The start of a new year is a smart time to step back and take a good look at how your strata property is being cared for. Across Newcastle, property managers are using January as a reset point, checking in on cleaning routines and getting organised for the months ahead. It’s a perfect chance to make sure shared spaces feel clean and presentable, especially after the busy holiday period.
Strata cleaning in Newcastle during summer brings its own set of challenges. From more visitors and shorter tempers in the heat to sand, dust, and odours creeping into common areas, a well-structured plan can make life easier for everyone. Below, we’ve put together a few ways to get your cleaning schedule in shape for the year and avoid those common headaches that seem to creep up later.
Review Last Year’s Cleaning Results
If you want to move forward with a better plan, it helps to see what didn’t work last year. Look through your records and think about past cleaning issues. Were there certain spots that were always missed? Did you get complaints about lift spills, dirty stairwells, or smelly bin rooms?
• Focus on areas that were consistently mentioned by tenants or building caretakers
• Identify which cleaning tasks caused the most frustration or went over budget
• Ask residents for feedback, speaking with them often uncovers patterns that aren’t obvious on paper
Once you’ve got a clearer view of what needs attention, you can adjust the schedule instead of repeating the same plan. Understanding weak spots from last year puts you in a stronger position right from the start.
Adjust the Plan for Summer Conditions
Newcastle summers bring longer days, high temps, and more foot traffic in shared areas. These conditions shouldn’t be treated like any other time of year. They call for a bit more attention, especially to high-traffic zones.
• Increase cleaning in entranceways, shared hallways, and lifts where people come and go often
• Watch out for sand, dry leaves, or mud tracking inside from holiday foot traffic
• Check for signs of pests and mould, which show up more during humid periods
It’s also a good idea to watch floor surfaces closely. Extreme heat can wear them down faster, especially if you’re dealing with tile or laminate in entryways. Floors may need more cleaning rounds or different products to hold up better across summer months.
Cleaning during summer can benefit from shifting schedules or increasing certain tasks. Higher humidity and heat can lead to odours building up quickly, so checking on air flow and rubbish removal should be a regular part of the plan. Adapting routines keeps the building comfortable and reduces complaints during the hottest months.
Plan for Shared Zones and High-Touch Surfaces
More people spending time in gyms, lounges, and outdoor spaces during summer means shared zones get used more. To avoid problems later, take stock of how often these areas are cleaned and whether that frequency still makes sense.
• Check if gyms, mailrooms, and shared terraces are part of the current routine
• Make sanitising of railings, door handles, lift buttons, and light switches part of the standard checklist
• Consider putting up cleaning schedules in visible spots like notice boards or near high-traffic areas
Even small reminders, like cleaning logs posted in common rooms, help set expectations and prevent conflict. When everyone can see a plan exists, it builds more patience and trust across residents.
Regular updates to cleaning logs or checklists ensure that key areas don’t get skipped. This transparency helps residents see that cleaning is ongoing and that their concerns are considered. It’s especially helpful in larger buildings where it’s not easy for everyone to see the cleaning team in action every day.
Set a Long-Term Cleaning Schedule
A cleaning routine shouldn’t only cover the next few weeks. Think about how your plan supports the whole year. It’s much easier to stay ahead when you space out more detailed work across different seasons.
• Plot big jobs like window washing, carpet steam cleaning, or gutter clearing across quarters
• Lock in contractor visit dates ahead of busy seasons, like school holidays or rental rushes
• Match cleaning tasks to known issues, for example, doing exterior touch-ups before cooler months roll in
We recommend pairing cleaning plans with regular calendar alerts. Set reminders at the start of each season to review checklists and make any needed changes. You never want to be scrambling during cold snaps or right before big move-ins.
It helps to prepare for times when more people use shared areas. Noting major events, holidays, or busy periods on your annual plan means your building is always ready, not just reacting to the latest needs. This approach prevents last-minute surprises and builds confidence with residents and committee members.
Coordinate with Contractors Early
If you’re relying on outside cleaners through a contract, now’s the time to double-check all the fine print. Schedules might have changed over the holidays, and you don’t want to be left waiting or rescheduling once the year gets going.
• Confirm contractor start dates and agreed access rules for January and beyond
• Go over the scope of work and make sure strata cleaning in Newcastle properties fully aligns with current building needs
• If any changes have happened, such as more tenants or new shared spaces, updating the scope now saves missteps later
Early chats with suppliers keep things moving smoothly. If something needs adding, it’s better to flag it early rather than reacting after complaints roll in.
Review contact details and lock in preferred suppliers at the start of each year. That way, everyone knows who to reach out to if schedules shift or issues appear. A direct line to contractors means less confusion for building managers and residents alike.
Start Strong and Stay Ahead All Year
Getting ahead of cleaning needs makes an impact beyond just tidy floors. It sets the tone for the rest of the year. Residents feel the difference right away when hallways are clean, bins are emptied, and shared rooms smell fresh after a long day.
City and Regional Cleaning Services offers cleaning programs tailored to both large and small strata complexes, and we work with property managers to set flexible schedules, as stated on our strata cleaning page. Our services can include cleaning for common areas such as foyers, corridors, lifts, and bin rooms, which means routines are always fit for the building’s specific needs.
Ensure your strata properties shine throughout the year with City and Regional Cleaning Services. Our expert team specializes in providing top-notch strata cleaning in Newcastle, keeping common areas clean and welcoming for all. By choosing us, you’re not just investing in cleanliness, but also in maintaining an inviting environment that residents will appreciate. Let us partner with you to create a tailored cleaning plan that meets your community’s unique needs and helps uphold the standards of your property.
