If you live long enough, you have the potential to collect a lot of stuff. Some of it may be sentimental, some of it may be functional, and you may have forgotten you even have a lot of it.
When you reach a certain age and start preparing for the end of life, it may be time to take stock of your belongings, just as you would draft your will, advance health care directive and power of attorney.
One way to do this is through a method called “Swedish death cleaning.” Read on to learn more about this process of decluttering and ways you can use it to improve your life.
What is Swedish death cleaning?
The concept of decluttering before you die is detailed in the 2018 book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson.
In the book, Magnusson provides tips on the practice that helps you simplify your life so your loved ones don’t have to do it after you’re gone.
Swedish death cleaning gained additional attention in 2023 when Peacock aired a reality series based on Magnusson’s book, highlighting adults of various ages.
This shows how döstädning, which translates to “death cleaning,” can be highly beneficial at many stages of life.
Start Swedish death cleaning while you’re still healthy
Decluttering when you’re in the prime of your life puts the power in your hands.
You may have accumulated a lot of items in your home that are yours or your children’s. They may be stored in attics, basements or bedrooms that you no longer use.
Do the hard work of cleaning out your home now, before it’s forced upon you. If you have to downsize or move to an assisted-living facility, you can make the transition with ease.
Use Swedish death cleaning to focus on what’s important
As we age, our cognitive ability and memory may become limited. When you’re not surrounded by extra stuff, you’ll be able to process things more easily and concentrate on more immediate needs.
Use Swedish death cleaning to resolve memories
Some people don’t want someone else rifling through their personal belongings, or they don’t want those belongings to go to someone else. They’re your memories, they’re your things and you want to resolve them.
Spend time going through old letters and photos.
For those truly personal memories, store them in a box and instruct a trusted family member or friend to destroy it after you’re gone.
Use Swedish death cleaning to maximize financial benefits
There may be financial benefits to selling or donating items you no longer use or need.
As the owner of an object, you probably know its value or you may have purchase receipts. This could help as you sell items online or at an estate sale or when try to maximize tax deductions.
Use Swedish death cleaning to organize valuables
Take stock of your belongings so you have an accurate account of what you own. Use technology to create a visual catalogue. Consider storing valuables in a safe deposit box.
Gone are the days when family members all lived in the same town, and when your health declines, you may need support services.
Unfortunately, there is a chance a caregiver may walk off with treasures or personal items. Secure them now to minimize the theft risk.
Use Swedish death cleaning to pass down personal items
Giving can be a pleasurable thing. There may be personal belongings that you want to leave to the next generation. Sharing those things now allows you to experience the joy it brings both giver and receiver.
Use Swedish death cleaning to lift responsibility from surviving family and friends
It can be daunting to clean out the home of a loved one who has died. You can lighten the load of family members and friends by being a good steward and cleaning up after yourself on this earth.
The first step in the journey to your best health begins with a primary care provider who cares
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