Aaron Thompson

Limited warehouse or storage space is a reality for many cleaning professionals. Whether they’re running a small custodial business or overseeing maintenance for multiple facilities, tight quarters shouldn’t mean operational limitations. Implementing smart inventory strategies—both traditional and forward-thinking—can turn space challenges into efficiency gains. For cleaning and maintenance professionals, inventory is more than a matter of convenience—it’s essential to service delivery. Overstocking eats up space and cash flow. Understocking creates delays and damages customer trust. Lost or disorganized supplies lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary spending. With rising supply costs, increased demand for high-performance sanitation, and the push for accountability, a dialed-in inventory strategy is no longer optional. It’s a core business function. Reach for the ceiling Maximizing vertical space is one of the simplest, most effective solutions in the warehouse playbook. Investing in adjustable shelving and stackable containers allows companies to expand upward, not outward. Clear labeling and standardized bins streamline retrieval and allow for quick visual inventory assessments. Pegboards, hooks, and ceiling-mounted racks offer storage for tools and equipment that are otherwise difficult to store. Business managers should ensure all storage meets the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) guidelines for hazardous materials or chemicals and use appropriate spill containment systems and ventilation. Less waste means more space The just-in-time (JIT) model—popularized in manufacturing—is gaining traction in service industries as well. Rather than stockpiling supplies “just in case,” JIT relies on reliable supplier relationships and real-time inventory tracking to reorder goods only when they’re needed. This lean approach reduces clutter, minimizes expired or obsolete stock, and improves cash flow. For cleaning businesses juggling multiple locations or service types, JIT can make a significant operational difference—especially when paired with automated ordering software or predictive usage analytics. Seek a digital inventory assistant Manual inventory tracking leaves room for error and burns valuable staff time. Today’s inventory management software options are more accessible than ever, even for small- to mid-size operations. Many platforms offer mobile access, barcode scanning, low-stock alerts, and integration with accounting or purchasing systems. These digital tools make tracking product usage, monitoring theft or shrinkage, and maintaining consistent supply levels easier per job. For cleaning teams, this means less time managing inventory and more time on core service delivery. Stay on the go with inventory kits For service providers with mobile crews, pre-packed inventory kits can transform how jobs are staffed and supplied. Each kit is customized for a specific job type—such as school cleaning, post-construction detail, or kitchen deep cleans—and stocked with everything needed to complete that job efficiently. After each use, kits are returned to a central location, audited for missing or depleted supplies, restocked, and staged for the next crew. This approach promotes accountability, improves readiness, and reduces the number of warehouse trips needed to prepare for a job. Outsource your storage Outsourced warehousing or third-party logistics services can bridge the gap if your facility’s storage footprint can’t grow with your business. These services can store inventory, manage fulfillment, and distribute supplies directly to job sites. Shared storage models—where multiple service companies co-locate inventory—can offer reduced costs and centralized access. This is particularly useful for companies expanding into new regions or managing seasonal surges without committing to long-term real estate. Strategize to stay well-stocked As facility maintenance and commercial cleaning needs evolve, so must the systems that support them. Whether optimizing a closet-sized supply room or rethinking a regional warehouse, the right strategy starts with intentional design. Inventory control doesn’t require a massive warehouse or a full-time logistics team. With smart storage design, tech-enabled tracking, and strategic sourcing, even the leanest operations can stay fully stocked and ready to serve.

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Aaron Thompson

Senior Development Director, EverSmith Brands, Owner, KitchenGuard of Central Texas

Articles by Aaron Thompson

Inventory Control in Tight Quarters

Business and Management

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