Why Facility Managers Should Audit Restroom Consumables Before the Holiday Rush

As the holiday season approaches, commercial buildings experience one predictable trend. Foot traffic increases dramatically. Offices welcome seasonal visitors, retail stores experience their busiest months, and public facilities see a surge in restroom usage. While most facility managers prepare for the holidays by increasing staff coverage or scheduling extra cleaning, one area consistently gets overlooked until it is too late. Restroom consumables.

Paper towels, toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer become some of the fastest-moving supplies between November and January. When demand spikes, even facilities that are usually well-stocked can quickly run short.

Conducting a full audit of restroom consumables before the holiday rush is one of the simplest and most effective steps facility managers can take to prevent shortages, maintain satisfaction, and avoid emergency supply runs during peak season.

Holiday Foot Traffic Creates Unpredictable Demand

The holidays bring a level of unpredictability that does not happen during the rest of the year. Buildings that normally have steady usage patterns suddenly experience waves of guests, seasonal employees, shoppers, clients, and event attendees. Even restrooms in office buildings that close for part of the holidays can experience higher usage in the weeks leading up to the break.

A facility that typically uses ten rolls of toilet paper per day may suddenly go through twenty. Soap dispensers that normally last a full shift may empty by lunchtime. Hand sanitizer usage increases significantly as cold and flu season begins. Without an accurate understanding of current inventory, facility managers run the risk of falling behind.

Not All Restroom Supplies Deplete at the Same Rate

A thorough audit goes beyond simply counting toilet paper cases in the storage closet. Facilities often underestimate how quickly other consumables run out. Key items to include in a pre-holiday audit:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Foam or liquid hand soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Seat covers
• Trash liners
• Air freshener cartridges

Higher usage can accelerate product depletion for facilities that experience increased activity during the holiday months.

Soap and sanitizer use in particular rises sharply in winter, as both employees and guests become more conscious of hygiene during cold and flu season. Reviewing dispenser sizes, checking refill patterns, and confirming the number of active dispensers helps ensure enough product is on hand through high demand months.

Better Inventory Planning Reduces Stress for Cleaning Staff

No maintenance worker enjoys having to stop in the middle of a shift to rush out for toilet paper or soap. Emergencies like this pull attention away from regular cleaning tasks, slow down workflows, and increase frustration. A proper audit:

• Minimizes last-minute supply runs
• Helps set realistic stocking and rotation schedules
• Ensures every restroom has backup supplies
• Supports more efficient cleaning routes
• Reduces stress on already busy holiday crews

When teams can focus on cleaning instead of solving supply shortages, the entire facility runs more smoothly.

A Clean, Well-Stocked Restroom Improves Customer and Employee Satisfaction

Restrooms are one of the most visible indicators of how well a facility is managed. During the holidays, this becomes even more important. A fully stocked restroom signals cleanliness, care, and professionalism. An empty soap dispenser sends the opposite message.

Chronically understocked restrooms are a real black mark for tenants when it comes time to renew. By auditing restroom consumables early, facility managers ensure restrooms stay fully stocked during the busiest time of year,improving satisfaction for everyone who uses them.

Avoiding Holiday Supply Chain Delays

One of the biggest challenges of the holiday season is supply chain congestion. Distributors often face backlogs, reduced product availability, or longer-than-usual delivery times. Items that are easy to source in September can become unexpectedly difficult to obtain in December. Conducting an audit early helps ensure:

• Orders are placed before demand peaks
• Extra time is built in for delayed shipments
• Facility managers can secure preferred brands and products
• Storage closets stay stocked well into the new year

Prepare Your Facility for the Busy Season With a Professional Building Services Partner

If your building needs help auditing consumables or developing a reliable stocking plan for the holidays, ProEthic Building Services is here to support you. Call us at (480) 725-8912 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our services.