A cute golden retriever puppy lying on a grey tiled floor in a living room with a grey sofa after making a mess. A white flower pot and a blanket are strewn across the floor..

Nothing beats the feeling of coming home to your pet, who gets excited at your mere scent and can’t wait to shower you with their affection! You can’t help but love your little furry friend at that moment.

Then, you look behind and are greeted with your house in this state: fur on the couch, toys on the floor, a stain or two on the carpet. You love your furry friend, but not the clutter they leave behind.

Don’t worry, though! This mess is nothing that some preparation and planning can’t fix.

That’s why we’re here with some practical and effective tips to help bring order back into your household!

A person in a beige jumpsuit and white sneakers sitting on the floor with a black and white husky in a living room with a blue sofa, plants, and a window.

1. Regular Grooming

One of the best ways to prevent pet hair, dander, and dirt from accumulating in your home is to groom your pet regularly. This can significantly reduce shedding and the amount of fur that ends up on your floors and furniture.

Keep grooming supplies like brushes, wipes, and nail clippers in a central location so as to encourage this practice and reduce clutter!

2. Train Your Pet to Stay Off Furniture

Another way to keep your home tidy and hygienic is to train your pet to stay off the furniture. You can use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or toys, to teach your pet where they are allowed to sit or sleep, and where they are not.

Training your pet to follow basic commands can help minimise messes, and prevent them from jumping on furniture, digging, or getting into things they shouldn't.

You can also find pet-friendly furniture that can withstand your pet’s antics. Strain-resistant, easily cleanable, durable furniture and fabrics work best.

A small white kitten with grey patches sitting on a grey cushion with white flowers on a wicker chair against a grey wall with a window.

3. Designate a Specific Space

Assigning a corner, closet, crate, or any other area for your pet to hang out in can restrict the mess by a large amount! Additionally, creating designated areas for your pet's belongings as well can go a long way in maintaining an organised home.

4. Secure Trash Bins

Pets are notorious for getting into trash bins. Use trash cans with secure lids or place them in cabinets to prevent your curious pet from creating messes by digging through the trash.

5. Paw Maintenance Station

Place a small mat or towel near the entryway for wiping your pet's paws before they enter the house. This can help reduce the amount of dirt and mud they track indoors.

A white dog with a pink collar sitting on a gray couch in a living room with a gray rug, a white bean bag, and a green plant, and a mess of torn up tissues and a black slipper on the floor and the couch.

6. Clean Up Accidents Immediately

Even if your pet is house-trained, accidents can happen.

If your pet urinates, defecates, vomits, or spills something on your floors, carpets, or furniture, you should clean it up immediately with a pet-friendly cleaner. This can prevent stains, odours, bacteria, and mould from setting in and damaging your surfaces.

7. Vacuum and Clean Strategically

Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner specifically designed to handle pet hair. Regular vacuuming, along with mopping or sweeping, can help keep your floors clean! For stubborn fur, consider using a rubber broom or a damp cloth to gather hair from surfaces.

8. Use Elevated Feeding Stations

Elevated feeding stations for pets can help reduce spills and make cleanup easier. They also promote better digestion for your pet.

A gray tabby cat with white paws and chest stepping out of a blue litter box filled with gray litter on a wooden floor.

9. Regular Litter Box Maintenance

For cat owners, maintaining a clean litter box is essential not only for your pet's health but also for your home's cleanliness.

Choose a suitable location for the litter box, preferably in a less frequented area, and scoop it daily to prevent odours and mess.

10. Toy Rotation and Storage

Pets tend to accumulate toys, and these toys can quickly become strewn all over the house.

Consider implementing a toy rotation system. Keep only a few toys accessible at a time, while the rest are stored away. This prevents your pet from getting overwhelmed by choice and reduces clutter.

You can use storage bins or toy baskets to keep everything organised.

11. Regular Exercise and Playtime

A tired pet is often a well-behaved pet. Engage in regular exercise and play sessions to burn off your pet's energy. This can help prevent them from becoming restless and engaging in destructive behaviour that might lead to clutter or messes.

Two pet food dispensers on a white background, one peach-colored with dry cat food and one mint-green with a blue water bottle, both with bowls at the bottom.

12. Manage Food Storage

Store pet food in airtight containers to prevent odours and keep the food fresh. This also helps to discourage pests from being attracted to the food.

Consider using stylish storage solutions that blend seamlessly with your home's decor, such as decorative baskets for toys or an attractive feeding station.

13. Wash Bedding and Toys

Just like humans, pets' belongings also need regular cleaning. Wash your pet's bedding, blankets, and soft toys to eliminate odours and keep them fresh. Many pet beds and toys are machine washable, so make sure to check the care instructions!

A gray pit bull with a black harness running down a blue and yellow ramp on an agility course on a green lawn with trees and buildings in the distance.

14. Create Outdoor Play Zones

If you have a yard, create a designated play zone for your pet. This can help contain messes to a specific area and prevent your pet from tracking dirt and mud throughout the entire house.

15. Lint Rollers and Brushes

Keep lint rollers or pet hair brushes handy to quickly remove fur from clothing, upholstery, and other surfaces. This can be especially useful when you're about to leave the house or have guests over.

16. Have a Routine

Consistency is key to maintaining an organised home. Establish a daily routine that includes feeding, playtime, and cleaning up after your pet. This helps both you and your pet know what to expect and reduces the likelihood of messes.

17. Establish a "No Pet" Zone

Designate certain areas of your home as "no pet" zones, such as bedrooms or the dining room. This helps maintain a clean and allergen-free space for yourself and any guests!

Having a pet can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it can also come at the cost of chaos and disorder — but don’t let that discourage you!

By following these tips on home management and maintenance, you can make it a happy, free, and comfortable space for both you and your furry housemate!