

The goal? Reducing the burden on your family and preventing them from dealing with the stress of going through your stuff. The concept of Swedish death cleaning stems from the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutterby Margareta Magnussen.Īnd as the name implies, it’s rooted in the Swedish tradition of decluttering and getting rid of material possessions prior to death. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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In this post, we will look at what Swedish death cleaning is, what its benefits are, and how you can practice this decluttering approach in your home. Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go.Inside: Learn what the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is and how it can help you to declutter your home.įortunately, this minimalist approach to cleaning and organizing isn’t as morbid as it sounds.Īnd it can help you overhaul your home organization habits and clear out clutter in truly meaningful ways. Digging into her late husband’s tool shed, and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you’d ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children’s art projects). Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning “death” and städning meaning “cleaning.” This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you. *The basis for the wonderfully funny and moving TV series developed by Amy Poehler and Scout Productions*Ī charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life. Home Design & Décor, Self-Improvement, Nonfiction
