6 Ideas for Organizing Pet Supplies

Whatever pets you have, you almost certainly have some supplies for them, such as food and treats, toys, cushions, covers, brushes, and collars. The more pets you have, the more items they require. However, the problem is how to organize them. Dogs’ collars, for instance, are the simplest to manage. You could simply put them on hooks or a shelf. You might want to store toys in baskets, crates, or drawers if you have them. Examine these 6 ideas for organizing pet supplies if you want to make your life simpler and more organized.

1. Determine what to keep, donate, or discard

Decluttering is an essential phase in the organizing process since it allows you to reduce the quantity of stuff you own by evaluating what you truly require. Experts suggest getting rid of any worn-out goods and giving any unwanted equivalents. For instance, you don't need seven collars for one dog.

The pandemic is undoubtedly a perfect time to give things away. Many charities are searching for donations. You could check the websites of your local animal shelters and rescues to see what products are on their wish list. By decluttering your items, you could free your space and get extra space for storing your pet's essentials. Furthermore, you could use decorative bags and baskets, be creative and make colorful shelves. Moreover, don't hesitate to rent a storage unit if you find yourself running out of space.

2. Storing pet food

Pet food might be challenging to organize. It is something you want sealed to keep fresh. However, sometimes, a pet food bag is larger than your pet. Therefore, storing it seems to be a big problem. You will certainly need some assistance at this point. Some of the services related to storing items are what zippyshelllousiana.com provides, as they offer climate-controlled storage, on-site storage, and portable storage. Check their services if you need to relocate and are worried about storing your own and your pet's items.

Fortunately, some storage containers are perfect for storing pet food. You can keep pet food in a huge storage container on wheels. Namely, it can be put anywhere in your home. You could roll it out when you need to refill the containers. 

When it comes to types of containers, bags are definitely not suitable for storing. They frequently leak and are challenging to fit everywhere. You might want to purchase a plastic box with a lid that is the proper size and form for storing your pet's food and water dishes.

While pet supplies organizing ideas are essential, what's genuinely crucial is keeping dog food fresh. Here are a few unusual dog food storage ideas.

• Select an airtight container that will fit in your cupboard.

• Store food in a snugly fitting container.

• Vintage canisters might provide a charming touch to your kitchen if you want to be creative.

• Look at dog food stations that include bowls as well as food storage.

3. Find space in your home for storing pet supplies

Keeping pet supplies organized is much easier if you can store everything in one spot. A good first step might be to gather your pet's supplies such as food, toys, leashes, sweaters, and medication and place them in one location. It's helpful to have a visual representation of how many things you truly have. It could be on a shelf in the laundry room of your house, for instance. You might store pet brushes, grooming tools, and other miscellaneous pet items in a basket, so you always know where to look.

Moreover, before you begin filling your pet supplies basket with items, be sure that they are things that you require. Ensure to toss or give away any belongings you no longer need, such as a puppy collar your dog has outgrown or a leash you never use because it's too long. Make sure you only store items for your pet that you genuinely need and utilize. After all, living with a pet in an apartment might get too crowded even if you hang on to essentials only.

Interesting ideas for organizing pet supplies

You could collect all the toys and place them in one large and accessible storage container. A charming bone-shaped storage container or a huge bone-shaped basket are two adorable options for dog toys. You may move toys to different rooms, but having one central spot to take things from and put things back in makes it easy to know what you have and immediately notice and dispose of damaged toys.

4. Portable storage containers

As you can expect, there are several instances in which you will want more storage. Regardless of how large and roomy your home is, chances are you'll need extra storage space for your belongings at some point. It is where portable storage units come in handy. Namely, they may be beneficial in the process of decluttering any household. Moreover, by using portable storage units, you could have everything nearby. If you need an object urgently, such as dog medication, you will not need to rush or worry about where it might be. Aside from that, there are several more instances in which they might be helpful. Here are some of them:

• Practicality

• Affordability

• Mobility

• Able to be delivered to the location (in case you are moving)

For instance, you could store pet food in a huge, portable, plastic storage container. Not only would it fit perfectly in the cabinet, but it would also keep the food fresh and keep the "crunch" factor from being lost due to humidity. This is much better than using bags since they are less suitable and handy.

Moreover, you could categorize pet items with plastic boxes in various colors. Cat pills, dog meds, and grooming supplies, for example, might have their own container. It makes them easier to locate and avoids drug mix-ups. Furthermore, the colors might add life and happiness to your apartment.

Final thoughts

When you take a moment to imagine yourself in your pet's paws, organizing pet supplies becomes a lot of fun. Would you like to have access to the toys? Or to find your leash easily? Is your food as fresh as it possibly can be? Rest assured that these storage solutions will make your pet's life easier as well. Therefore, make for an easy life with your pet by considering these ideas for organizing pet supplies.

6 Tips to Organize a Party in Your Home

Throwing a party in your own home gives you the ease of being able to clean and prepare well ahead of time, and lets you really show off your hosting skills. It can be a bit of work to pull it all together for one special day, but in the end it’s all worth it to have the good company of friends and family together under your roof. We’ve got some great tips to help you organize a successful party in your home that will definitely impress your friends!

Start Planning Early

When organizing for a party in your home, it helps to start thinking about details as much as three to six months ahead of time. Will there be a theme to your party? What is your budget? How many people do you plan to invite? What kind of decorations will you want? Will your party be casual and call for disposable plates, cups, and utensils? Or, will you want to elevate your party to a more classy level with rented glassware, plates, and tables? Setting these types of details will give you goals that can be slowly achieved, instead of making a stressful time of last minute organizing. Leading up to the party, you can keep your eye out for decorations and accessories in stores you go to that might fit with your party theme. 

Declutter & Clean 

When you have guests at your home, you want them to be impressed with the level of cleanliness, your stylish home decor, and the effort you’ve put into organizing for the party. Start with the basics by making sure your home is free from pests, clutter, and is cleaned from top to bottom. It may be best to clean your home within the week before the party, so everything stays clean. That means dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, washing rugs, cleaning kitchen appliances, and making the bathrooms sparkle. A few air fresheners here and there never hurt either!

Pre-Prep Food

One big part of planning is determining what you’ll be offering for food. Choosing catering is always a good idea, because it takes a load of work off your plate. However, you could also go with offering just appetizers and finger foods, request your friends to each bring a dish potluck style, or buy and make all the food yourself. If you go with the latter route, it’s best to purchase all the food several days out from the party date to ensure everything is fresh. On the day before the party, you’ll want to pre-prep as much food as possible. For example, get your appetizer trays ready to whip out on the day of the party. Peel, chop, and dice any fruits and veggies ahead of time. Prep or marinate your meats the night before so they’re ready to cook. You could also ask a few friends to come over early the day of your party to help you prep food and complete any last minute decorating.  

Stock Drinks for Everyone

Everybody loves a good party with adult beverages on hand. When creating your guest list, think about what everyone likes to drink and try to accommodate the majority. You may want to have some beer, seltzers, wine, and cocktails available. And don’t forget about the guests who don’t drink or who will be designated drivers. Have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages like soda, ice tea, lemonade, plenty of water, and maybe even some non-alcoholic beer.

Organize the Music Playlist

When you're mingling with friends and enjoying the hard work you’ve put into your party, the last thing you want to be messing with constantly is the music. Either create a music playlist on an MP3 player, or choose the perfect station on a music app like Pandora. If you don’t already have a subscription to a music app that cuts out commercials, a free trial that will give you hours of uninterrupted music is a house party essential.   

Plan for Some Simple Entertainment 

While hanging out with friends, eating, and drinking is often a good time by itself, a few games and a little entertainment can really add to the fun. Some entertainment ideas for an outdoor house party might include cornhole, horseshoes, and Kan Jam. Indoor activities that are fun for a group are giant jenga, card games, darts, twister, and drinking games. Many drinking games are super simple and don’t require many accessories to play. Think beer pong, flip cup, never have I ever, and most likely, to name a few. 

Don’t forget to send your invites out at least a month ahead of time, so your guests have plenty of time to plan to attend. Set an RSVP date as well, so you will know how much food and supplies you’ll need for the party. Yes, every party takes money and lots of effort, but when you see everyone having a good time together, the work all becomes worth it. Good luck in throwing a killer house party!

Guest Post - Top 10 Organization Tips for This Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be super stressful, we promise. With our simple organization tips, you’ll be able to tackle spring cleaning with ease. Spring cleaning can help to keep you physically active, regulate your sleep schedule, protect your immune system, and more. Let’s take a look at our top 10 organization tips for spring cleaning. 

1) Make a Plan

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, make a plan to tackle all of your tasks. Take your time and decide which rooms you want to clean and on which days you want to clean them. Even if you live in a smaller home or apartment, try to avoid trying to clean your entire space in one or two days. Spread out your tasks over four to six days to avoid burnout and frustration. 

2) Get Ready

You don’t want to start cleaning and realize you don’t have enough cleaning products or you’re desperately in need of a new broom. Before you begin cleaning, top up on all of the cleaning products you like to use, and also replace your cleaning tools if necessary. Things will run much more smoothly if you have access to all of the things you need, when you need it. Having to run out to the store in the middle of a cleaning session can easily make things go downhill. 

3) Declutter

Before you fully get into the nitty gritty of it all, spend time decluttering your space. A good rule of thumb is to recycle, donate, or discard items that you’ve forgotten you own. If items have been hidden in dust and kicked under the couch for that long, that usually means that you don’t need them anymore. Recycle and donate those in good condition, after cleaning them, of course - and toss those that have reached the end of their life span. While decluttering and sorting, place items you want to keep in folding storage boxes for a tidy and functional appearance. 

4) Top to Bottom

Work from top to bottom. Clean your ceilings and fans first to bring the dirt down. Dust and clean your furniture and floors last. You’ll save time by avoiding re-dusting or re-wiping the same surfaces over and over again.  

5) Don’t Forget - Part 1

Don’t forget to clean your walls and windows! Walls and windows are a part of regular cleaning that is often forgotten. However, it is an essential part of spring cleaning. Be sure to add this part to your spring cleaning schedule. To clean your walls you can simply wipe them down with a clean damp cloth. If you feel like they need a bit of extra love, you can use a gentle soap and warm water to wash them. 

Spray the outside of your windows off with a hose before tackling them to make things much easier. Once the surface dirt has been removed with the hose, fill a bucket with clean water and a few drops of gentle liquid soap. Simply wash your windows and voila! Your home will feel and look brighter and much more inviting with clean windows and walls. 

6) Don’t Forget - Part 2

A big organization tip that you must have on your spring cleaning list is remembering the little things! While you’re removing all of your food items to clean your cupboards, remember to check all of the expiration dates. Discard expired food and reorganize your cupboard to place items that will expire soon as the first in line. 

While you’re at it, clean your hand sanitizer dispenser and refill it with fresh hand sanitizer so it’s all ready to go when you need to clean up. If you have vinyl records, be sure to clean them too. Even if your vinyl records are all for show, vinyl record cleaning is an imperative part of spring cleaning. 

7) Air Filter Replacement

Replace the air filters for all of your air condition units. The amount of dust, dirt, and debris that gets caught in air filters may surprise you. Keep the air in your home healthy by replacing your AC filters every 30-45 days. You’ll avoid pesky dust allergies and also enjoy maximum efficiency from your units, saving you money on your power bill!

8) Protect Yourself

While cleaning and organizing, you need to protect yourself. Read the labels of your cleaning products to ensure you don’t have any allergies to any of the ingredients. Avoid chemical irritations by wearing protective clothing, gloves, masks, and even a hair net while cleaning. 

9) Switch It Up

If you’ve been thinking about changing the style or theme of your home, now is the time. While spring cleaning, be encouraged to change furniture, colors, and other home accessories. Spring cleaning will feel so much more rewarding when you have a completely clean home and a brand new look that you’ve been dreaming of. 

10) Relax

Our last and final tip is to relax! Take your time and remember to plan your cleaning over the course of a few days. Take breaks in between tasks, have snacks, and drink lots of water. You’ve got this!

Author Bio: 

Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for home décor. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.

7 Easy Tips for Organizing An Older Adult's Home

Home indeed is where the heart is. That's why nearly 90% of seniors say they choose to age in their own homes. It's also why seniors would prefer to make changes to their own house rather than move into a facility that better meets their immediate needs.

Keeping your house tidy and organized is even more crucial to elders. The truth is that regulating your day-to-day activities is critical to aging in place. Food, medications, and cleaning supplies are all goods that elderly parents and loved ones want easy access to. It is especially true when older adults' physical limitations are present. 

The benefits of being organized

Seniors – and the family members who love and assist them – need a great deal of organization. Living in a clean and tidy environment can help older adults:

• Reduce their stress levels. Living in a dirty environment could increase stress, reduce productivity, and contribute to sadness and anxiety. The more organized your senior loved one's home is, the better they'll feel! 

• Enhance their health. Clutter can become a health threat as it accumulates. Falling or other mishaps may happen from time to time. Overloaded bookcases or tottering stacks of books can injure your senior loved one. Mountains of clutter can serve as a breeding ground for dust, mold, and bacteria. It can aggravate allergies and contribute to illnesses in your loved one.

• Increase their level of independence. A busy atmosphere can be exhausting as well as harmful. You can enable the elders to live independently by assisting them in getting organized. A few minor adjustments can have a significant effect. For example, if everything they need is within easy reach, your loved one may be more eager to cook or work on art projects. 

• Make preparations for the future. Helping your loved ones organize their home can make it much simpler for them to adapt and adjust in the future. You are making it easier for them to ensure that all their belongings are in order.

Now is the time to declutter. Furthermore, you may have a sense of liberation and cleansing. Here are a few pointers on how to organize an older adult's home:

1. Remove any furniture off the walkways. 

Have you ever stubbed your toe on a chair and wondered, "Where did THAT come from?"

So, older individuals move their furniture out of their way to avoid damage. 

Moving chairs away from entrances avoids you or others from walking into them. Also, avoiding tables in your walking zone will protect you from stubbing your toes.

2. Items should be at waist height. 

Your mobility may deteriorate as you become older. Consider keeping your stuff around waist height to make things more convenient. You can use shelves, filing cabinets, or tables to store goods. Not only will your back thank you if you don't have to bend to pick it up. But you'll also reduce your chances of losing your balance and tumbling forward. 

Make sure desk drawer handles are comfortable to hold for seniors. Doing so is beneficial to those with arthritis or others with mobility concerns. If they are using a wheelchair, ensure everything is the right height. Be aware that you may need to replace your tables with one wheelchair accessible.

3. Maintain a light and airy atmosphere in your home. 

Installing extra lighting can increase the visibility of your items and house. Whenever practical, we recommend using floor and table lamps. The extra lighting is especially beneficial for those experiencing eyesight problems. 

Installing a nightlight in the bathroom and hallway may be helpful for some people. This is especially true if they get up during the night. You don't have to worry about it being too bright because it illuminates the path to the restroom.

4. Install storage solutions.

If you have souvenirs and photos on every surface in your living room, consider placing shelves to keep them off of usable surfaces. Not all your possessions may fit in your new storage unit. Consider which stuff you adore and want to preserve, as well as which you can let go of. Put something in storage if you don't have a place for it but aren't ready to get rid of it. Make sure you have enough table space for everyday use.

5. Keep your medicine cabinet clean regularly. 

Seniors may be at risk from a medical cabinet with outdated prescriptions. If you or a loved one consumes an expired drug by accident, it could result in serious health complications. So, make sure you clean medicine cabinets regularly. 

Throw away expired medicines. Ensure that the products you maintain are in their original containers and labeled.

6. Organize your shower to keep it safe.

Only keep bottles, soaps, and other goods in your shower that you use regularly and fit in the available area. Not only will this declutter the shower space, but it will also assist in preventing a slip and fall.

Consider installing a towel rack inside the tub to reduce the chance of slipping and falling. Also, toss out any old loofah that may have bacteria on them and replace them with easy to clean washcloths.

7. Use shelves to declutter.

Add shelves to their bedroom to keep things that would clutter their drawers and nightstands. Only save the most meaningful items you like using or seeing every day.

Final Word

Assisting an older person in becoming and remaining organized is easier said than done. Many senior citizens are averse to change in any form. Many seniors often keep things they don't need because they have sentimental attachments or feel they'll need them in the future. Physical objects might also be reassuring for some seniors coping with loneliness.

Keep in mind that the dual responsibilities of decluttering and reorganizing can be overwhelming on their own. It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help. A professional organizer can be an excellent resource in assisting you, and your loved ones determine what you have and where you have it. That way, you can deliberately and successfully organize it all.