Wind it down

Phase:

Post

As the day comes to an end, having a plan in place to clean up and wind down is essential. This party is not the last of it, if it goes well and you have to live with everyone who attends. So, you especially don’t want litter and noise complaints as the party inches on past its allotted time slot.

Here’s a quick guide for winding things down (without killing the vibe):

Know your role. Just like with the execution stage, having assigned roles before the day of the party when it comes to clean up is essential. It’s too complicated of a task to tackle at the end of a long (and boozy) day. It can be helpful to have a written document so people don’t forget what they’re supposed to take and when. Our printables and SoHl app can help.
Reminders. Give everyone reminders an hour and then 30 minutes out before the designated end time for the block party. This gives people plenty of time to wrap up conversations, pack up their things, and so on.
Trash n’ stuff. At the start of the day, set up trash and recycling bins directly next to the food and drink stations to minimize the litter left laying around at the end of the night. This shaves some time off cleanup you’d normally spend walking around hunting for trash.
Trash day prep. Decide where all the trash will be taken before trash day. If a few neighbors split the load, it won’t be too much.
If you brought it, you take it (or other pack it out policies.) To simplify the process of taking leftovers, have people take home whatever they brought that’s left over at the end of the night. If that's not the plan, make sure there is one. Our post party perfection guide can help you think this out.
Afterparties! If anyone is willing to host, having an afterparty at someone’s house is a great way to keep the party going for those so inclined, without overstaying their welcome outside.
Thank you. Make sure to thank everyone for coming, and especially those who helped out with organizing. Do this either in person before everyone leaves or via email/text/card after - whatever floats your boat.
Photo dumps. Send out a link to everyone afterwards to a shared photo album where people can put photos taken during the party. This is a great way to share memories from a great day.