The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year — and not just for retail. Whether you manage a healthcare facility, gym, office, or school, November and December bring heavier foot traffic, winter weather messes, and tighter schedules.
Between holiday events, staff vacations, and unpredictable supply shipments, keeping operations smooth can quickly become a juggling act. But with a little planning and a few smart habits, you can keep your facility clean, safe, and fully stocked — even through the holiday rush.
Here’s how to stay one step ahead this season.
1. Plan Ahead Before the Holiday Rush Hits
Start early. Map out your facility’s schedule for November and December — noting days of high activity, employee time off, and vendor shipping deadlines.
Ask yourself:
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When are your busiest times of day or week?
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Which staff members will be off during Thanksgiving or Christmas?
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Are your cleaning vendors operating on reduced hours?
Pro tip: Order cleaning and sanitizing supplies now rather than waiting until mid-December. Many distributors experience delays during peak shipping weeks, and the last thing you want is to run out of disinfectant or paper towels when traffic spikes.
2. Streamline Daily Cleaning Routines
Efficiency matters more than ever during the holidays. Create a simplified checklist for your cleaning team that covers high-touch areas and time-sensitive tasks.
Focus on:
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Entryways and lobbies: More visitors mean more dirt and moisture tracked in.
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Restrooms: Increase cleaning frequency to maintain hygiene and prevent odors.
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Common surfaces: Disinfect door handles, counters, elevator buttons, and break areas multiple times a day.
If you’re using ready-to-use disinfectant sprays or wipes, keep them stocked in multiple zones so staff can clean as they go. Products like SONO Disinfecting Wipes or Hydrogen Peroxide Sprays make it easy to sanitize quickly between shifts or during downtime.
3. Keep Inventory Fully Stocked
Running out of cleaning supplies during the holidays can stop operations in their tracks. Avoid that stress by keeping an updated inventory list and setting reorder reminders.
Consider:
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Bulk ordering core supplies like disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, and trash liners.
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Reviewing usage trends from last year — did you go through more wipes in December? Double that order now.
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Checking expiration dates on sanitizing products and replacing anything nearing its limit.
Tip: Subscribe to recurring shipments if your supplier offers it. Automatic restocking saves time and helps you avoid emergency orders.
4. Maintain Staff Morale and Communication
The holidays can stretch your team thin, so communication and recognition go a long way. Hold short check-ins each week to review cleaning priorities and make adjustments as needed.
Also, show appreciation — a simple “thank you” or small treat during a long shift can make a big difference in morale. A motivated, supported team is more likely to keep things running smoothly, even when schedules get tight.
5. Don’t Forget Safety and Compliance
Cold weather brings extra risks like wet floors and increased germ exposure. Ensure you have:
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Wet floor signs and mats ready for entryways.
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Hand sanitizing stations near doors and break rooms.
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Updated SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for all cleaning chemicals on site.
This helps maintain compliance and keeps both employees and visitors safe — a must during the hectic holiday season.
Final Thoughts
A smooth-running facility during the holidays isn’t luck — it’s preparation. By planning ahead, streamlining cleaning routines, staying stocked, and supporting your team, you’ll not only maintain cleanliness and safety but also create a better experience for everyone who walks through your doors.
So before the holiday rush begins, take a few minutes today to review your checklist, restock your essentials, and set your team up for a stress-free, successful season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When should we start our holiday-season planning for facility operations and cleaning?
A1: As early as possible — ideally by October or early November. Many sources advise notifying cleaning vendors, ordering supplies and scheduling extra staff before the rush begins.
Q2: How often should high-touch surfaces (handles, switches, elevator buttons) be cleaned during the holidays?
A2: Much more frequently than normal. Because traffic and events increase, cleaning & disinfecting should happen multiple times per day for these zones.
Q3: What special issues arise during the holiday season for facility maintenance and operations?
A3: Some key issues:
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Increased foot-traffic and therefore more wear, dirt and mess.
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Holiday hours / events that change the normal schedule.
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Seasonal weather impacts (if you’re in cold climates) like snow, ice, wet mats and slips.
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Temporary or extra staff and possible reduced vendor hours.
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Supply chain/distribution delays for cleaning and hygiene supplies.
Q4: How can we keep our facility fully stocked on cleaning, hygiene, and maintenance supplies heading into November/December?
A4: Best practices include:
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Review last year’s usage trends and order ahead of time (especially for wipes, sanitiser, trash liners).
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Set automatic reorder or scheduled shipments if your supplier allows.
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Keep a buffer stock so you’re not caught on short notice.
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Coordinate with your vendor early to lock-in delivery times before the holiday surge.
Q5: What are some safety and compliance factors to keep in mind during the holiday season?
A5:
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Regulatory standards (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for applicable facilities) still apply even during holiday events and altered schedules.
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Slips/trips/falls increase (wet floors from snow, tracked-in moisture). Use mats, signage, de-icing.
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If you have seasonal staff or temporary workers, ensure training in cleaning, chemical use, emergency procedures.
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Decorations & events can introduce hazards (electrical, blocked exits, extra foot traffic). Ensure these are coordinated with cleaning and safety teams.
Q6: Is the holiday season a good time to perform maintenance and deep-clean tasks?
A6: Yes — especially if your facility has some downtime (e.g., closed parts of the building or reduced hours). It’s a strategic window to tackle deep-cleaning, deferred maintenance, equipment servicing and upgrades.
