Your housekeeping trolley is your mobile store for the shift. It is loaded to par stock, the set quantity of each item your section needs. Good stock control prevents shortages, waste and extra cost.
Why it matters
Every trip back to the linen room costs time. An overloaded or unattended trolley also causes accidents and lost stock.
Key ideas
Par stock
The fixed quantity of each item your trolley or store holds at the start of a shift. You always refill back to par.
Trolley layout
Heavy linen goes low, amenities in the top caddy and chemicals in a secure section, with rubbish and used-linen bags at the ends.
Stock rotation
Use older stock first, a method called first in, first out (FIFO), so nothing gets damaged or out of date.
Step by step
- 1
Check how many checkouts and stayovers you have.
- 2
Load linen and amenities to par for your section.
- 3
Put heavy items low and keep clean items away from rubbish.
- 4
Park across the open door, with the shelves facing into the room.
- 5
Clean and restock the trolley at the end of your shift.
Do
- Wipe the trolley daily, including the handle and wheels.
- Report low stock in the store before it runs out.
- Keep your trolley in sight in corridors.
Common mistakes
- Don't overload it so you cannot see over it.
- Don't put rubbish or used linen on clean shelves.
- Don't take extra stock 'just in case'; it hides real usage.
The situation
Halfway through your section you run out of bath mats, and the floor store is empty.
What a professional does
You radio the linen room with the quantity needed and carry on with rooms that do not need mats yet. Later, you report the shortage so par can be reviewed.
Useful phrases
“Linen room, floor three here. I need ten bath mats, please.”
“The floor store is below par on toilet rolls.”
Pro tip
Set up your trolley the same way every day so you can reach items without looking.
Quick check
What does par stock mean?
Think about it, then show the answer
The set quantity of each item you start the shift with and restock back up to.