The Summer Supply Strategy: How to Prep for a Smooth Season

marketing13992
Jun 3
2 min read

As the weather warms up and foot traffic shifts, summer brings a unique set of challenges for facility managers and operations teams. Supply delays, unpredictable usage patterns, and staff coverage changes can quickly disrupt routines if your janitorial supply plan isn’t ready to handle them.

The good news? A little prep now can save you a lot of stress later.

Here’s how to streamline your supply strategy and set your facility up for a smooth, efficient summer—without the last-minute scramble.

1. Start With a Full Inventory Check

Before planning ahead, get clear on where you stand now.

Use this opportunity to:

Count what’s in stock—and what’s missing
Toss expired, damaged, or unused items
Flag products that are being over- or under-used

Many teams discover they’ve been over-ordering less-used items while underestimating how fast the basics disappear. An early audit helps you recalibrate your ordering and reduce waste.

2. Review Last Summer’s Patterns

Your past usage tells a story—don’t ignore it.

Look at:

What supplies ran low or out last summer
How often you had to re-order certain items
Seasonal spikes in traffic or cleaning demands

Understanding those trends allows you to plan smarter this year—and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

3. Plan for Early and Efficient Orders

Summer can strain supply chains—especially with increased demand and reduced staffing in some sectors.

What you can do:

Place early orders for high-turnover items
Build in buffer time for potential shipping delays
Coordinate deliveries with your team’s summer schedule

A proactive ordering plan keeps operations running smoothly, even when things get busy.

4. Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff

It’s the little details that often lead to the biggest headaches.

Make sure to:

Restock PPE, gloves, and dispenser refills
Test equipment and ensure all tools are in working condition
Store heat-sensitive products in cool, dry places
Update safety data sheets for any new seasonal items

These simple checks can help you avoid mid-season disruptions.

5. Refresh Your Sustainable Supply Strategy

Summer is the perfect time to revisit your green purchasing goals.

Consider:

Switching to refillable, low-waste systems
Prioritizing biodegradable or certified eco-label products
Choosing bulk options that reduce packaging and emissions

Sustainable supply choices don’t just reduce your environmental impact—they support your

brand values and long-term savings.

6. Collaborate With Your Cleaning Team

No one knows your supply needs better than the people using them.

Get feedback from your team or janitorial service provider about:

What’s working (and what isn’t)
Any gaps in training or product knowledge
Suggestions to improve efficiency or cut waste

This insight can lead to better results and fewer frustrations throughout the season.

Final Thoughts: Set Your Summer Up for Success

A smooth, stress-free summer starts with a strong supply strategy. By auditing now, ordering smart, and aligning your choices with both sustainability and operations goals, you can avoid costly setbacks—and focus on keeping your facility safe, clean, and productive.