Preparing for room inspections can be stressful. Tape the Barracks Common Room Inspection Checklist to the back of your door so you won’t be caught off guard.
Helpful Products
Simple Green
Trash Bags
Disinfecting Wipes
Mop
Sponges
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The joy of living in the barracks. You’re responsible for every space in the barracks, even if you don’t use it. Yes, that can suck, but it’s part of the package; well, at least it’s free, and you don’t need to pay rent. Your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and other large areas are easy. Those are big and will be used by many. What could sneak up on you in the other rooms! Closets, small break room-type areas, gyms, and hallways tend to get less of the attention.
Devil in the details. Not just surface grime, dirt, and dust. Check under lids, hatches, and covers. Check dates on things like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and anything that has a shelf life.
Quick test for you. When cleaning or getting ready for an inspection. If you have the thought that they won’t check something, you probably should prepare for them to check it. Don’t take shortcuts; they always backfire. I once saw someone who thought the mopping process was too slow. So they took their bucket and dumped it on the hallway and proceeded to clean. In the end, the hallway was fine, but now every room had dirty water stains in their once-clean rooms. Just a friendly reminder that shortcuts do backfire.
Quick reminders
TV’s/Electronics In addition to dusting the screen, check the back for dust and messy cords.
Water Faucets/Fountain Wipe down and sanitize. If it has a filter, ensure that it’s changed.
Trash/Recycle Bins Wipe the inside and outside of the can. Deodorize if needed (put a plug-in nearby, if allowed). If it stinks, you may want to wash it with soap and water
First Aid Dust and make sure contents are organized and not expired.
Clocks Dust, ensure proper time, and change batteries if needed.
Vending Machines Clean glass, check underneath for trash, and sweep. If broken, call the vendor and place a note with the date that you made a call.
Fire Extinguishers / Alarms Dust; check that the pin is in and nothing looks broken or out of service.
Shared Items – Chairs/Tables All community property should be stored neatly in its correct space.
Exit Signs / Cameras Static items like signs and cameras tend to be out of sight, out of mind. So take your duster and give it a pass. Report if broken.
Unit Message Boards Ensure it’s up-to-date, expired notes have been removed, and that it’s not cluttered.
Toilet In addition to cleaning the bowl, wipe down the outside, even the low or hidden parts. Grim always finds a way.
Sinks Wipe faucets as well as the bowl. Check near the stopper for grime.
Towles Hang on a rack or over your curtain rod if need be. Balled up in the corner is a no-go.
Final Walkthrough When you think you’re done, give it one more look.
