Pet Storage 101
If you’ve been following Life In Jeneral for a minute, you’ve probably noticed how much we love our pets. I even started an Instagram highlight in honor of our pups! I think we can all agree that pets are a companion that completes a family. Just like any other family member, they also come with their fair share of supplies (leashes, collars, medication, grooming materials, toys, etc.). To prevent clutter and chaos with your pet’s belongings, I have collected my top storage solutions for pets.
Step 1:
You probably already guessed this step, but choose a zone! I find that one of the easiest ways to save space (and time) is to zone one area of your home into your “pet zone.” I want to emphasize that the size and location of this space will depend on your unique home. For some, you can use an area of your laundry room or mudroom. For others, it might make more sense to store your pet’s essentials in a drawer or cabinet. If you don’t have a drawer or cabinet to spare, consider using a shelf in your pantry or closet. This can also be a stand alone storage unit, like a utility cart. Fortunately, no matter the size of your home, you have so many options of where your pet zone will be. It’s so easy to dress up the area with baskets, bins, dividers to make it the go-to spot for your furry friend.
Step 2:
This step will of course be unique to each individual, based on the zone you have chosen. With that, the general process will look similar for everyone. Start by collecting your pet’s inventory. This includes leash, collar, leash, food (unless it’s refrigerated), treats, toys, medication (unless it’s refrigerated), and any other accessories. I suggest you sort the products into the categories that make sense to the type and amount of items you have.
Step 3:
Find storage containers that will support your new structure. A lot of the product options can cross over whether you are using a drawer, cabinet, shelf, stand alone unit. With that, I will give specific options I recommend for each zone:
Drawer: I think one of my favorite ways to organize a drawer for pet supplies are deep drawer organizers. They are the perfect storage solutions for grooming supplies, dog bag rolls, medicine, and tennis balls. You can also pair them with small canisters for treats and dry food. If you have a fewer number of categories that you are working with, I also love the option of bamboo drawer dividers! You can easily place toys in one section, food in another, and grooming/medication in the third.
Shelf/Cabinet: When it comes to a singular shelf or an entire cabinet, you have a few more options when it comes to product choices. I love the option of a lazy susan when it comes to storing grooming supplies. It keeps things standing up and supported. Because you are working with a little more vertical space, I would also suggest experimenting with using taller canisters for treats and dry food. When it comes to dog bags and medicine, I love using stackable drawers as well! Since you are working with a tad more space, I highly encourage you to puzzle out what works best for you here. It is not a one size fits all situation. It’s important to find the structure and products that fit you and your pet’s needs best!
Stand Alone Storage: If you are currently working with minimal storage in your home and don’t have a cabinet, shelf or drawer to sacrifice, a stand alone storage unit is a phenomenal option! I, personally, love to incorporate a rolling cart in my home. What I love about these carts is they are so easy to store canisters and other organization products within them. I also love the mobility factor. It makes it so easy to store the cart wherever makes the most sense for you. If you go the route of a cart, I encourage you to categorize each tier, potentially snacks and food on top, medication and grooming in the middle, and toys/leashes on the bottom (this way your pet can easily reach their toys too).
Step 4:
I feel like most of you will already know what I am going to say. The final step is label and sustain. Labeling is the easiest way to make your organization system more accessible and efficient. Not to mention, it elevates the aesthetic of your space. As for the sustaining aspect of this step, an organization method only works if you stick with it! You can create the steps, buy the products, and label the labels, but it’s up to you to make it last.