New Year is always a good time for a fresh start, so why not take the opportunity to refresh, reorganise, and declutter your stoma supplies? A well-organised space makes daily stoma care easier, quicker, and less stressful. Whether you’re dealing with a tiny bathroom cupboard or a dedicated storage area, a little sort out can make a big difference in keeping your supplies accessible and in great condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to decluttering, organising, and optimising your stoma supplies!
Start with a stoma supplies audit
Before you start organising, take stock of what you have. Lay everything out in one place and check for the following:
- Expired products – Many stoma products, like adhesives and barrier wipes, have expiration dates. Using expired items can affect their performance.
- Damaged packaging – Torn or improperly stored bags, wipes, or adhesive removers may not work as effectively.
- Products you no longer use – If you’ve switched bags or found a better fit, remove any old supplies that are just taking up space.
- Overstocked items – Do you have too many of one item but not enough of another? Take note so you can adjust your next order accordingly.
If you have excess unopened supplies, consider donating them to a stoma charity or support group – many organisations accept unused products to help ostomates in need.
Sort and categorise your essentials
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to categorise your supplies so everything is easy to find. Try sorting into:
- Daily essentials – Your go-to items, like bags, adhesive remover, barrier wipes, and seals. Keep these within easy reach.
- Backup supplies – Extra bagss, flanges, or accessories you don’t need every day but want to have on hand. Store these neatly in a labelled container.
- Emergency kit – Pack a small kit with everything you need for a bag change when you’re on the go. A bag, adhesive remover wipes, a small mirror, and disposal bags should do the trick.
- Travel essentials – If you travel frequently, keep a separate, pre-packed travel kit so you never forget the essentials.
Keep a small inventory checklist nearby so you always know when you’re running low on key supplies.
Find the right storage solutions
Once everything is sorted, it’s time to choose the best storage system that works for your space. Here are some organisation ideas:
- Bathroom cupboard – Use clear plastic bins or drawer dividers to keep items neat and visible. Label each section for easy access.
- Stackable storage boxes – Ideal for keeping backups and bulk supplies neatly stored while saving space.
- Portable storage bag – A compact bag or caddy near your bathroom makes changing quick and convenient.
- Car kit – Keep a small pack of emergency supplies in your car for peace of mind while out and about.
If you prefer a discreet storage solution, decorative boxes or storage baskets can blend into your home décor while keeping everything within reach.
Create a routine for restocking and ordering
Now that your supplies are organised, maintain the system by setting a regular check-in routine.
- Check your supplies monthly – Keep a running list of what you need so you don’t over-order or run out.
- Reorder before you run low – Aim to reorder when you have at least two weeks’ worth of supplies left.
- Set a reminder – Use your phone or a calendar alert so you never forget to stock up.
If you order supplies in bulk, check expiry dates and rotate stock so you use older products first.
Refresh and personalise your stoma routine
It isn’t just about decluttering – it’s also a time to refresh your routine and make stoma care as comfortable as possible.
- Try new products – If something isn’t working as well as it used to, consider trying new products that might be a better fit. Oakmed offers free samples, so it’s a great way to test new options!
- Upgrade your self-care routine – Try different accessories (like support belts or barrier creams), and experiment with products that make your stoma care easier, you can get free samples from Oakmed.
- Make your space feel good – Add fresh flowers, a calming scent, or a stylish organiser to your stoma area, little touches can make your daily routine feel more positive.
A little organisation can go a long way in making your stoma routine easier, stress-free, and more efficient. By decluttering, sorting, and refreshing your space, you can focus more on living your life and less on managing your supplies.
Try the Goldcare Home Delivery Service
GoldCare is a product neutral home delivery service for all your stoma care needs. Free to use, you can arrange for your supplies to be delivered efficiently, and when it suits you. Find out more about the GoldCare home delivery service here.
