Swedish Death Cleaning sounds kind of scary. Is it cleaning so meticulously you expire from sheer exhaustion? Maybe it’s a new kind of game show, like a really organized version of Squid Game armed with label makers?
Ok, neither of those things even come close.
Swedish Death Cleaning is simply a method of decluttering with your next of kin in mind. See? That’s not so scary after all.
Written by Margareta Magnusson in her post-octagenarian years (she claims to be somewhere between 80 and 100), The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, quickly rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. It gained so much popularity that a television show soon followed.
What is Swedish Death Cleaning?
At its simplest, Swedish Death Cleaning involves decluttering and sorting items before your death so your family doesn’t have to. In Sweden, this compassionate practice is usually performed by those in their later years or with a terminal illness, however, just about anyone can benefit from it no matter their stage in life.
If you have ever had to clear out the estate of a loved one, you know how difficult and emotionally draining it can be. This cleaning practice brings awareness and intention to the things that surround us and takes much of the burden off the shoulders of those we leave behind.
Getting Started
The easiest place to start in any home organizing project is to get real about what is important and useful. The rest can be donated, recycled, or thrown away.
If you’re not sure where to begin, I suggest starting with your clothes closet. Once you notice what a difference it makes, your momentum will quickly carry you through decluttering the rest of the house.
Sentimental Items
Sorting through a lifetime of memories may seem daunting but take it one small step at a time.
- Divide into categories: Sort items into categories that hold personal value and designate heirlooms or keepsakes for specific family members and friends.
- Gift now: Share treasured items with loved ones while you’re still here to see them be enjoyed.
- Be realistic: Just because something is meaningful to you doesn’t mean it will hold the same value for someone else. Avoid pressure and frustration by asking first before passing items along.
- Determine Value: For those “might be worth something” items, find the value sooner rather than later. Enlist the help of an expert or antique dealer to appraise the item and determine if the value will continue to grow, or if you should sell now.
Once you have sorted through all your most emotionally-charged items, you’ll find that the things you have chosen to keep have much more meaning and value. You’ll be surrounded by joy and memories instead of random stuff.
Don’t Forget the Digital Clutter
With more of our lives being stored in the cloud or on digital devices it’s easy to let digital clutter run rampant. Part of Swedish Death Cleaning will be giving some care and attention to your digital world.
Consolidate photos into a single app, create clearly labeled file folders on your computer and in your cloud storage, and send all of those files you’ve been keeping for reference “in case you need it someday” to the digital trash can!
Get a Password Manager
Invest in a password app that has an emergency contact feature. Assigning an emergency contact will allow that person to access your library of logins to help assist with utilities, leases, and financial management once you’re gone.
Next-of-Kin Paperwork Organizers
Dealing with the overwhelming amount of legal paperwork after a loved one passes is perhaps the most difficult part of wrapping up an estate. Ease the burden on your loved ones by having one convenient place they can find all the necessary items to manage your estate.
The Nokbox is an all-in-one file box with neatly labeled tabs and folders for all the paperwork your next of kin will need. All you have to do is gather copies of your paperwork.
If you fancy a more DIY approach, you can use something like this AARP approved Peace of Mind Planner or the Living Prepared Workbook that walks you through providing all the information your next of kin will need to finalize your affairs.
Embracing Swedish Death Cleaning
Swedish Death Cleaning is more than just tidying—it’s a gift to yourself and your loved ones. By decluttering and organizing now, you create a home filled with intentionality and peace, rather than stress and obligation.
This may feel overwhelming but it can be comforting to have a partner by your side! Enlisting the help of an expert (like me!) can keep things on track. We can work on one room together, or the whole house. You decide!
So why wait? Embrace Swedish Death Cleaning as an opportunity to live more intentionally, lighten your load, and leave behind a legacy of love, not clutter.