Today’s declutter blog focuses on clearing pet clutter by getting all of your pet’s stuff organized.
Do you have a multi-pet household and need to clear some clutter? Are you always looking for Fido’s leash when it is time to take him for a walk? Would you like to know how much pet food you have so it never goes bad or you never run out of litter?
Leashes, toys, treats, bowls, meds, and more…your pet’s “stuff” takes up space. How do you keep it neat and orderly?
When I was a new cat mommy, I had no clue. So here are some tips to clearing your pet’s clutter. Remember, these are suggestions and you will need to figure out what works best for you.
Food
We’re a cat household so they each have a feeding station for dry and wet food and water. We also have communal water bowls throughout the house.
I’ve talked to dog owners. I learned that with more than one dog they need to investigate one another’s bowls and maybe carry them around. They eat from others’ bowls but definitely don’t carry them around.
Possibilities: A stationary feeding unit prevents dishes from disappearing or becoming chewed up. Store food and treats close by. Large plastic containers will keep food fresh and protected from curious paws. A bowl stand or a mat under the bowls can help keep the area neat and dry.
We keep our dry food in the pantry.
I’m going to recommend that you use an airtight container to keep pet food in. Food will keep six to nine months when stored in a cool, dry place.
You typically save money when you buy larger sizes. Get a container that will hold the size you typically buy. You can get more than one if you have different diets. Keep near where you feed them. We keep it in our pantry. I have a smaller one that I refill that is easy for me to tote around.
Have automated feeders if your pet is on a diet or if you need some convenience.
There are also collars animal wear that will only release food for them.
Wet food
Stack cans in the pantry or on a lazy Susan. Tony added a little two-shelf unit where I keep wet food in the pantry.
Tip: Always check the expiration date. Just like in food, stores may try and sell you expired food.
Treats
I have a litter pan I didn’t use (it was too small) so that now holds the packages of treats as they get a variety.
TOYS
Pet toys get spread all over the house and yard. To keep things neat, you can easily clean everything up a few times or once a week. We are a pet-friendly household and there is definitely always a toy on the floor and we’re okay with that.
Keep a basket or box near where you and your pet play together and pile the toys in there. Or by their bed or crate. When it’s playtime, you’ll both know where they are!
I use a car organizer that I got at Costco. Most of the toys are in there and what I love about it is easily carry upstairs. With Athena still in her own room, this makes it easy on me.
Outside
Have all accessories for your pet, from leashes, reflector jackets, collapsible bowls, and waste-bag dispensers in one area.
Keep one out at a time for each pet on a hook by the door or if you have a mudroom or entryway.
Keep travel gear, strollers, Frisbees, collapsible water bowls, and old towels in a ready-to-grab bag or container.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Additional collars and leashes can go into a drawer or cubbies nearby. They’ll stay clean and easy to find.
Also, I suggest keep grooming supplies here. You can have it in a bag or bucket. The one I have has multiple pockets so you can keep it organized.
Tip: Keep a plastic bag tied around the leash so you’ll never forget one.
Medicines
Whether your pet is taking antibiotics, monthly heartworm pills or you need to remember where you left the flea & tick medications; you will need a home for them.
Clear a shelf in the bathroom or kitchen, wherever it makes sense for you to give your pet his medications. You’ll always know where they go and if you need a refill. We keep ours in the kitchen. Mark your calendar with reminders to give any pet meds, so you don’t forget.
I just integrated my website scheduler and started with Google calendar. You can easily add repeats so you will know when you need to do meds.
Health records
This information should be able to easily accessed this information in case of emergency.
Put your pet’s file with your own important papers. I have health files for each of the pets. Under a file called Pets. Very original.
Make copies that you can take with you when traveling with a pet.
Our vet is now online so when we move it will be easy to transfer. I still keep all our receipts with everything in their folder.
On the fridge, we also have vet contact and a summary of pet information. We are fortunate no serious health issues.
List for the Pet Sitter
I have someone stay overnight with the crew. I keep it simple and have it in a word document that I can easily update.
I have an emergency contact, vet number (also set up with vet if cat sitter needs to bring them in to treat them and we will pay); where we will be staying.
I list food, play, and grooming. Anything about the cats they need to know.
Keep them Safe
Have a card with you if you become ill or if you have pets.
Tell your alarm company about your pets.
Have a sign that there are pets and list how many are on the door or on the fridge.
Pet First Aid by American Red Cross: This reference tool offers comprehensive emergency care information incl CPR
Animal Poison Control Center Mobile App: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center offers this handy reference tool. potentially poisonous plant “chocolate wheel,” which makes it easy to tell which signs you can expect based on the quantity and type of chocolate your pet may have ingested.
ASPCA Mobile App: In the event of a natural disaster, “access critical advice on what to do with your pet before, during, and after a major storm — even if there’s no data connectivity. It also offers some missing pets’ help.
Speaking of Apps
BringFido: this app helps users travel the world with their fur babies, from mapping out parks where dogs are welcome to booking pet-friendly hotels.
Gingr has it all for your four-legged friends.
Pet acoustics has soothing music for pets.
PupTox to know what’s dangerous for your pet.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Take actions from today’s clutter-free living blog on clearing pet clutter:
- Create a stationary feeding station for your pet. Store food nearby. Consider containers to easily fill bowls.
- Find a way to contain all your pets’ toys. Keep near where you play or their crate or bed.
- Corral all their outside gear and create a pack and play box.
- Make a health record for your pets.
- See if there is an app that will help you with your pet’s care, watching them, or organizing for them.
DIY Options to Clear Clutter
Purchase Julie’s books, classes and decluttering affirmations on how to clear clutter from your life: https://reawakenyourbrilliance.com/shop/
Subscribe to Clear Your Clutter Inside & Out Podcast https://reawakenyourbrilliance.com/resources-concierge-services/podcasts/self-help-podcast/
Check out more of my decluttering tips and how to get organized on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/SeibertRadio?feature=watch
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