18 Clever Ways to Conquer Kid and Pet Clutter

If you've got kids, pets or both, you may feel like their stuff is taking over the house. Try these smart solutions for storing backpacks, sports gear, leashes, bowls and other supplies that come with having pets and kids.

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November 03, 2015

By: Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

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Doggie Daycare

No need for a trip to the kennel. Constructed by Washington, D.C.-based Four Brothers Carpentry, this built-in dog kennel and spa is located in a spacious mudroom that includes the family’s laundry facilities. Two comfy cages hold large dogs. A bottom drawer reveals a hide-a-way bed for a tiny pooch.

Bone Appetit

Dogs can dine in style with built-in dog bowls at the base of a kitchen island designed by Artisan Kitchens Inc. in Osterville, Mass. Drawers with dog bone cutouts conceal pet food and treats.

Vintage Storage

Turn floor clutter into wall art with this vintage-style storage system from Restoration Hardware’s RH baby & child. Keep books, homework, pens and pencils off the floor and in this industrial wall-mounted storage solution.

Wired Wall

Display books, knickknacks and other small items on this wired wheel from Restoration Hardware’s RH baby & child. Mount three horizontally or vertically for a dramatic, yet functional storage solution.

Welcomed Wagon

Make clean-up fun with this adorable retro wagon from Restoration Hardware’s RH baby & child. With classic details like wood railings and cast-iron wheels, this wagon can roll along with your child as they tidy up the room. Park it and it’s decor.

Dine-In Storage

Kids gravitate to the kitchen whether it’s dinnertime or not. Northern Virginia-based AV Architects and Builders designed built-in storage under the window seat and beneath coat and hat hangers.

The Family Tree

This wooden tree is part wall art and part family coat rack. Designed by Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design and fabricated by Boma Design of Santa Barbara, the tree provides an artisanal place to hang your hat.

Whimsical Detail

An owl-shaped hook adds a playful touch to this family-friendly coat rack.

Canine Clean Zone

Cleaning your dog is easier with a floor-level pet shower. The large opening takes the hassle out of luring rover into the shower. Splash-friendly flooring also make this an ideal area to clean pet dishes and toys.

Pre-School Cubbies

Manage the mad morning rush and simplify getting off to school with a storage area that keeps books, bags and outerwear neatly arranged near the door. This type of organized storage is perfect for busy families.

Players Pantry

Not enough party ware to fill your oversized pantry? Consider using that extra space to organize sports gear. Gloves, shoes and caps fit neatly in this corner area of the pantry created by New Jersey based Cory Connor Designs.

Ball Baskets

Plastic baskets, pullout cages and wired bins offer affordable and practical storage for winter caps, baseballs, footballs, gloves and other sports gear.

Laundry Room/Pet Center

Laundry rooms make good spaces for pet centers. The floors are easy to clean, a water source is nearby and most mudrooms or laundry areas are located near an exit. Tour this swanky pet area from HGTV Smart Home 2014.

Pet Feeding Station

Transform old crates, boxes, stools or other wooden materials into a feeding station for Fido. Use a jigsaw to cut holes the size of your pet’s bowls. Get step-by-step instructions for building this pet feeding station.

From: Marian Parsons

Catch-All Closet

Free up garage space for your car and create a catchall closet in the house. Use any hall closet, empty pantry or old computer armoire to mount wall shelves and hang hooks. Store pet food and accessories, cleaning supplies and a large container to “catch all.” Then, shut the door on clutter.

Book Tree

Lowe's provides an easy-to-follow pattern for this DIY book tree. Customize to fit any child’s bedroom or playroom. Place small books and soft toys on limbs. Hang night cloths on pegs. Get step-by-step instructions for building this DIY bookshelf tree from Lowe's.

Window Seat Pet Bed

A cozy window seat with a pet bed below allows your furry friend to curl up near you as you take a break. It also keeps your pet’s sleeping quarters out of house traffic. Get step-by-step instructions for building this window seat pet bed.

Hanging It Up

Machine washable woven fabric baskets can be mounted and on the wall or hung on hooks. Place attached loop over a doorknob for extra storage in bathrooms.

Bedside Manner

Here's a simple multi-pocket solution for kids who like to take smartphone, computer tablet, book or favorite play toy to bed. Hung on the side of the bed, it provides a safe place for small electronics.