No matter what kind of pet you have, I am sure that it comes with a certain amount of extra stuff. Or maybe you acquire a certain amount of extra stuff as it grows.
Go through whatever cupboard or shelf or place that you store some of the pet supplies. It could be things like cage accessories for small pets, bedding supplies, aquarium decor, cat toys that are broken or too loved, dog toys with holes in them. It could be pet beds, extra collars or harnesses, Halloween costumes or other clothes, even treats or food – some of that expires!
You could also sort through any medications that you have for your pet. Even bathing supplies. Go through any baby stages of the supplies, too. Sometimes, we hold on to more of that baby stuff than actual baby stuff!
Again, no matter what type of pet you have, there’s bound to be some clutter taking up space.
One strategy for dealing with pet supplies coming in and out of your home is to have a set size shelf or cupboard to store it all in. If anything doesn’t fit, either it goes or something else goes. You can not take up any more space for the pet supplies than that one spot!
Another strategy that seems to be so much harder, is to only buy the bare minimum and never take gifts on behalf of the pet. If the stuff is not coming in, then it can’t build up as clutter! Like I said, this one is easier said than done!
Another idea is to set up a pet supply trade with friends who also have the same type of pet. If you are a fish lover, trade trinkets or decorations for the aquarium. If you have hamsters, gerbils or other small pets, trade half a treat bag or get a larger portion of bedding supplies and split the bag so that each time you fill the cage, you are using up what you have. If you love cats, you may have a lot of great toys to keep them busy. You may want to try exchanging them with another cat lover, it will keep things interesting for your feline companion. If dogs are ‘where it’s at’, then try trading dog clothes! Sure, the dogs need to be similar in size, but it’s a great way to double the use of the items!
You could even consider donating supplies to pet stores or to various shelters around your area. Call ahead to see what they are looking for at the moment, but I am sure they will take some of the stuff. You could also consider posting the supplies on a buy nothing or buy and sell group in your area.
Regardless of what pet you have, the key is knowing your space, and, knowing how much space you’re willing to let your pet take over. Go through the pet supplies regularly so that you can stay on top of the growing amount of supplies that you have.
Here’s the big secret, your pet won’t even notice that you have gotten rid of the stuff!! They won’t fight back to keep it! So, create some balance and enjoy your pet. Don’t let the pet supplies take up all of the home!
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