What is Swedish Death Cleaning and Why You Should Try It Now

Let’s be honest: we all have too much stuff. Stuff that we don’t need, don’t use or don’t even like. Stuff that takes up space, collects dust and causes stress. Stuff that we have to deal with someday, whether we like it or not.

But what if we don’t have to wait until someday? What if we can start getting rid of our stuff now, while we are still alive and kicking? What if we can make our lives easier and happier, and also do our family a favor?

That’s what Swedish death cleaning is all about. It’s a way of decluttering your home and your life before you die so that you only leave behind the things that matter to you and your loved ones. It sounds kind of grim, but it’s a very positive and liberating thing to do.

Swedish death cleaning is not something new or trendy. It’s been around for a long time in Sweden, where people tend to live simply and practically. The Swedish word for it is döstädning, which means “death cleaning”. It was popularized by a Swedish lady named Margareta Magnusson, who wrote a book about it called The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. She tells her own story of how she did death cleaning after losing her husband and parents and gives some helpful tips on how to do it yourself.

How Did Swedish Death Cleaning Start?

Margareta says that she learned about death cleaning from her grandmother, who used to get rid of stuff every spring. She says that death cleaning is not something sad or scary, but something fun and respectful. It’s a way of celebrating your life and your loved ones, by leaving behind only the things that are meaningful and useful.

Margareta says that you can start death cleaning whenever you feel like it, but usually, it’s something that people do when they get older, around 65 or more. But she also says that younger people can do it too if they want to simplify their lives and get rid of clutter.

How Do You Do Swedish Death Cleaning?

There is no right or wrong way to do death cleaning. It depends on your situation and your preferences. But Margareta gives some general advice and tips that can help you get started:

Start with the easy stuff. Don’t start with the things that make you emotional, like photos, letters, or papers. These can be hard to deal with. Start with the big things in your home, like furniture, clothes, books, or dishes. These are easier to sort out and decide what to keep or toss.
Go one thing at a time. Don’t try to do everything at once. That can be overwhelming and exhausting. Focus on one thing at a time, like clothes, books, or documents. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
Ask yourself some questions. As you go through your things, ask yourself some questions to help you decide what to do with them. For example: Do I need this? Do I love this? Does this make me happy? Does this have any value or use for me or my family? Is this something I want to be remembered for? If you say no to any of these questions, maybe it’s time to let it go.
Be generous. One of the good things about death cleaning is that you can share your things with others who might like them more than you do. You can give away your things to your family, friends, neighbors, charities, or anyone who might need them or enjoy them. This way, you can make someone else happy and reduce your stuff at the same time.
Keep a box of treasures. Margareta suggests that you keep a box of things that are only important to you and that no one else would want. These could be anything from souvenirs to love letters to childhood toys. You can label the box “throw away” and tell your family that they don’t have to look inside it or keep it after you die. This way, you can keep your memories without bothering anyone else.
Involve your family. Death cleaning can be a great chance to involve your family in your life and your legacy. You can tell them stories about your things, explain why they are important to you, and ask them if they want anything from you. You can also ask them for help with the practical stuff of death cleaning, like moving furniture or donating goods. This way, you can make death cleaning a fun and bonding experience for everyone.

Why Should You Do Swedish Death Cleaning?

Swedish death cleaning can have many benefits for you and your family, both now and later. Here are some of them:

It makes you less stressed and more relaxed. Having too much stuff can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. By getting rid of the things you don’t need, you can create more space and order in your home, which can make you feel more calm and peaceful.
It saves you time and money. Having less stuff means having less to clean, fix, or replace. This can save you time and money that you can use for other things that matter more to you, like hobbies, travel, or experiences.
It makes you happier and more grateful. By keeping only the things you love and need, you can appreciate what you have more and enjoy it more. You can also feel happier and more grateful for your life and your loved ones, by remembering your memories and achievements.
It prepares you for the inevitable. Death is a natural and unavoidable part of life, but many people don’t like to think about it or plan for it. By doing death cleaning, you can face your death positively and actively, and prepare yourself and your family for what will happen when you die. You can also make peace with yourself and others, and leave behind a good and lasting impression.

Who Can Do Swedish Death Cleaning?

Swedish death cleaning is not only for old or sick people. Anyone who wants to simplify their life and get rid of their clutter can do it. Whether you are moving to a smaller place, retiring from work, or just feeling overwhelmed by your stuff, Swedish Death Cleaning can help you make a change for the better.

Swedish death cleaning is not a one-time thing, but a way of living. You can do it at any age, at any speed, and at any level. You can do it by yourself or with others. You can do it for yourself or your family. The main thing is that you do it with purpose, kindness, and joy.