Should You Be Doing Swedish Death Cleaning? Here’s Why You Might Want To

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Clutter has a way of piling up, turning from something small into a constant source of stress. Whether it's in your closet, kitchen, or living room, those little piles of stuff can become overwhelming. But what if clearing them out could do more than just tidy up your space?

What if it could help you feel more focused, less stressed, and even more connected to what matters most? It's not just about getting rid of things, it's about making room for a life that feels lighter and more intentional. Here's why it might be time to give this simple yet powerful practice a try.

Swedish Death Cleaning, The Trend

Swedish death cleaning or döstädning might sound a bit grim at first, but it's actually a thoughtful way to tidy up and clear out your space. The idea comes from a Swedish tradition, where people start decluttering their homes as they approach later stages of life, so their loved ones aren't left with the task. Margareta Magnussen's book, 'The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter', helped bring this trend into the spotlight. It's all about figuring out what really matters and letting go of what doesn't without the stress or guilt.

Swedish Death Cleaning, The Method

This method is all about easing the load for your loved ones by sorting through your belongings and letting go of the unnecessary while you're still around. It's often embraced by older adults or those dealing with a terminal illness, but the principles can be applied at any stage of life.

The idea is simple. By organising and streamlining your possessions now, you save others from the emotional and physical task of deciding what's meaningful. As Margareta Magnussen puts it, even if you're years away from thinking about the end, the moment your drawers start refusing to shut, it's time to start clearing out!

The Swedish Death Cleaning Checklist

Swedish death cleaning isn't just about tidying up, it's a mindset shift, encouraging you to thoughtfully decide what stays and what goes. It's less about scrubbing and more about making room for what truly matters. To get started, here's a handy checklist.

Tackle Your Wardrobe First

Unsure where to begin? Your closet is a great starting point. Go through your clothes and sort out what fits, what you actually wear, and what's just taking up space. Once you've decluttered, organise your wardrobe to make life easier, keep everyday essentials front and centre, and stash seasonal items neatly in less accessible spots.

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Organise Essential Documents

Beyond clearing out piles of unnecessary paper, focus on gathering and organising critical documents like legal papers, bank details, and other important records. It's also a chance to sift through old paperwork you no longer need and let it go. By sorting it all now, you'll spare your loved ones the hassle and ensure everything they need is easy to find.

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Declutter Your Digital Life

Don't forget your digital footprint can be just as overwhelming as your physical belongings. Take time to organise important login details for online banking, subscriptions, and other accounts your loved ones might need access to. While you're at it, clean up your hard drive and desktop. Deleting old files and tidying up folders now saves others from wading through a sea of digital chaos later.

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Declutter by Size

When it comes to furniture and home items, start big, tackle the pieces that take up the most space first. Once those are sorted, move on to smaller items and personal keepsakes. For sentimental items like letters and photos, consider creating a dedicated box to keep them safe without adding to the clutter. In the kitchen, take a practical approach: assess what you use regularly and let go of the gadgets and utensils that only collect dust.

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Sort with Purpose

Approach your decluttering thoughtfully. Create separate piles to keep things organised: one for items to donate, one for things you can sell, and another for cherished keepsakes. This method makes it easier to decide what's worth keeping and ensures that everything else finds a meaningful new home.

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To sum it up, Swedish death cleaning comes with plenty of benefits. For starters, it can make you happier by clearing the clutter and creating space for what truly matters. It can also reduce stress, helping you feel less overwhelmed and more productive.

Beyond that, it's a way to come to terms with your own mortality and embrace life with clarity. Moreover, it makes your daily routine easier, keeps your home tidier, and even benefits your family by sparing them from tough decisions later.

As Magnusson wisely notes, "We must all talk about death. If it's too hard to address, then death cleaning can be a way to start the conversation." The beauty of this method is that there's no one right way to do it, you can make it your own. And letting go of something doesn't mean it's lost forever; it's simply finding a new purpose.

You don't have to wait until later in life to begin, either. Swedish death cleaning is as much about living mindfully as it is about planning for the future.