Organize + Energize: How to Keep Your Pet Organized

Monday, July 20, 2015

Kristin MacRae, GoLocalPDX Organizing Expert

If you have pets, you know that they can take over the home like they own it, or in our case, our Shih Tzu thinks she runs the household. Being in an organized household, we have structure and routines and we’ve found out that are 3 year old Shih Tzu, Gigi, is picking up on our organized traits.

Your pet is part of your family, so they should have their own organized spaces too. Designate a space for them. This space could be a cabinet or a closet. Choose a space that is large enough to hold all of their belongings. When choosing an area for your pet, first take inventory of all of their belongings, measure the space and then choose an organizing solution that will best suit the space. The worst mistake you could make is purchasing products before you take inventory.

Here are 8 categories you can create for your pet:

Food. Keep all of 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. It’s a preference, but you could store treats and food in clear, seal tight containers.

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 and declutter if you must. You can categorize between 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 5 items out of the way.

Clothes. The first thing you have to do is declutter their clothes. How many articles of their clothing are now too small and no longer fit? If you would like to keep a couple for the memories, place them in a memorabilia box and store them with all of your memorabilia. They don’t need to be stored with the clothes your pet is wearing now.

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. 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.

Toys. Let’s not forget one of the most important categories. Depending how many you have, they could take over the home just like children’s toys. Purchase a decorative container to hold the toys. Purchase one for each floor of your home if you must.

Try not to keep their items all over the home. Keep in a designated area so the entire family is aware of where items are stored. If you have the room, dedicate a closet space or an area in your home for their belongings. Whether you have a tiny goldfish or multiple pets, it’s time to get them organized.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. She has appeared on air on Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio and her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. Kristin's CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to start. She is also available for organizing workshops. Tune into her weekly radio show, Organize, Energize! on talkstreamradio.com.