At this point, we’ve all heard of the world-renowned Marie Kondo and her KonMari method of decluttering. Far fewer have heard of the Packing Party method of decluttering. Please keep reading for an explanation on an alternative to the KonMari method, the Packing Party Method of decluttering.
Who Created the Packing Party Decluttering Method?
The Packing Party is a method of decluttering created by The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
What is the Packing Party Decluttering Method?
Unlike the Minimalism Game or the KonMari Method, the Packing Party Method was created to help quickly reduce clutter. Also, this method is inspired by the packing people do during a move.
First, find a set of boxes or bins. Second, label them. Next, pack up everything you own. Then, leave the items packed away for a period of time.
After, unpack the things that you need or that you miss having in your life. Overall, this process should take 3-4 weeks. Items could include everyday staples like plates and cups. Alternatively, unpacked items might be things that spark joy such as a DSLR camera, a journal, or makeup, etc.
After 3-4 weeks, it will be apparent that many of the items in the boxes will not be missed. Therefore, signifying something more important. More specifically, it highlights that those unpacked items do not add any real value or happiness to the owners’ lives.
However, the Packing Party Method may not work as well for individuals who live in diverse climates. For example, as a New Englander, I would likely need to do the packing party multiple times. If I only did this challenge once, I may wrongfully conclude that out-of-season items are not needed.
Who Will This Method Work For?
A packing party is an awesome option for anyone looking to make a drastic lifestyle change. Moreover, this decluttering style will be useful for anyone looking to live a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle. Also, this decluttering style is wonderful for anyone moving.
However, this method is not good for individuals who are prone to impulse shopping. By packing away items, impulse shoppers may feel empowered to spend more. Moreover, an impulse shopper may use decluttering as a justification to spend even more.
Finally, individuals who struggle with making rash decisions will find this challenging. Moreover, those individuals may experience regret if too many items are let go.
Overall, the point of a Packing Party is to drastically cut down on worldly possessions. However, the goal shouldn’t be to declutter just to repurchase tons of new items.
So What Happens to All the Rejected Items?
Many of the items that will be decluttered can be re-homed by:
- Selling valuable items on sites like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari
- Selling valuable clothing/accessories to consignment shops
- Donating goods to local charities, shelters, or second-hand shops
- Gifting friends and family members with sentimental items or items that will add value to their lives
Additional Minimalism & Decluttering Resources
For additional minimalism and decluttering resources, check out The Minimalists’ blog, podcast, documentary, or books.
If the Packing Party method does not seem like a fit for your lifestyle needs, there are other ways of decluttering. For example, KonMari is one of the most popular methods of decluttering.
If you have more time, consider other decluttering methods. The Minimalism Game or Project 333 are long-term projects that some individuals enjoy. The Minimalism Game is conducted house-wide, while Project 333 focuses on clothing and accessories.
For more posts on decluttering, check out my most recent KonMari style declutter. Also, join me on my journey through Courtney Carver’s Busy Boycott.
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For makeup addicts, consider reading my Summer Beauty Declutter or Massive Mid-Year Beauty Declutter.
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Have you heard of the Packing Party method of decluttering? Would you consider a decluttering method as drastic as this? Please let me know in the comments below.
how to declutter konmari lifestyle marie kondo minimalism packing party Simple Living the minimalists wellness
Simone says
November 9, 2019 at 7:58 amVery informative! Did you use this method for decluttering?
The Newbury Girl says
November 11, 2019 at 7:11 pmI’ve tried it at a smaller scale with clothing – I actually find that it works well for seasonal clothing, because if I don’t miss something enough to unpack it when the time comes then I’ll give it away. I’ve also tried the hanger method (where you turn your clothing hangers one way until you finally wear the items).
Simone says
November 12, 2019 at 11:02 amI think this method could work for me too! But I also love Marie Kondo.
Geraldine says
November 9, 2019 at 1:51 pmWow this sounds interesting!! Definitely seems like it would help you realize a lot of things aren’t missed haha. Have you tried it / how did it work for you?
The Newbury Girl says
November 11, 2019 at 7:12 pmSo I know I said this method could be tricky for people who live in an environment that experiences all four seasons, but I actually find this method helpful for working through clothing and shoes. If I don’t miss an item enough to unpack it for an entire season (when the time comes), then it a definite sign that I need to let the item go!
Prosperity says
November 9, 2019 at 4:14 pmWhen I first started reading this post I knew I had heard of this method and then when you mentioned The Minimalists – yup, that’s where I had heard of it! It’s a great idea, for sure!
The Newbury Girl says
November 11, 2019 at 9:10 pmI really like how the Minimalists provide these helpful tools, but also go beyond to talk about how Minimalism can really impact your life in a positive way!
I’m not a minimalist, but I appreciate a lot of what they say about the subject and listen to them / read their stuff to try to reform some of my shopping tendencies.
PoojaG says
November 11, 2019 at 8:47 pmWow this sounds like a really great way to declutter.
jennifertarheelreader says
November 16, 2019 at 8:01 pmThis does sound like a great way to declutter and I think I should try something like it, LP!
The Newbury Girl says
November 23, 2019 at 1:19 pmI never really realized it, but I essentially have been doing this for years. Given that I live in NE, it gets cold, but sometimes I’ll let certain clothing pieces sit in my attic unmissed and untouched for an entire season. That really says something about whether I want or need to keep that item!
Our Carpe Diem says
March 4, 2020 at 3:46 pmInteresting! I had never heard of this one, but I like it. Although it might be overwhelming to do it all at once. Not sure whether I would do it, but it is good to know other ways of decluttering. I feel like I have decluttered the last 10 years and STILL have too much stuff 😀
Some day 😀
Karen | https://OurCarpeDiem.com
The Newbury Girl says
March 5, 2020 at 10:19 pmI hadn’t heard about this method until last year, but I found the concept super interesting. Def something I hope to implement the next time I move!