Setting Up A Self-Storage Unit For An Animal Shelter

Posted on: 12 December 2017

Whether your animal shelter accepts donations or you stock up on supplies for the furry friends under your care, you may find that you need additional storage space for your pet essentials. Here are a few tips you can use to set up a self-storage unit to hold these items until they are needed in your center.

Secure Pet Food

Pet food can attract insects or rodents, so you'll want to make sure you secure the food supply while it's in storage. Consider using plastic storage bins to provide an extra layer of protection against pests. Keep the food in the original bags or boxes, and place them inside the containers. Close the lids securely, and label each container with the type of food and the purchase date. Labeling the items by date will help to ensure you aren't keeping expired food in the unit.

Disassemble Pet Crates

If you have crates available for use in the shelter or to give to adoptive parents, be sure that they remain disassembled in your storage unit. This will help to save space, so you can fit more inside the unit. Do the same with cages for smaller animals, and attach a tag to each crate or cage that indicates the measurements. This will help to ensure that you grab the right sizes when these items are needed.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Separate

Cleaning supplies are essential in animal shelters, so you'll likely want to stock up on things like paper towels, baking soda, and spray cleaners. Keep these items separate from food, toys, or pet bedding. This will help to ensure that no chemicals that might be harmful to pets. Keep these items in plastic storage containers as well to protect them from pests and potential leaks.

Use Shelving To Sort Miscellaneous Items

From dog bowls to cat toys, there are a lot of different items that your shelter most likely uses every day. Keeping the extras organized will help you to find the pet gear you need to replenish the shelter's supply. Use freestanding shelving units to sort and store these items, and use plastic or metal bins to keep smaller items grouped together. Organize everything by item type and animal type for added convenience.

Be sure to choose a storage facility located close to your shelter so you can quickly access the items you need every day. If your storage facility also offers moving services, consider arranging for the movers to pick up donations at your shelter once every month or two so they can be brought to the storage space. The movers can also transport items to the shelter as they become needed. Contact a company, like Wheaton World Wide Moving, for more help.

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