Organising Your Home with Pets: Tips for a Tidy and Safe Space

Having pets can bring immense joy and companionship, but they also challenge us to keep our homes organised, tidy and safe. From toys scattered across the floor to pet food and accessories taking over the kitchen, maintaining a tidy space can seem difficult. But don’t worry! With some practical strategies, you can create a home that is both pet-friendly and organised. Here are some effective tips to help you balance a tidy environment with happy pets!

Organising Your Home With Pets - top tips!

Create a Designated Toy Area

One of the simplest ways to keep your home organised is by creating a specific area for your pet's toys. Using baskets or bins to store these items keeps things in one spot and makes it easy for both you and your pets to access toys during playtime.

A stylish basket filled with colourful pet toys

Consider investing in an attractive basket that fits your decor. For instance, a woven basket can add style while providing functionality. By having this designated spot, you encourage your pets to enjoy their toys. When playtime is over, simply toss the toys back into the basket. Your living space will look neat in no time!

Store Pet Food Together

Keeping your pet food organised is crucial for a tidy kitchen. Dedicate a specific cabinet or shelf for all pet food items, including dry munchies, wet food, and treats. Use clear, airtight containers for dry food to keep it fresh and visible. For example, a container that holds up to 5 pounds of dry munchies can help you see when it's time to restock.

Label each container for quick identification. This way, you won't have to rummage through multiple bags or tins when feeding your pets. That can save you time and keep your kitchen looking neat.

Organise Pet Bowls and Accessories

Pet accessories, such as grooming items, medications, feeding bowls, spare collars and leashes, can quickly clutter your home. Combat this by designating a specific cupboard or drawer for all pet-related items.

Use small bins to separate items by category. For example, keep grooming supplies in one bin, medications in another, and leashes and collars in a third and pet feeding bowls in a forth. This will save you time when you're in a hurry. Imagine needing to grab a leash quickly for a walk; now you can find it in seconds instead of searching through a messy drawer.

Provide Comfortable Sleeping Areas

If your pets roam freely in your home, provide comfortable sleeping areas upstairs and downstairs. This ensures they have cosy spots to rest, no matter where they are in the house.

Invest in pet beds that match your home decor. For instance, a stylish dog bed that blends with your living room can enhance your space while giving your pet a cosy place to relax. Having multiple beds also discourages pets from claiming your furniture, saving your sofa from scratches and fur.

Keep Water Bowls Accessible

Hydration is important for pets, especially in hot weather. Place multiple water bowls around your home to ensure they have easy access to fresh water. According to the RSPCA, pets can drink up to 30 ml of water per pound of body weight daily. So, having bowls in different areas encourages them to drink more.

In warmer months, consider using pet cool mats to keep your furry friends comfortable. During winter, heated mats are great for older pets who need extra warmth. This will keep your pets happy and healthy all year round.

Use Microchip Pet Flaps

Fluffy grey cat with green eyes walks on wooden floor near a white door with a microchip cat flap.

To prevent unwanted intruders, such as stray animals, consider installing microchip pet flaps. This technology allows only your pets to enter or exit your home, as it activates with their microchip.

This adds a layer of safety and keeps your home secure from potential conflicts with other animals. An effective microchip flap can improve your peace of mind while giving your pets the freedom to come and go. For older animals who may wonder off at night and lose their bearings, this can also serve as a safety net as most microchip pet flaps have a lock feature that can be set to a timer (for example, pet flap opens at 8am and closes at 8pm and remains securely locked until 8am the next morning), you then have the peace of mind knowing that your animal is safely at home.

Keep Enzyme-Based Cleaners Handy

Accidents are a part of pet ownership. Keeping enzyme-based cleaners on hand is essential for quickly addressing messes. These specialised cleaners break down pet messes and eliminate odours effectively.

Having these cleaners in your cleaning supply cabinet allows you to act fast. For example, if your pet has an accident on the carpet, using an enzyme cleaner immediately can help preserve the carpet and keep your home smelling fresh.

Use Air Fresheners Wisely

Even the best-behaved pets can leave lingering odours. To keep your home smelling pleasant, consider using plug-in air fresheners or diffusers. Opt for pet-friendly scents that are not overwhelming; strong fragrances can irritate animals.

Position the air fresheners in high-traffic areas to mask any pet smells. Doing this creates a welcoming environment for both guests and family members while keeping your home fresh.

Provide Scratching Posts for Cats

If you have cats, providing scratching posts is a must to protect your furniture. Cats need to scratch to maintain their claws, and having designated areas can redirect their behaviour away from your sofas and chairs.

Place scratching posts in various spots around your home, especially near lounging areas. This will encourage your cats to use them instead of your furniture, preserving your décor and your peace of mind.

Use Silicone Mats Under Pet Bowls

Feeding your pets can create a mess, especially if they are enthusiastic eaters. To minimise spills and keep your floors clean, place silicone mats under pet bowls. These mats catch stray munchies or spilled water and are easy to clean.

Maintaining a tidy feeding area contributes not only to a clean home but also to a more pleasant dining experience for your pets. A simple mat can make mealtime less chaotic.

Set Boundaries with Screens and Gates

To prevent your pets from accessing certain parts of your home, use retractable mesh screens or gates. This is particularly useful in areas where you wish to protect delicate furnishings.

By creating clear boundaries, you protect your belongings and maintain an organised living space. It also gives your pets a sense of security, knowing where they are allowed to roam.

Corgi sits by a grey mesh pet gate in a cosy living room with beige sofa and dog-themed pillows. Warm atmosphere, wooden floor.

Reinforce Good Behaviour with Clickers and Treats

Training your pets to follow house rules greatly aids in keeping your home organised. Positive reinforcement with clickers and treats is an effective method to encourage appropriate behaviour.

For example, reward your pets for using their scratching posts instead of your furniture or returning their toys to the designated area. This training reinforces good habits and helps create a harmonious living environment.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your home organised with pets doesn't need to be overwhelming. Implementing these practical tips can help you create a tidy and safe space for both you and your furry companions. From designated toy areas to organised accessories, even small changes can have a significant impact.

A well-organised home not only benefits you but also contributes to your pets' happiness and well-being. So roll up your sleeves, take some time to get organised, and enjoy the delightful chaos that comes with having pets in your life!