Have a Decluttering Party
I’ll admit it – I’m an extravert. I love socializing, so I’m always looking for ways to help fellow extroverts declutter and interact with others in an enjoyable way. If you identify with this, a decluttering party might be for you.
What is a Decluttering Party?
In a previous post, I described a Downsizing Party when those moving to a smaller home invite guests to come over and choose their favourite objects in a festive atmosphere. A decluttering party involves many people decluttering at the same time in the same local area.
Types of Decluttering Parties
Clothing Swaps: For this event, friends or colleagues get together for brunch or desserts, and they exchange clothes and accessories that they no longer use. Parent-tot groups can have clothing swaps for children’s clothing and accessories too.
Personal Care Products: This is a great way to empty your cupboards of personal care products you don’t use. Give away the perfume you don’t like and get the opportunity to choose products your friends don’t use.
Pet Products: Did you buy Fido a toy that he never plays with? Head out to the dog park and find other pet parents to swap pet clothing, grooming tools, or toys.
School Supplies: Teachers and parents probably have too much school and stationery paraphernalia. Host a get-together before the school year starts and swap before you shop.
Hobbies and Sports: Find a group of fellow sports or hobby enthusiasts to trade supplies. Are you interested in taking up a new pastime? Then use a declutter party to give away the equipment and odds and ends of your previous pursuits.
Hardware: Home renovation and improvement projects generate a lot of clutter. A decluttering party for homeowners will allow you to get rid of excess building materials, tools, paints and bits and bobs. Maybe a neighbour will have the pieces you need to complete that fix-it-up project you need to do.
Cleaning Products: If you have no silver, there is no point in storing a can of silver polish. And it’s time to let go of the carpet shampoo if you’ve got hardwood floors. Gather the neighbours together for a neighbourhood cleaning product exchange. Make sure you dispose of all leftovers appropriately.
Organizing Guidelines for the Event
Send an invitation to your friends indicating the party’s date, time, and location. It would help if you also lay out some guidelines. Here are some points to communicate:
- Be very specific about what items invitees should bring. For example, state “women’s clothing; clean and in good condition” or “cleaned and sanitized pet toys and supplies.”
- Create a fair, unbiased tie-breaker method in case two or more people want the same items.
- Remind everyone that the party is for promoting camaraderie, and arguing over items is strictly forbidden.
- If you wish, specify how much each person can take or how much they can bring.
- Let invitees know if they need to bring their own tables or garment racks.
If you are having a clothing swap, you should have a private change room where invitees can try on outfits. If possible, provide a full-length mirror and good lighting. For hardware and hobby swaps, you may need to provide power bars and extension cords so people can test the equipment. Have some safety glasses and earplugs handy in case guests forget their own.
Finally, you need to decide what will happen to the “leftovers.” If only a few items remain, you could have everyone take their things home. In the photo above, the strata group who had the decluttering party asked everyone to pitch in to pay for removal services. If you are going this route, I would suggest creating categories or zones in the collections area for electronics, furniture, children’s items, clothing, home décor, sports gear, etc. This will allow owners in the building to do some browsing (one person’s trash, another person’s treasure) and make it much easier for the removal company to take away clusters of recyclable items, rubbish, or donations. It was a brilliant idea and a clutter-free way to end the event.
Spring clearing doesn’t have to be a tedious chore. Use it as a chance to socialize and meet your neighbours. Remember that Out of Chaos is available to help you declutter and decide what to take to the party. Contact us today!
