Yahoo Lifestyle Professional Organizers Agree: You Need to Try the Viral "Project Pan" Challenge
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It's officially the new year, which means it’s time to set resolutions and tackle new projects. Personally, I’m on a mission to declutter my entire house and cut back on spending in 2025. So, when I noticed TikTok users buzzing about “Project Pan,” I couldn’t help but be intrigued. Should I give it a try?
What is Project Pan?
Project Pan is a challenge that encourages you to finish all the products you already own before purchasing anything new. On TikTok, users proudly showcase their collections of beauty products — think skincare, body lotions and cosmetics — and pledge to use every last drop. The ultimate goal? To "hit pan," or reach the bottom of the container.
The concept behind Project Pan is to reduce overconsumption and focus on appreciating what you already have. It sounds promising in theory, but what do the experts think? To find out, I spoke with five professional organizers and Sabina Wizemann, the director of Beauty, Health, and Sustainability at the Good Housekeeping Institute, for their insights on this viral challenge.
Should you try Project Pan?
Short answer: Yes, the professional organizers I spoke with are in favor of Project Pan. They believe it can help you gradually declutter, save money and reduce waste. It may even lead to smarter shopping habits, according to Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze.
"I'm all for any movement that helps us be more intentional with what we bring into our homes," says Kinsella. "Using what you already have helps you understand what truly enhances your routine and what might not be a perfect fit."
"It's a great way to challenge the culture of consumption that encourages us to always buy more instead of fully enjoying what we already own," adds Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista. "For many people, this isn't just a trend — it's a mindful way to live."
Tips for trying Project Pan:
Separate your beauty products into categories. Fill bins with specific items — like shampoos and conditioners, perfumes and body sprays or face serums and lotions. Separate makeup into smaller categories like lip, face and eye products, so you can take inventory of what you own.
Start small, especially if you feel overwhelmed. "Focus on a single, manageable category and create a realistic plan," says Kinsella. "If you have a lot of hair products, try breaking them into smaller categories like dry shampoo or hairspray."
Don't save items for special occasions. "Holding onto items as 'precious' can prevent us from ever enjoying them, which defeats their purpose," says professional organizer Emi Louie.
Pay attention to how the product serves you. "If something doesn't work for you, permission granted to let it go — it's okay to break the rules a little," says Kinsella.
Be realistic about what you'll use in 2025. If you have more than you can use in a year, consider donating or giving away items. "Organizations like Project Beauty Share accept new and gently used beauty items, distributing them to those in need," says Louie.
Keep in mind: "Confronting what you own can be challenging," says Louie. "Guilt, regret and other emotions often surface, and it's important to approach these feelings with kindness."
What to consider before trying Project Pan:
Look at expiration dates: "It’s important to be vigilant about the shelf life of beauty items, especially those frequently used, such as mascaras, liquid eyeliners, creams, serums and sunscreens," warns Wizemann.
Check the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol: "This indicates how long the product is deemed safe for use after it has been opened," says Wizemann. "It's a helpful guideline, but if you've had a product open for an extended time, discard it."
Don't feel pressured to use products you dislike. "It's wise to refrain from using a product just to use it up — especially if it doesn't provide visible benefits," says Wizemann. Rely on those effective products you truly enjoy.
If your commitment to Project Pan is successful — don't stop with beauty products! "Apply the same philosophy to your kitchen and closet," says Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted. "Don't eat out or grocery shop until you've eaten the food you already have. Don't buy new clothes when you have so many options in your closet."
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