Spring IT Cleaning Checklist

Spring is a good time to clean up your IT infrastructure. Just like spring cleaning your home, IT spring cleaning helps you get organised, remove clutter, and prepare for the year ahead.

We’ve helped businesses do IT spring cleaning, and there are some common tasks that always come up. Things that get overlooked during busy periods but make a real difference when you tackle them. Here’s a checklist to get you started.

Clean Up Files and Storage

Start with the digital clutter. Old files, duplicate documents, unused folders. This might seem minor, but it makes everything easier to find and manage.

Go through shared drives and cloud storage. Delete files that aren’t needed anymore. Archive old projects. organise remaining files into logical folders. This reduces storage costs and makes it easier to find what you need.

On individual computers, clean up desktops and document folders. Delete temporary files, clear browser caches, remove unused programs. This improves performance and makes computers easier to use.

Also, review your backup storage. Are you backing up files you don’t need? Can you reduce backup storage by cleaning up source files? This saves money and makes backups faster.

Review and Update Software

Spring is a good time to catch up on software updates. Operating systems, applications, security software. Make sure everything is current.

Check for pending updates on all devices. Computers, servers, network equipment, mobile devices. Install updates during quiet periods when they won’t disrupt business.

Also, review installed software. Are there programs you don’t use anymore? Uninstall them. They take up space and can create security risks if they’re not updated.

And check for software licenses. Are you paying for software you don’t use? Are there unused licenses you can cancel? Review subscriptions and optimise costs.

organise User Accounts

Review who has access to what. Remove accounts for people who no longer work for you. Disable unused service accounts. Update permissions for people whose roles have changed.

This is important for security. Former employees shouldn’t have access to your systems. Unused accounts are security risks. Make sure access is appropriate for current roles.

Also, review shared accounts. Are there accounts shared by multiple people? These are security risks. Create individual accounts where possible, and limit shared accounts to what’s necessary.

Clean Up Network Equipment

Physical network equipment needs attention too. Routers, switches, access points. Dust them, check connections, verify they’re working properly.

Review network configurations. Are there unused network segments? Old configurations that aren’t needed? Clean up and simplify where possible.

Also, check for firmware updates. Network equipment manufacturers release updates to fix security vulnerabilities and improve performance. Make sure your equipment is current.

Review Security Measures

Take time to review your security posture. Are security measures working? Are there gaps? Are employees following security policies?

Review user access. Does everyone need the access they have? Remove unnecessary access. This reduces risk if credentials are compromised.

Check security software. Is antivirus running and updated? Are firewalls configured correctly? Are security logs showing any issues? Review and address any problems.

Also, review security policies. Are they still appropriate? Do they need updating? Are employees aware of them? Consider security awareness training if it’s been a while.

And test your backups. Can you actually restore files? How long does it take? What’s the process? Make sure backups are working and that you know how to restore from them.

optimise Cloud Services

If you use cloud services, spring is a good time to review them. Are you using what you’re paying for? Are there unused subscriptions? Can you optimise costs?

Review all cloud subscriptions. Are you using everything you’re paying for? Are there unused licenses? Can you downgrade plans or cancel unused services?

Also, check cloud storage usage. Are you storing files you don’t need? Can you reduce storage by cleaning up? Many cloud services charge based on storage, so reducing usage saves money.

And review cloud service configurations. Are they optimised? Are there settings you can adjust to improve performance or reduce costs? Many cloud services have optimisation recommendations.

Update Documentation

Spring is a good time to update documentation. Network diagrams, system configurations, user guides, procedures. Make sure documentation is current and complete.

Document your IT infrastructure. What equipment do you have? How is it configured? What services are you using? This makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot.

Also, document procedures. How do you do common tasks? What’s the process for adding users? Handling security incidents? Restoring backups? Having procedures documented makes everything easier.

And update contact information. IT vendors, service providers, emergency contacts. Make sure you know who to call when you need help.

Plan for the Year Ahead

Use spring cleaning as an opportunity to plan for the rest of the year. What IT projects do you need to complete? What upgrades are needed? What problems need solving?

Create a plan for the year. prioritise tasks, set deadlines, allocate resources. Having a plan makes it easier to stay on track when things get busy.

Also, budget for IT needs. What will you need to spend? When? Plan purchases so you’re not hit with unexpected expenses.

Making It Work

IT spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming, so focus on the most important tasks like security, updates, backups, and organisation rather than trying to do everything at once.

Start with quick wins that don’t take long but make a difference, then tackle bigger projects, and don’t forget to document what you do so you remember it later.

If you need help with IT spring cleaning, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses clean up and organise their IT infrastructure and can help you too.