Planning the summer turnaround clean in student accommodation

Map the move-out to move-in window

Start with the dates: when the last residents leave each block and when the new intake arrives. In many buildings the gap is shorter than it looks, because summer guests, maintenance work and inspections all compete for the same weeks.

Draw up a block-by-block calendar. It shows where the pressure points are and lets you spread cleaning across the summer rather than leaving everything to the final fortnight.

• Move-out and move-in dates by block
• Summer guests and maintenance work
• A block-by-block calendar

Room inspections and photos

Inspect each room as soon as it is empty, and take photos. The inspection decides whether a room needs a standard clean, a deep clean or repairs first, and the photos settle questions about damage later.

Record what you find in a simple list or spreadsheet. The cleaning team can then go straight to the rooms that are ready, instead of discovering problems as they arrive.

• Inspection as soon as a room is empty
• Photos of condition and damage
• A list that shows each room's status

Kitchens and shared areas

Shared kitchens usually need the most work: ovens, hobs, fridges and cupboards left by several residents. Allow extra time for them, and clear food and belongings before the cleaners start.

Corridors, common rooms, laundry rooms and bin stores also need attention. Plan them into the schedule so they are not squeezed into the last day.

Fridges and freezers in shared kitchens need switching off, emptying and leaving open to dry if they will stand unused for a while, so plan when that happens in each block and who checks it.

• Extra time for shared kitchens
• Food and belongings cleared first
• Common areas in the schedule

Book extra cleaners early

Many buildings turn around at the same time of year, so cleaners are in demand. Book the extra cover as soon as your dates are firm, and agree how to add or reduce shifts if plans change.

Ask for the same cleaners across the summer where you can. A team that knows the buildings and your inspection standard works faster every week.

• Cover booked as soon as dates are firm
• Flexibility to add or reduce shifts
• The same cleaners across the summer

Keys, access and residents still on site

Plan how cleaners get into rooms and blocks: who issues keys or access cards, how they are returned and how lost keys are reported. A morning lost to finding keys is a morning of cleaning lost.

Some residents stay on site over the summer. Tell the cleaning team which rooms are still occupied, and how residents will be told before anyone enters a flat.

• Key and access card process
• Occupied rooms clearly marked
• Notice to residents before entry

Snagging before the new intake

Leave time at the end for snagging: a final check of each room, with small fixes and touch-up cleaning where needed. Rooms that pass are marked ready; rooms that fail go back on the list.

Keep the snagging list short and specific. It is far easier to finish a list of ten clear items than a vague instruction to check everything again.

• Time reserved for snagging
• Rooms marked ready only after checking
• A short, specific snagging list

Questions

When should I book cleaners for the summer turnaround?

As soon as your move-out and move-in dates are firm. Demand is high at the same time of year across many buildings.

Why take photos at move-out?

They record each room's condition, help decide what cleaning or repairs are needed and settle questions about damage later.

What takes longest in a summer turnaround?

Usually shared kitchens, followed by rooms that need repairs before they can be cleaned.

How do I handle residents who stay over the summer?

Mark their rooms clearly, agree how they are told before anyone enters, and plan cleaning around them.