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.