There are two major problems when moving. OK, there are many — but the two most important tasks everyone thinks about leading up to a big move are: How am I going to say goodbye to all my friends, and how the heck am I going to get rid of all my unwanted stuff? Both of these questions can be answered with a Take My Stuff party.
When you’re stuck by the moving purge and you’re wondering how in the world you’re going to meet with every…single…person, a Take My Stuff party may be the answer to your PCS pleas. Organize a get-together at your home, where people can rummage through the things you aren’t bringing with you on your next move, while also having an informal going-away party.
How It Works
Invite as many people as you feel comfortable having in your home. Creating a Facebook event is the easiest way to reach many people at once, but be sure to email or text anyone who isn’t on Facebook. A typical party may last four or more hours, so plan accordingly.
Ask people to bring their own bags and boxes. It may seem obvious, but people will show up empty-handed. Better yet — pass out all those extra reusable bags you’ve been hoarding over the years!
Provide appetizers and a signature drink to make it more fun. Tip: Use your already opened booze bottles, since the movers won’t pack them anyway. Now you won’t have to pour them down the drain (or — ahem — drink them all yourself). Consider serving food that isn’t too crumbly or a melty mess. White wine, instead of red, would be a better selection if you have a lot of clothes, pillows, or curtains at your Take My Stuff party.
Organize
Set up tables and put like items together to make it easier for people to navigate. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas of what to offer up at your Take My Stuff party:
- Clothes — Do not set out underwear, lingerie, or bathing suits (unless the tags are still on). This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised…
- Shoes
- Appliances and kitchen gadgets
- Furniture — Post pictures ahead of time so people can bring the appropriate mode of transportation (and muscle) to haul big items home.
- Electronics
- Refrigerated/Frozen foods and drinks — Remind people to bring coolers!
- Non-perishable food and spices — It doesn’t matter if a cereal box is already open; people will love the free taste-test.
- Nail polish and make-up
- Cleaning products
- Shampoo, soap, hairspray, etc. — You may think people don’t want your already opened things, but it’s actually a great way for them to try out a new product for free.
After the Party
What do you do with the leftover items? If you live on base, you can post a curb-alert and allow people to pick them up for free or simply donate to your local thrift organization. Tip: Immediately following your Take My Stuff party, load the remaining items (that can be donated appropriately) into your car. Do not keep them in your house or you will find yourself unpacking them yet again at your new home, and not using them — yet again.
See You Later
Moving is stressful and time-demanding. It’s also hard to say goodbye to every…single…person when you’re trying to pack up your entire life and move. While we would love to have an intimate goodbye with each and every person we’ve built a relationship with, it’s just not possible. Hosting a Take My Stuff party is a great way to gather your friends and neighbors in one place at one time to share a moment with them, all while clearing out your clutter — win-win!
Using up some pantry items to create the spread for your Take My Stuff party? Get some cooking inspo in Cooking for Crowds and No-Fail Potluck Recipes.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
