in the pantry. It pays to have good food organization for your pets, begins Melanie Summers, ADHD organizing specialist and speaker at I Speak Organized:

‘Invest in stackable airtight containers to keep food and treats fresh and pest-free,’ she suggests. ‘Label them with the type of food and expiration dates. This not only ensures freshness but also makes it easy to see when it's time to restock.

‘Then, repurpose an old cabinet or side table into a pet food station. Install pull-out bins for food storage and hooks for measuring scoops. This keeps everything in one place and prevents your pets from helping themselves.

‘It also helps to use silicone placemats under feeding bowls,’ Melanie continues. ‘They are easy to clean and help keep the feeding area tidy. You can even find customizable options to add a personal touch.’

2. Create a designated pet closet

If you have a lot of extra supplies for your pets, be it accessories or practical clothing such as warning vests and boots, it can be helpful to set aside some closet organization designated to your pet, adds Sarah Dunn, professional home organizer and owner of Ready Set Organize. It doesn't have to be big to have a big impact, she says:

‘We recently did an organizing project for a client who had multiple pets and tons of pet supplies. For this project, we utilized an armoire to organize all of the supplies. We hung all of the pet outfits across the bar. Then we used these multipurpose acrylic bins from Amazon to organize meds, leashes, bags, grooming supplies, etc.’

3. Fashion an entryway command center

When you have dogs, organizing an entryway is essential, says Melanie Summers, ADHD organizing specialist. She recommends creating a dedicated 'dog walk' command center near your entryway.

‘Use hooks for leashes, collars, and harnesses, and add a small basket or shelf for poop bags, treats, and a flashlight. This keeps everything accessible and ready for those quick, often high-energy, exits.'

4. Keep litter supplies contained

One of the hardest pet areas to keep clean and tidy is litter zones for cats. Having some good. Hidden storage ideas are the trick to maintaining order in these spots, says Meaghan Kessman, professional home organizer and owner of Meaghan Kessman Home Organization

‘Invest in a stylish litter box enclosure that blends seamlessly with your decor while containing litter scatter and odors,’ she recommends. ‘Then, store litter refills in sealed containers inside tidy cabinets and dispose of waste in covered trash cans to keep your home smelling fresh.’

5. Rotate toy bins

Every pet needs toys, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be left strewn across the floors of your home all the time. Some simple storage baskets are a great way to keep items contained and out of the way when not in use, says Melanie Summers, ADHD organizing specialist.

‘Make a toy storage solution using an old wine crate or a stylish basket. Add a personal touch by painting or decorating it to match your home decor,’ she suggests. ‘This makes toy storage functional and aesthetically pleasing.’

To keep your new toy storage ideas tidy, you can then implement a toy rotation system, Melanie adds. ‘Use small bins to store toys and rotate them weekly. This keeps your pet's interest piqued and prevents toy overload in your living space.’

6. Make grooming supplies portable

When living with pets, it is important to remember that you need some flexibility in their supplies and storage spots – especially when it comes to things like grooming or medications. You won’t always be able to wrestle a large dog into the bathroom or encourage a cat to sit in the tub when you want to freshen them up, after all.

To remedy this, Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer, recommends storing grooming supplies in a portable caddy to take the essentials to your pets when needed:

‘A caddy or tote keeps brushes, clippers, shampoos, and other grooming essentials organized and easy to transport to your pet's "spa" area. Where possible, you can then dedicate a bathroom or laundry room drawer or shelf to grooming supplies, keeping everything within easy reach.’

FAQs

How do you organize pet towels?

When organizing pet towels, it is a good idea to keep them separate from your own towels to prevent mix ups. Consider keeping pet towels where you reach for them most, such as in your entryway for after wet or muddy walks, or close to the tub where you might bathe your pet.

How do you organize pet treats?

When organizing pet treats, consider storing them in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent your pets from breaking into them. Then, stow them in a few logical places around your home – some in the kitchen to hide medications, some in the living room where you might be training your animal and want access to quick reinforcement, for example, and some in the entryway to give them a treat when you are back from a good walk, or your cat comes home to help build positive reinforcement.

Designate a 'pet station' in your home. Whether it's a corner in the living room or a spot As with any other storage in your home, you need to remember good decluttering tips for pet supplies too, reminds Melanie Summers, ADHD organizing specialist. ‘This is made a lot easier when you have a dedicated area for all pet-related items,’ she says. Declutter any toys that break or become hazards, leashes, and collars that are no longer the right size, and food and treats as they expire to stay on top of clutter.