The Big Spring Clean: Next Level Organisation

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves, tackle those long-ignored tasks, and give your practice a refreshing clean and organise

As the season changes, many of us begin planning for the big spring clean – an opportunity to refresh and reorganise spaces for the remainder of the year. This time offers the chance to declutter, reassess storage solutions and ensure that offices, waiting areas and other practice spaces are ready for the busy months ahead.

For many, the spring clean can feel overwhelming. What might start as a simple task, like clearing out a supply closet, can quickly turn into hours of sorting through items labelled ‘should probably keep,’ ‘might be useful one day,’ and ‘better not risk throwing out.’

Preparing in Advance

Proper preparation is key to making the process manageable and efficient. With the right tools and systems in place, the spring clean can be a smoother and more organised task for your team.

Start by ensuring your practice has the right organisational products. This includes a range of storage options, such as labelled boxes, filing systems and containers for documents, supplies and equipment. Clear organisation from the outset will help you sort items into categories – things to keep, things to discard and things to donate. Setting up these systems ahead of time will help your team stay focused and make quick decisions as they sort through different areas.

Hard-to-Reach Places

Once storage areas – like desks, cabinets and often-overlooked closets – are cleared, it’s time to tackle the cleaning. In a medical practice, you may encounter tough cleaning tasks that require specialised tools. Standard cleaning supplies might not be enough for deeper cleaning jobs.

To address hard-to-reach areas, consider using extendable cleaning brushes or vacuum attachments specifically designed for corners and tight spaces. These tools can help clean areas behind furniture, equipment and counters without having to move everything. For larger spaces, telescopic dusters and adjustable vacuum nozzles can make it easier to reach high shelves or clean under desks and cabinets.

Staying Safe

Spring cleaning often involves sorting through neglected areas, heavy lifting and dealing with items that have been tucked away for a while. It’s essential to keep safety top of mind during the process, especially when dust, mould and other potentially hazardous materials accumulate in storage areas or workspaces. These airborne particles can present a risk to your staff and patients, particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Ensure your team is equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). High-quality gloves can protect against rough surfaces and chemicals, while face masks or respirators can help prevent inhaling dust, mould spores and other airborne contaminants. Protective eyewear is also a good idea when working with cleaning products or handling materials that could irritate the eyes.

With the right preparation, tools and a little extra care, your practice’s spring clean can be both manageable and rewarding! Tackling those tasks that often get put off can be incredibly satisfying, and soon, your practice will be organised, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the year.