Pack Rat Day
May 17, Saturday
Origin of the name
The name "Pack Rat" comes from the North American rodent, the woodrat (Neotoma), which is known for its love of collecting and hoarding various objects in its nests. In a figurative sense, this term refers to a person who is reluctant to part with possessions, even when they are outdated or useless.
Purpose of the holiday
Pack Rat Day is an opportunity to:
- Accept one's inclination to hoarding as part of their personality
- View accumulated belongings from a new perspective
- Start cleaning up and get rid of unnecessary items
- Or, on the contrary, enjoy keeping things that bring joy
How the holiday is celebrated
People celebrate this day in different ways:
- Organizing a cleaning session in the house, garage, or storage room
- Holding garage sales or donating items to those in need
- Reviewing collections — stamps, books, toys
- Reflecting on why it's difficult to part with certain items
- Sharing photos of their "treasures" on social media with the hashtag #PackRatDay
A positive approach to hoarding
Although the term "pack rat" often has a negative connotation, the holiday serves as a reminder that:
- Every item may have a history and emotional value
- Collecting is a hobby, not clutter
- Sometimes old things help preserve memories
- The key is that hoarding doesn't interfere with daily life
Interesting facts
- In psychology, excessive hoarding can be linked to anxiety or trauma
- In nature, true pack rats may build nests from branches, stones, cans, and even coins
- Some people turn their collections into art projects or antique collections