The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning was first published in 2017. It is the first-hand account of author Margareta Magnusson as she downsizes her possessions and reflects on her life. She shares her wisdom and experience with humour and grace.
What is Swedish Death Cleaning?
The phrase Death Cleaning comes from the Swedish word döstädning (dö means death and städning means cleaning). Simply put, it is downsizing and minimizing before you die. Magnusson believes the greatest gift we can give our loved ones is to minimize the burden of work that is left behind after we have passed on.
She suggests that people start thinking about this process when they approach the age of 50. Often at this point in life, many people are thinking about what to do as they approach retirement. Their children, if they had any, have moved or are soon to move out. It is often a time to reflect on the lives we have lived and plan for a simpler, easy-to-manage future.
The Gentle Art
On many reality TV shows, the downsizing process is wracked with emotions and struggles. The ageing parents can not let go of the fact that they paid a lot of money for something and can not understand why their kids do not want a quality piece that is still ‘useful’. Lots of stress and overwhelm and competing agendas by everyone in the family. Family members who don’t want anything and just want to bag everything and toss things into dumpsters out of frustration.
That is not what happens during döstädning. Swedish Death Cleaning is gradual and purposeful. That’s why it is called, the gentle art. The owner of the items (that’s you!) gets to pause and reflect on the memories each object brings. Then, takes time to decide on whether to keep it, pass it on to a loved one, or let it go.
How to Death Clean
The term cleaning is a bit of a misnomer because you don’t actually scrub things with soapy water. This is a decluttering process – a death clearing. Our article on the CLEAR method of decluttering, provides a great guideline on how to get started. The author suggests starting with your clothing, then household items, paperwork, then memorabilia. However, if you feel that paperwork is easier or more important than clothing, by all means, start there.
What to Do With Your Stuff
Magnusson suggests selling or donating most of the non-sentimental stuff you no longer want to keep. For the more sentimental items, here are her suggestions:
Keep: Things that are truly meaningful to you. But give your family permission to dispose of them after you pass away – they don’t even have to open the box, just toss it into the bin.
Gift: Things that someone else would appreciate. If your cousin always comments on your beautiful vase, present that vase as a gift. Offer things that fit the recipient’s décor and lifestyle. You will be happy that your items will be well used and appreciated. If you are not sure what your family would like best, have a Downsizing Party and let them choose. Consider it a living Will, where you get to participate in gifting a piece of your memories, along with the story that comes with that treasured piece.
Toss: Photos, letters, diaries, or other things (adult novelty products perhaps?) that could embarrass or upset your family after you die. If you wouldn’t share these items with people when you are alive, they shouldn’t have to sort through them when you’re gone.
Swedish Death Cleaning is not a gloomy and sad process. It is a chance to reflect on your past and bring the best of the best with you into the future. Out of Chaos can help you with this process. Send us a message through our website today.
