Pets are the best! Studies show that having a pet or even just petting an animal can lower your blood pressure. But pets come with stuff, and if that stuff is everywhere or you can’t find it when you need it, that low blood pressure might not stick around. Here are some tips on getting your pet organized!

First, let’s categorize the common items that generally accompany a pet:

• Food: bag of food, bowls, scoop

• Fun: costumes, bandanas

• Grooming: brush, ear wipes, nail clippers, shampoo

• Health: medications, toothpaste and brush (yes, toothpaste!)

• Paperwork: adoption papers, vaccination records, vet information

• Toys: balls, bones, catnip bags, outdoor toys, squeaky toys

• Travel: footwear, travel food bowls and bag

• Treats: bites for special occasions, training treats

• Walking: collar, harness, leash, waste bags

Now, where do you put everything? We suggest selecting zones for items. Keep these questions in mind:

• Where does my pet eat and drink (eating zone)?

• Where do I groom my pet (grooming zone)?

• Where do I exit to take my pet out (walking zone)?

Do what works best for you and your habits, but starting with these suggestions may help you get your pet better organized:

1. Keeping food in the kitchen is helpful. Instead of storing it all in a big bulky bag, you can get airtight containers that fit in your space better (and look neater too!). Or if you prefer a self-contained system, check out this design. While you’re at it, check out our Pinterest board for other ideas!

2. For fun dress-up occasions, bandanas, costumes, and all pet garments could be stored in your coat closet. Using the closet door for pet-specific items can be a good way to keep them separate from similar human ones. This is also a good spot for a small travel bag filled with waste bags, travel bowls (or these), travel food bag, and outdoor toys.

3. Keep health and grooming together in an accessible location—you will likely need to access this sporadically. Create a portable kit of these items, and don’t forget to set a reminder on your phone or calendar for administering medications.

4. Paperwork is best with your paperwork filing system. Just add a folder with your pet’s name or multiple (pet-medical, pet-training) if needed. If you travel without your pet regularly, use our Pet Sitting Printable to share all the important information. This can be helpful for your sitter…and fun to put together too!

5. Toys of all types, and for just about any pet, can sit in a basket wherever you hang and play the most, perhaps the living room.

6. Treats could be in multiple locations, depending on their use. Everyday training can be with the food, and outdoor training can be by the leash or waste bags. Treats come in so many different types of bags, which can look cluttered and overwhelming. Get creative with streamlining and organizing—you can transfer the treats into matching mason jars, Tupperware, or whatever you have! Check out our Pinterest board for more fun ideas.

7. Walking items are helpful by the door where you exit with the pup. Hooks (or these) for the leash and harness are a great help. You may want to place waste bags here to grab as you leave.