The Best Reasons to Do Swedish Death Cleaning
Let’s face it: the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t uppermost on most people’s minds. We all want to live a long life while enjoying our homes and family members and nice things. And no matter what life stage you’re currently in, we are each living our busy lives and unconsciously avoiding the idea of our ultimate demise from this planet.
However, the reality is we are all going to die. So then, isn’t it better to deal with our lifetime of possessions now vs. later?
About Swedish Death Cleaning
In Sweden, there are actual death cleaners who visit older people as well as those nearing the end of their life to assist them with the potentially daunting task of letting go of or distributing their personal items. These necessary angels use lots of Scandinavian humor and an unsentimental approach to make decluttering process into a joyous method to ensure the client’s personal mementos get transferred to family members, relatives, and friends who can cherish them today.
Most of us are familiar with the best-selling book by Marie Kondo called “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.” When this book was initially published in 2014, minimalist wannabes were embracing the Konmari method and picking up each of their material things and asking the simple question: “does this bring me joy?”
I personally embraced this method and found it to be a great way of filling boxes of unworn clothes, unwanted presents, and unnecessary belongings that I had been holding onto for ages. I had a good time eliminating so much stuff – especially since I have one of those tiny houses that has very few storage areas. And opening my once-filled closets and seeing my less-cluttered physical space did wonders for my mental health!
But a decade has since passed, and I find once again I’ve got a small house filled with unnecessary items. It’s time to downsize my personal collection and adopt a permanent form of organization, and this is where the Swedish Death Cleaning process comes in.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
When Margareta Magnusson’s “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” was published in 2018, it quickly became a New York Times and Washington Post bestseller. Magnusson’s book helped highlight the tiny joys we feel when we address our lifetime of clutter, and did so in a way readers could fully grasp the real benefits and best way to permanently let go of things we no longer need.
So if you’ve found yourself wondering what you should do with old letters, old photos and items with sentimental value, consider reading or listening to Magnusson’s cherished book. And if you just want to see if Swedish Death Cleaning is a good idea for you, here are 10 reasons why you may want to do it.
The Best 10 Reasons To Start Swedish Death Cleaning
There are probably dozens of reasons why we should all consider this important practice, but here are the top 10 reasons I can think of at the moment:
- It Relieves the Emotional Burden on Loved Ones
Sorting through belongings at your parents’ home or after a loved one’s passing can be overwhelming. By organizing and decluttering now, you can spare your family and friends the physical work and responsibility. - Swedish Death Cleaning Allows You to Take Control
You get to decide what happens to your possessions, and can ensure certain cherished items go to the right place and that your wishes are honored. - It Encourages Reflection
Revisiting your belongings gives you an opportunity to reflect on your life at your leisure, celebrate memories and emotional attachments, decide what’s worth keeping yourself, and let go of items that no longer serve you. - Decluttering Simplifies Daily Living
Fewer belongings mean less mess and clutter, which makes your home easier to move around in and your life more serene on a day-to-day basis. - Less Stuff Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Physical clutter can lead to overwhelm and mental clutter. Swedish Death Cleaning can promote a sense of calm and clarity, which clears your mind and relaxes your body. - Decluttering Makes Downsizing Easier
If you are going to be moving into a smaller home or transitioning to a different stage of life where you’ll need more care, Swedish Death Cleaning today can help make the moving process easier. - Having Fewer Things Helps Foster Minimalism
This practice helps encourage living mindfully so you can focus on your own pleasure and what truly brings you joy. - You Can Have The Opportunity to Teach Family and Friends About Your Legacy
Probably the most important thing about Swedish Death Cleaning is the process allows you a chance to share stories behind sentimental items. Just think how your loved ones will cherish your memories and how it can connect them with your values and their own family history. - Getting Rid of Unnecessary Things Encourages Generosity
Another good thing about Swedish Death Cleaning is being able to donate or gift items to people who will use and appreciate them while you’re still here! Letting go of the things you no longer need or want can make a huge impact on someone else, which could bring you a little bit of happiness too. - Swedish Death Cleaning Prepares You for the Unexpected
We all know that life is unpredictable. Decluttering now can ensure your affairs are in order, which gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.
How Long Does The Process Take?
There is no set time frame for how long it will take to Swedish death clean your house. It depends on the size of the home and the number of possessions that need to go.
It may also take longer if you choose to go through the process slowly and thoroughly rather than trying to rush through it. But just starting with one room at a time and regularly reassessing and removing unnecessary items can significantly simplify your living space. Death cleaning is a continual process, not a one-time event.
Are There Any Health Benefits To Swedish Death Cleaning?
There are several potential health benefits to Swedish death cleaning. These benefits include: reducing stress; improved mental well-being, and increased productivity.
And by reducing clutter, you also eliminate the risk of injury by tripping over things!
What Should I do With Old Photos & Mementos?
Letting go of old photos and mementos can be difficult, so begin by sorting and deciding which ones to keep.
Consider involving your loved ones to see if there are certain photos they want to keep themselves. If you aren’t ready to part with them, create a box with a description of the contents and store them until you’re ready to let them go.
You might also digitize the photos, give away the hard copies, or sell them as ephemera on ETSY.
If you digitize, Epson sells an affordable and versatile photo scanner that scans and upload photos to your computer in seconds. This scanner can also scan 8×10 photos, documents and even artwork! You can also download the scanned photos onto thumb drives and hand them out to family members or other interested parties.
For old negatives or slides, Kodak sells a small scanner that converts them into jpg photos.
Are There Any Downfalls to Swedish Death Cleaning?
Let’s face it — not everyone is going to be on board when you start getting rid of things! You personally might find it difficult to let go of some possessions, or your loved ones might take issue with the process. Family or friends might ask you to set things aside, then change their minds.
It is important to approach Swedish death cleaning with a balanced mindset. Don’t go crazy decluttering and feel like you need to get rid of everything in a day or two. Take your time and be mindful throughout the process. And be gentle with yourself! You’re going to go through a lot of emotions during this practice, and it’s OK to feel the feels.
Ultimately, it should be exciting to simplify and organize your life. But if it causes stress, take a step back for a few moments or even a day or two. During that break, try and visualize what an organized space would look and feel like. Continue doing this until you become motivated to take the first step or jump back in and finish what you started.
Who Should Not Consider Swedish Death Cleaning?
This concept is really helpful for anyone, though anyone with hoarding tendencies may want to seek guidance from a therapist or professional organizer before beginning the practice.
It is also important to approach the process with a balanced mindset and not feel pressured to get rid of everything. The process should bring you a sense of peace and organization rather than stress or guilt.
Hire a Professional
Doing a huge decluttering project can be physically and emotionally taxing, and there’s no shame if you need to seek outside help to do the job or get the process started. So if you’re truly overwhelmed, seek help!
There are professional groups available, depending on where you are located who can help! Here are a few: NAPO which stands for the National Association of Professional Organizers has trained specialists in nearly every state. There’s also Horderly if you’re on the East Coast or Home Method Co. if you’re in Northern CA.
How Often Do You Need to Do This Type of Cleaning?
With Swedish Death Cleaning, it’s an ongoing process as there is really no set schedule for this type of cleaning. You can make it a part of your regular decluttering and organizing routine, or do it all at once.
If you choose to clean slowly, periodically check in with yourself and ask if the possessions in your life still bring value or joy. And if you find you are bringing in more things than you’re purging, do a decluttering tune-up.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how often you want to incorporate Swedish death cleaning into your routine.
What Is The Best Way to Start?
To begin death cleaning, take inventory of your possessions. Ask yourself what makes you happy or serves a purpose in your life. Keep those items, and consider getting rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings you joy.
You can also organize your belongings to make sorting them easier in the future. This can include labeling boxes and creating files for important documents.
How to Learn More About Swedish Death Cleaning
- Read Books on the Subject
- “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson is an excellent guide written by the creator of the concept. You can also read “Swedish Death Cleaning Made Simple for Americans” by Elin Lindstrom or buy “The Swedish Death Cleaning Workbook for Seniors” by Harrington J. Castillo.
- Watch Videos or Documentaries
Amy Poehler hosted a moving TV series called “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” in 2023. You can find the episodes on Peacock. You can also look on YouTube for videos or talks by experts on decluttering and minimalism – especially ones that explore end-of-life organization. - Join Online Communities
Check out Facebook, Reddit, or Quora for forums or social media groups dedicated to decluttering and downsizing. Many members share real-life tips and personal experiences. - Take Courses or Workshops
Some organizations and online platforms offer classes on decluttering and organizing. Look for ones that include details for Swedish Death Cleaning. - Hire a Professional Organizer
If the process feels overwhelming, there are professional organizers who can help you declutter effectively and with compassion. - Research Blogs and Articles
There are many blogs that strictly focus on decluttering, minimalism, and Swedish Death Cleaning. These bloggers offer practical advice and plenty of inspiration. - Talk to Friends or Family
Discuss your desires with your friends and family so they can provide motivation and support, and even help out with the process. - Create a Checklist
Find a downloadable checklists or create your own to outline the various rooms and collections you want to work on, so you can outline the process and make it more manageable. - Experiment with Minimalism Challenges
If you’re up for it, look for challenges that you can participate in. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to help foster encouragement and support while you declutter gradually and mindfully. - Start Small and Build Momentum
Begin with something easy like cleaning out a single drawer or one closet. Once you complete that task, you’ll feel less overwhelmed already, which can spur you on to continue to another one or two!
A Final Word About Swedish Death Cleaning
Remember that death cleaning is not just about throwing things away. It’s also about making room for what truly matters to you. Approach the process with intention, and focus on simplifying rather than getting rid of as many things as possible.
While it may seem daunting, regularly practicing Swedish death cleaning can lead to a decluttered and simplified life. And by doing it now, you’ll be making it easier for loved ones later.
So, consider implementing the principles of döstädning in your own life. Give it a try and see how much peace of mind and joy it brings you.
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