As parents, we all know how easily clutter can creep into your home and take over before you notice it. If you have both kids AND pets, take that problem and multiply it, and you’ve got a real mess on your hands – UNLESS you proactively work to minimize the chaos before it takes over. And that’s especially true if you’re trying to keep your home clutter-free as a dog owner.
Much as my kids would LOVE to have a dog, allergies mean this is just not in the cards for us. But many of my dear friends’ families (Keisha’s and Raiah’s in particular), as well as most of our neighbors, have dogs – and their homes are remarkably clutter-free compared to ours. Which means they’ve got a thing or two to teach the rest of us about having a clutter-free home with dogs.
Just like keeping clutter at bay with kids, it may seem very easy for your living space to become cluttered and disorganized as a dog owner, between your dog’s toys, food, and all the other essentials. But with some planning and organization, keeping your home both pet-friendly and clutter-free is totally doable. Just as with everything else, the clutter-free plan for dog owners starts with everything having a designated home. Once you’ve got that part established, keeping it up should be easy.
Whether your home is a large house or a tiny apartment, these practical tips should help you stay organized and create a cleaner, neater co-living space for your family and your canine companions.
This is a collaboration post. However, please know I stand behind everything written here, and only include links to products/services/resources I’m willing to recommend personally.
1) Set Up a Dog-Walking and Grooming Station
One of the most effective ways to prevent clutter from taking over is by establishing a dog-walking and grooming station by your entryway. It’s also a great way to reduce the mess that often accumulates around doors and entryways.
Having a dedicated space for leashes, poop bags, and other dog-walking supplies will allow you to keep all your daily essentials in one place. That way, grabbing everything you need before and after walks is effortless; ditto getting everything back where it belongs after walks.
Consider installing hooks or pegs for leashes, harnesses, and waste bags right by the door. You can also add a small shelf or wall-mounted organizer to store dog wipes, towels, and brushes. Doing so makes post-walk cleanup easy, because you already have all your supplies right there.
2) Organize Pet Clothes and Accessories
Disorganized pet accessories and apparel can quickly add to household clutter if left unorganized. You’ll want proper solutions for dog sweaters and jackets, custom hats for dogs, and other essentials in your pet’s wardrobe if you want to keep them from piling up and if you want to ensure that they’re easy to find when you need them.
The best way to do this is to set up a dedicated storage area for pet clothing, such as a drawer, bin, or small closet. For smaller items like hats, bows, and scarves, use clear storage bins or organizers to keep them separated and easy to access. Adding labels to storage containers can help you locate items quickly, especially during busy mornings or before scheduled travel adventures.
3) Use a Toy Bin or Basket
Individual dog toys often end up scattered around the house, in places like the living room and the backyard. A simple solution to this common clutter problem is to keep a toy bin or basket for all your dog’s toys. This will keep your living spaces tidy and provide your dog with a consistent place to find their toys during playtime.
RELATED POST: Budget Organizing with Baskets: Cheap Storage Solutions
Choose a large, sturdy container and place it in a common area where your dog likes to play. If you’re short on space, opt for a toy basket with a lid to keep everything out of sight when not in use. Rotating toys—keeping only a few out at a time—will also reduce clutter and keep your dog excited about playtime.
4) Consider Multi-Function Furniture or Storage Solutions
When you’re tight on space, multi-function furniture will be a lifesaver. They’ll help you organize pet-related items such as toys, blankets, or grooming tools while maintaining a clean and stylish home.
These options are particularly useful in smaller living spaces, where every square foot counts. When space is tight, dual-purpose pieces like storage ottomans, benches with compartments, or coffee tables with hidden drawers is essential for taming your dog’s clutter.
RELATED POST: Maximizing Space in a Small House
5) Clean Up Regularly and Stay Consistent
Another important tip for keeping a clutter-free home, whether with kids or dogs, is being consistent about keeping the clutter under control. Regular cleaning and tidying-up remains the best way to prevent messes from piling up over time.
You can do this by establishing a daily or weekly routine for putting away pet items, vacuuming pet hair, and wiping down surfaces.
If you’re a parent as well as a dog owner, it’s also important that ALL family members pitch in to keep your pets’ paraphernalia under control.
RELATED POST: How to Get Your Kids to Help Around the House: 21 Hacks
Encouraging everyone in your household to do their part, by returning dog-related items to their designated storage spots. This habit will ensure that you’re always ready to welcome guests without worrying about pet clutter. All in all, consistent effort—even just a few minutes each day—can go a long way in maintaining a more organized home.
6) Keep a Pet Go-Bag for Travel Essentials
Whether you’re heading to the vet, taking a weekend trip, or spending a few hours outdoors, a pet go-bag will be a must-have for a productive time out of the house and a cleaner home overall. This bag should contain essentials like food, water bowls, waste bags, a leash, and a small blanket. Having a go-bag packed and ready to grab will make it easier for you to travel with your canine companion, without having to rummage through cabinets or drawers.
Keep the go-bag stored in an accessible location, such as a coat closet or by the entryway, so that you can easily grab it as you head out the door. This will streamline your outings and keep your home clutter-free.
Remember, a little effort will go a long way in keeping your home cleaner, more organized, and more pleasant for you and your dog. Look to the recommendations above to keep the clutter out, and the “paw-sitive” vibes in.
If you enjoyed this post on keeping a clutter-free home with dogs, please share with others by pinning this image!
NOTE: This site contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please read the full disclosure/privacy policy.
Follow Super Mom Hacks on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X!
Or stay in the loop by ✅ joining our mailing list!
Want to read more posts like this? Then
✅ check out the home organization archives HERE.
Or use these links to check out my other posts on
