Guest article by Fran Emmen
Welcoming a furry friend into your home brings joy, laughter, and a boost in mental health. However, with all the perks come a fair share of doggy accessories that can quickly clutter your living space. From toys and treats to leashes and grooming tools, keeping your dog's items organised can be a rewarding task that benefits both you and your four-legged companion, and can avoid you from tripping over the balls over and over again. In this guide, we'll explore some practical tips to maintain a pawfectly organised space for your furry friend.
Designate a Doggy Zone
Create a specific area in your home dedicated to your dog's belongings. This could be a corner of the living room, a section of the kitchen, or even a cozy nook in the hallway. Having a designated space helps prevent items from scattering all over the house and makes it easier for both you and your dog to find what you need.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Storage solutions can be your best friend in keeping dog items organised. Consider using baskets, bins, or storage ottomans to neatly tuck away toys, grooming supplies, and extra leashes. Transparent containers are particularly useful, allowing you to quickly identify the contents without having to open each one.
Categorise and Label
You can categorise your dog's items into different groups such as grooming, play, and travel. Label containers or drawers accordingly to streamline the process of finding what you need.
Create a Doggy Command Center:
Designate a central area as your doggy command center, where you keep essential items like leashes, collars, and treats. Install hooks or racks on the wall to hang leashes and harnesses, making them easily accessible when it's time for a walk. I like to keep them right by the door to make our exit smoother. I also keep a towel there for rainy days, so that I can cover him before he shakes off in the hallway and has me leaving cleaning the walls.
Rotate Toys
Dogs can accumulate quite a collection of toys over time. To prevent toy overload, consider implementing a toy rotation system. Keep a selection of toys accessible to your dog and periodically swap them out to maintain their interest. Store the rotated toys in container so you can easily switch them when needed.
Regular Clean-Up Sessions
Set aside time for regular clean-up sessions to declutter and organise your dog's belongings. Toss out worn-out toys, expired treats, or anything that's no longer safe for your pet. This routine will help you stay on top of your dog's inventory and maintain a clutter-free space.
DIY Solutions
If your dog’s items cannot be stored away in a closed space, you can also get creative with DIY solutions to organise them. Repurpose old crates or wooden pallets to create a stylish storage unit for toys. Use mason jars for treat storage, and repurpose shoe organisers to hang on doors for smaller items like grooming tools.
Maintaining an organised space for your dog's items not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contributes to a stress-free environment for both you and your furry friend. By implementing these simple tips and staying consistent with your organisational efforts, you'll create a paw-friendly haven that reflects the love and care you have for your canine companion.