(314) 722 - 5075
mandy@skeletonkeyorganizing.com

How to Host a Swap Party in 7 Easy Steps

The Keys to a Professionally Organized Space

Girlfriends gather in a large conference room in their office to swap jewelry, perfume, accessories and more! It’s a win-win for getting rid of what you don’t love and finding something that you do!

If you’re anything like me, you’d rather give something to a friend knowing that she will use and enjoy it than donate it. For some reason, I like knowing that my things are going to a “good home” and will be appreciated.

We all end up with things in our homes that we don’t love. Gifts from well-intentioned loved ones, freebies and hand-me-downs end up cluttering our living spaces. If you’re ready to let go of some of these things, but would rather see them go to someone who is excited about them instead of a random stranger, then it’s time to host a swap party! Here’s how to do it!

  1. Pick a place. If you work in an office, ask if you can use a conference room over lunch or after work. You can also choose a coffee shop or restaurant. Neutral ground (not your house) works best so it’s clear what’s being offered up.
  2. Pick a time. Use the calendar to your advantage; after the holidays is a perfect time to swap because people have likely recently received items that they don’t love and yet haven’t become attached to. It’s easier to identify these items before they become part of the invisible background of the clutter in your home.
  3. Invite your pals. Let your friends know that they’re invited to a swap party and give them an idea of what all they should bring. Something like this: “Join me for a swap party! Have any unwanted purses, jewelry, accessories? Recently received any scents you don’t like? Bring them and we’ll swap! Any unwanted items at the end will be donated to X.”
  4. Make it fun! Set out some snacks and crank some fun tunes for people to enjoy while they “shop” among each other’s goodies.
  5. Make it fair. If you get the sense that several people are after the same items, let the attendees draw numbers and make their choices in that order. Once everyone has had a turn, either draw numbers again or just keep going in that original order until all items are gone.
  6. Make a plan to donate. Be prepared to take any unwanted leftovers and donate them to a worthy cause. If you’re hosting a swap in your office and career clothes, shoes or accessories are involved, look for a charity that supports underprivileged women seeking jobs and interviews. If baby items or women’s items are involved, find a shelter or crisis nursery you can donate to. It’ll be easier to let go of the items (and therefore you’ll be more likely to follow through) if you know they’re going to a worthy cause.
  7. Repeat as necessary. If you notice things start to pile up at home, or else you’re opening gift after gift during the holidays that you know you don’t really want, just keep in mind that they’ll be a smash hit at your next swap party!

At the last swap party I hosted, I gave a pair of Birkenstocks that I never found comfortable to a good friend and she loves wearing them now! I also received a fantastic makeup bag that goes with me on ever trip, and I think of the friend who gave it to me every time I use it. If you host a swap party, let me know and I’d love to share your success and pictures!

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *