Cleaning and clearing of storage – How to create order and efficiency

Storage spaces are often places where things accumulate over time, and without regular cleaning and clearing, they can quickly become overcrowded and disorganized. Keeping the storage clean and well-organized is not only important for creating an efficient working environment, but also to ensure that materials and equipment are easily accessible and in good condition. This article provides tips and advice on how to work with cleaning and clearing of storage in a structured and efficient way.

Why is cleaning and clearing of storage important?

A well-organized storage has several advantages:
- Efficiency – It is easier to find and use materials and equipment when they are organized and easily accessible.
- Hygiene and safety – A clean and organized storage reduces the risk of accidents and creates a safer working environment.
- Space optimization – By clearing out unnecessary items, you can create more space and avoid overcrowded storage.

How to clean and clear a storage?

To create order and efficiency in a storage, it is important to follow a structured process.

Cleaning of shelves, cabinets and drawers

Start by cleaning the shelves, cabinets and drawers in the storage. Use cleaning products and water to remove dust and dirt. For surfaces where materials with a specified cleanliness grade are stored, use surface disinfectants with cleaning effect (surfactant). Make sure the surfaces are dry before materials and textiles are placed back in the storage.

Emptying and sorting

Focus on emptying the storage and sorting out unnecessary items.
- Tip 1: Focus on emptying, not organizing – Items should be removed from the storage, not just reorganized. Reduce the number of items instead of just moving them around.
- Tip 2: Book a trailer before you start emptying – By having a trailer ready, it is easier to directly remove items that are to be discarded or donated.
- Tip 3: Good to have, but max one year – If you haven't used an item in a year, it's time to get rid of it.
Remember that different products in the nursing home need to be stored in different ways. Use the right storage space for the right things. Can a storage be used for something else that benefits the residents?

Organizing and labeling

Once the storage is cleaned and unnecessary items are sorted out, it's time to organize what's left.
- Use clear labels – Label boxes, shelves and cabinets so that it's easy to find what you're looking for.
- Place frequently used items within easy reach – Items that are frequently used should be easy to reach, while rarely used items can be placed higher up or further back.
- Use transparent containers – Transparent boxes or containers make it easier to see the content without having to open them.

Regular maintenance cleaning

In order to keep the storage clean and organized, it is important to carry out regular maintenance cleaning.
- Clean shelves and surfaces regularly – Follow a cleaning schedule and make sure that surfaces where materials with a specified cleanliness grade are stored are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- Check the content regularly – Go through the storage regularly to make sure nothing unnecessary has accumulated again.

Reflection questions - Storage cleaning

Care staff
- How do you work with cleaning and clearing of storage in your nursing home?
- What challenges do you see in keeping the storage organized and clean?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist
- How do you see the importance of a well-organized storage for the efficiency of the operation?
- How can you work to integrate regular cleaning and clearing into the operation's routines?

Residents and relatives
- Do you feel that the storage in the residence is well-organized and easily accessible?
- How do you experience the effect of a clean and organized storage on the living environment?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse  
Sofrosyne - Better care every day