Ok, I already know that Fido has too many toys and does not spend his free time keeping his stuff organized. I know this because I see it all of the time in the homes of my clients. I will also readily admit that my precious kitten Ying has a knack for scattering his numerous foil balls all over the house.
I now humbly offer you these solutions for containing your pet’s clutter.
1. Designate one space and one container for all of your pets toys. Keep this container within handy reach of playtime activities. Store all balls, bells, mice, and tugropes in this container.
I use this box for my cat toys and it lives beside my couch:
Teach your house cleaner where this container lives and instruct her/him to place all found objects into this bin as they clean. Until I did this, she would the loose toys in my potted plant container- no kidding!
2. Play with toys individually. When one toy is left aside, put it away before the next toy comes out.
3. Teach your pets to fetch. Yes, it is possible. My cat fetches for me from time to time which makes clean up more of a game for me instead of a drudge!
4. Hang all leashes, collars and poo bags on a hook by the door. When you are ready to leave, they are waiting for you. If your dog is really smart, he will bring them to you as a gentle reminder that it is time to go!
5. Consider using a spare cabinet for all pet related items including food, litter, toys and leashes and outwear. Hang hooks inside the door for leashes, use one drawer for flea control and other meds and another for treats. Keep your food, litter and back up treats in plastic containers on the shelves. I did this in one of my client’s laundry room cabinets and it turned out great!
if you have any other pet organizing tips that you have created, please share them with us!
We keep dog treats in a colored apothecary jar on the kitchen counter near the back door. The dogs come running for their “cookies” when they hear the lid being lifted from the jar.
I love your tip! Thanks for adding your pet organizing solution.