Clearing a Warehouse for Tehillim Group on Shabbat

On Shabbat, there was an explosion in the pipeline in the room where the Tehillim group normally meats in the synagogue, and there was no suitable space except in the drinks storage. So we asked the children to each move a six-pack of bottles to the lobby, and then there was enough space for all the children in the warehouse. They told us that we did not act properly because it is forbidden to clear a warehouse on Shabbat, even if there are no “muktze” items there. The question is, did we really act improperly? And if so, what should we do?

Greetings,
Indeed, there is a prohibition on Shabbat to begin clearing a warehouse to create space.
However, if it is necessary for a mitzvah, such as in the case of the Tehillim group, it is permitted, provided that no more than 42.3 liters per person are cleared. If there is a need to clear more than 42.3 liters for multiple individuals, each person may clear up to the amount of 42.3 liters for himself. Therefore, each child was permitted to clear up to 4 six-packs [assuming each six-pack is 9 liters].

Shulchan Aruch (section Orach Chaim, Chapter 337, §§ 1-2).