Curious About Swedish Death Cleaning? Here’s What You Need to Know

The Swedish Death Cleaning trend became popular a few years back with the book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter”
Written by Margareta Magnusson.

To be honest, when I first heard of it, it sounded a bit morbid. So I really didn’t pay a lot of attention to it. But of course, my curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to know what is Swedish Death Cleaning.

If you find yourself equally curious about Swedish Death Cleaning, what it is, what its benefits are, and who should do it then read on.

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What is Swedish Death Cleaning

If you’re only mildly curious about Swedish Death Cleaning, I’ll cut to the chase for you. It’s basically another decluttering method. You start to slowly declutter so your death isn’t such a burden for those you leave behind.

Now for those that want the details. “Swedish Death Cleaning” is based on a book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson.

The book talks about the Swedish concept of “ döstädning” – a combination of the words death (dö) and cleaning (städning). Thus the name Swedish Death Cleaning. The idea came about after the author had lost both her parents and husband. She was trying to determine what to do with all their stuff.

The focus of this decluttering method is to begin organizing and decluttering your possession based on what you would like to pass on to your loved ones. You then let go of the rest.

The author makes the point that the process isn’t a race to get rid of your things before you die. Rather, it should help you enjoy your life unhindered by belongings you no longer need.

The idea is to create “a permanent form of organization that makes your life run more smoothly”. But the ultimate goal of death cleaning is to reduce the need to declutter by the people you leave behind.

By decluttering the bulk of your possessions ahead of time, the theory is you will ease the burden of loved ones who are grieving and then must also deal with your things.

The Benefits of Swedish Death Cleaning

While the name “death cleaning” gives us pause, it’s actually a quite practical method of decluttering. The processes themselves are not anything new. However, it does put your mindset in a different frame, which can be helpful for some.

Plus, as with any decluttering efforts, there are some real benefits. Here are three specific benefits of Swedish Death Cleaning:

1. It Encourages You To Go Slow

Much like the popular Marie Kondo decluttering method, Swedish Death Cleaning is about more than just getting rid of your stuff — it’s also about emotions, too.

Marie Kondo encourages you to determine whether your stuff sparks joy and then to thank your stuff as you let it go, something I could never get on board with.

Magnusson encourages you to take a moment to reflect on the memories associated with the items you are sorting, something much more doable for me.

Unlike Kondo’s method of decluttering entire categories all at once, Magnusson’s method is all about taking your time to find meaning and memory in your stuff. In fact, she says it is the most important thing.

2. It Allows You to Reflect and be Purposeful in What You Keep

When you go slow and take the time to really think about the possessions you own, it helps you decide what is truly important to you. This is one of the benefits of Swedish Death Cleaning that other decluttering methods bypass.

Not only that, but you have the opportunity to pass things on to your loved ones now. You then experience the joy those items bring them.

As you take the time to reflect on all the memories an item has, you can be purposeful in deciding whether keeping the item will make anyone happier, including yourself.

When you decide it’s not going to bring joy to you or any of your loved ones you know it’s not worth keeping. This allows you to act with purpose and intention and get rid of things guilt-free.

We hold onto things we don’t use or need often because of the memories they hold. Think about all of your kids’ school papers and art assignments. It’s tempting to keep it all.

However, when you take the time to think about it, are your grown children really going to want boxes and boxes full of their old school assignments and artwork? With Swedish Death Cleaning you have the opportunity to ask them.

If their answer is no, it would be so much more meaningful to take a sampling of their projects, take photographs and create a book at a place like Shutterfly. You can then give your children that book as a gift.

3. It Eases The Burden on Your Family Members

A key purpose behind Swedish Death Cleaning is to ensure your family members won’t face the burden of having to clear out your possessions while grieving your loss.

Magnusson states in her book “Many adult children worry about the number of possessions their parents have amassed through the years,” She is correct. Recent articles have looked at how the Millennial generation does not want their parents’ belongings after they have passed.

Losing a loved one is hard enough but having to sort through a lifetime of their belongings makes it that much harder.

Also, choosing to declutter now gives you the opportunity to discuss with family members what they would like to keep. You then have the option of passing those on now or designating them so that everyone knows which items go to who after you pass.

Should You Consider Swedish Death Cleaning

While there are some specific benefits to Swedish Death Cleaning, is it for everyone?

Magnusson recommends starting around the age of 65. You still have the physical stamina to go through your belongings at this stage.

While Swedish Death Cleaning is mainly directed at those nearing the end of their lives, the principles can be applied at any time of life.

Swedish Death Cleaning is simply about deciding what you don’t want anymore. Seeing the warning signs that it’s time to declutter is an opportunity to apply the methods of Swedish Death Cleaning. This is true no matter your age.

Ultimately, clearing out your stuff over the years is always a positive thing. It’s something you’ll be thankful you took the time to do.

If you are younger and have no heirs to pass things on to, you may be better off trying another decluttering method. Or if you’re like me and find the concept a bit morbid it may not be for you.

How to Begin Swedish Death Cleaning

Now that you know what Swedish Death Cleaning is, are clear on the benefits, if you decide you want to give it a try, this will help you get started.

Start with Simple Tasks

Remember Swedish Death Cleaning is intended to be a slower process. As the book points out it is not a race to get rid of your stuff.

Magnusson advises starting with large and impersonal things and saving more sentimental items for last.

This order of decluttering is nothing new. It is generally best to start the decluttering process with easier items. This helps you get that quick win under your belt.

Involve your Family and Loved Ones

One great benefit of involving your family and loved ones is that they help you do the actual work of decluttering. In addition, having family help allows you to ask them whether they are interested in having certain things.

If you think someone might want to inherit certain items, go ahead and ask them! Give them the space to say no or understand if they only want a piece or portion of a collection.

Make a Decision About What You’ll Keep or Pass on Now

Because Swedish Death Cleaning is about clearing out the clutter you’ll want to decide what you will pass on now.

If you do not use or love an item and none of your loved ones can use or want that item, it’s much easier to declutter.

For the items that someone would like to have if it is not something, you are currently using or loving decide whether you want to give it to them now.

Get Rid of What You’re Not Keeping

After Swedish Death Cleaning you’ll need to get rid of everything you are not passing on or keeping.

It is best to donate anything that is still in useable condition. If you have a cause that is near and dear to your heart try donating there. Otherwise, your local thrift store is another option.

You can consider selling items. However, unless they are of high value the time and effort it takes is generally not worth it. But that is an option if you want to pursue it.

For anything not useable or worth repairing toss it or send it to recycling.

Label What You Keep

There will be items that you’ll want to pass on to others but are not yet ready to let go of. Make a list of those items and who they will go to.

You may also have things that you want to keep but have value to you alone. Label those items “donate” or “throw-away”. This will allow others, or even yourself at a later date, to get rid of those items without any hesitation.

A Final Word on Swedish Death Cleaning

Swedish Death Cleaning may not be for everyone. However, the process is not much different from other types of decluttering methods. And there’s no question that everyone can benefit from decluttering!

I will say I want to enjoy my home. This means having the things I love and use now. Regular decluttering has allowed me to have this. So whether or not you decide to give Swedish Death Cleaning a try, I encourage you to work on decluttering today.

If you’d like to try another method and get started on a clutter-free home you’ll be glad you did!