Organizing pet supplies and a tour of the pet room for hamster and guinea pig owners

Keeping pet supplies organized is one of the most underrated aspects of responsible pet ownership. On the Bean, Potato, and Pancake Channel, this video focuses on organizing pet supplies, touring the pet room, and visiting a local garden center, while showcasing everything used to care for hamsters and guinea pigs.

From bedding and substrates to enrichment items and grooming tools, having an organized system not only saves time but also improves daily care and overall animal welfare.

Why Organizing Pet Supplies Is Important

Small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs require a surprising amount of supplies. Bedding, food, substrates, enrichment items, grooming tools, and carriers can quickly create clutter if not properly stored.

An organized setup makes it easier to monitor supplies, maintain hygiene, and ensure pets always have access to safe and enriching materials.

Sorting Spare Supplies

The first step in organizing pet supplies is sorting through spare items. Hemp bedding is one of the primary materials used. It serves as the main bedding in the hamster enclosure and is also used in the guinea pigs’ litter box.

Beech chips are another essential item. These are used as an alternative substrate in hamster enclosures and help enrich a hamster’s sense of touch by introducing different textures.

Travel and Storage Essentials

A guinea pig carrier is kept for transporting them safely, whether bringing them home or taking them to the veterinarian. Having a designated carrier ready at all times is an essential part of emergency preparedness.

Mason jars are used to store substrates such as beech chips, corn granules, and aspen bedding. Clear containers make it easy to see what is available and keep materials fresh.

Seasonal and Themed Accessories

Some items are only used during special occasions. A Halloween hamster hideout, Christmas dishes, wooden sleighs, and decorative trees are stored separately for themed cage setups.

These themed items allow for creative and seasonal enrichment without overwhelming the enclosure year-round.

Identifying Unsafe Items

Not all pet supplies are safe, even if they are marketed for animals. A hay rack was removed after discovering it could trap a guinea pig’s head between the bars. Identifying and removing unsafe items is a crucial part of responsible care.

A hamster ball was also kept only for educational purposes, to demonstrate why they are unsafe. It is never used with live animals.

Foraging and Enrichment Supplies

Walnuts are stored as natural foraging toys. They challenge hamsters mentally and physically, as they must work to access the nut inside. Watching a hamster carry and interact with walnuts is both enriching and entertaining.

Timothy hay is used both for guinea pig feeding and as enrichment scattered over hamster bedding. Sprays are added for hamsters to encourage natural foraging behaviors, though they are not used for guinea pigs due to choking risks.

Multi-Species Accessories

A fruit and vegetable skewer is used for both hamsters and guinea pigs. Carrot and kale were added as treats. Carrots are starchy and should be fed in moderation, but they make excellent enrichment when offered occasionally.

This type of enrichment keeps guinea pigs occupied for long periods and encourages natural feeding behavior.

Using Storage Containers Effectively

Large plastic storage boxes are highly recommended for keeping pet supplies organized. They protect items from dust, moisture, and pests while keeping everything easily accessible.

A dedicated cabinet was used to store additional supplies. Over time, it became cluttered, making organization necessary.

Inside the Supply Cabinet

Forest moss is stored for use as nesting material and for filling gaps in bendable bridges. Guinea pig pellets are kept here as well, as they are fed daily.

Dried herbs and flowers are used as forage for both guinea pigs and hamsters. A dedicated roll of toilet paper is also kept exclusively for pet use, serving both cleaning and nesting purposes.

Grooming and Health Supplies

Bottle cleaning brushes are used for guinea pig water bottles, while hamsters use water bowls. Nail clippers are stored for guinea pig grooming, though human nail clippers can also be used safely.

A grooming brush is used for guinea pigs, especially helpful for shedding breeds. Protein sources such as mealworms are kept exclusively for hamsters, as guinea pigs are vegetarian.

Food Measurement and Treat Storage

Whimzee dog chews are stored for hamsters and given in limited amounts. A tablespoon is used to measure hamster food accurately, ensuring consistent feeding.

Accurate measurement helps prevent overfeeding and supports long-term health.

Drawer Organization and DIY Supplies

Additional storage drawers contain empty containers, cardboard for DIY foraging toys, cocoa coir substrate, reptile sand for sand baths, and extra walnuts.

Scales are used to weigh guinea pigs and hamsters, making it easier to track health and monitor food intake.

Pet Room Tour: Guinea Pig Enclosure

The guinea pig enclosure includes multiple levels, hideouts, foraging toys, bridges, platforms, and cat grass. Cat grass is safe for both hamsters and guinea pigs and is especially enjoyed by Potato.

Water bottles, bowls, beds, tunnels, and a litter box complete the setup. The enclosure was intentionally decluttered to allow more movement.

Shelving and Decorative Touches

Above the enclosure are shelves featuring artwork, plants, books, and handmade décor. Trailing plants and ivy add a natural aesthetic to the room.

A handwritten hamster care book project is stored here, with plans for future publication.

Creative Displays and Lighting

A miniature greenhouse, terrariums, dried flowers, fairy lights, and soft lighting create a calm and visually appealing environment.

An air purifier is used to maintain air quality, which is especially helpful when keeping small animals indoors.

Garden Center Vlog and New Finds

The garden center visit resulted in a green pot for growing cat grass and a new terrarium. Cat grass is safe for multiple small animals and was immediately enjoyed by the guinea pigs.

The garden center also featured inspiring plant displays and décor ideas.

Final Thoughts

Organizing pet supplies is more than just tidying up. It improves care routines, enhances enrichment opportunities, and creates a safer environment for pets.

A well-organized pet room reflects thoughtful, responsible ownership and makes daily care easier and more enjoyable.

With proper storage, creative organization, and intentional design, caring for hamsters and guinea pigs becomes both efficient and rewarding.