We welcomed our newest addition, sweet Pickles the Golden Retriever, in September. We haven’t had a puppy in so long that I obviously forgot how much stuff comes along with one! Also, Pickles is a 55 pound puppy of pure fluff. So. Much. Hair. She also should have come with a Dyson! You can imagine my excitement when I was able to partner with The Container Store to get our pet supplies organized. I originally had everything stuffed in a plastic drawer unit, but I couldn’t find anything and it made it impossible to open the other cabinets in my cleaning closet. Thank goodness for the Elfa Utility Mesh Wall & Door System! This space saving product made organizing all things Pickles quick and easy and not to mention, installation was a breeze!
The Problem
In our already crunched for space home, I was running out of cabinet space to store additional things. I wanted to keep her things by the side door, which opens up into a closet where we keep cleaning supplies, etc. It’s perfect for when her muddy and snowy paws enter the house, it’s like her own little mudroom. I was using a plastic rolling craft cart that I had purchased years ago, but it just wasn’t cutting it. Everything was jumbled together and I couldn’t see what we had. Leashes were tangled, treats were spilling, it was a big mess. I also wanted my kids to be able to take some responsibility with Pickles, so I needed everything to be easily accessible for them as well.
Unorganized Chaos
I started with this plastic rolling craft cart that I had purchased several years ago to store her belongings…but it was a big mess. I needed something that could be easily accessible, streamlined, and not get in the way of the other cabinets in the closet.
The Solution
The Elfa Utility Mesh Door + Wall Rack! This product is amazing. I opted to install it on the wall in our closet to make it easy to access the other cabinets.
What I Love
The Mesh Baskets. They look streamlined and clean, and keep those little items from falling through. I put a few of my favorite label clips on each basket so everyone knows the contents and things end up where they started. I also love these rectangle storage canisters to keep her treats fresh.
The Utility Board. This grid is amazing. It’s completely customizable to your needs. The system comes with 2 of the translucent boxes, but I purchased a couple more because they were perfect for what I needed to store. They snap right on and hold easy to grab treats, meds and her paw protectant for our cold Minnesota winters 🙂 You can attach various sized hooks perfect for hanging up her leashes, brushes and other grooming tools and accessories! They snap on wherever you want them creating a perfectly organized space.
Ease of Install
Often times systems like this can be intimidating to install…not this one! I opted for the wall install and it took me no longer than 5 minutes start to finish. The baskets and utility board simply snap into place and then the fun begins!
Now that we’re all organized, can we go for a walk?! Getting your pet’s things in order will ensure a happy, less stressful start to your life with your new fur baby.
Happy Organizing!
Ashley + Lindsay
