While there’s no denying it’s a quirky name for an organising method, Swedish death cleaning (döstädning in Swedish), isn’t quite as morbid as the name suggests. The process involves decluttering and organising your belongings so that, when you die, your loved ones won't have to wade through piles of knick-knacks and 30-year-old paperwork on your behalf. Still, not an overall joyful notion, but a thoughtful one nonetheless. Think of it as more heavy-duty than spring cleaning but less intense than a full-on Marie Kondo moment.
An age-old concept in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia, it's been picking up momentum across the UK following the publication of author Margareta Magnusson’s 2018 New York Times best-selling book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. After all, we've long looked to the Nordic countries for functional designs and relaxation ideas.
No matter what stage of life you’re in, Swedish death cleaning is a worthwhile organisational concept. If you’re eager to know more, we’ve highlighted the seven pillars of the cleaning process below.
What is Swedish death cleaning?
Swedish death cleaning is the process in which a person cleans out their belongings and sets their affairs in order in anticipation of their death. Rather than leave your loved ones to sort through piles of knitwear you haven't worn in years or shelves full of books you've already read, why not make their lives easier by doing the hard work for them? Things you still need to live happily or want to pass on, such as extra supplies for your favourite hobby or family photo albums, are exempt.
What areas should you focus on?
The short answer: all of them. The long answer: Begin with the area that's easiest to tackle, and work towards the most overwhelming one. In Margareta Magnusson’s book, she recommends starting in an attic, basement, or any other storage area that’s bound to contain many items you don't need, like old toys or broken Christmas decorations. Once you've determined a category of things you have an abundance of (like clothes or books), you can begin to sort through them without any emotional attachment.
Tips for successful Swedish death cleaning
Remove excess
Does anyone really need 10 serving platters? Seven sets of matching napkins? Or that exercise bike gathering dust in the spare room? We often hold onto things for their potential or utility, but that only creates clutter. Getting rid of excess items you no longer have a use for is a simple place to start.
Go digital
A tedious yet beneficial process, the most streamlined and functional way to hold onto family heirlooms and sentimental photos is to digitise them. Schedule a day to sit down and scan everything from house deeds and medical records to those pre-social-media holiday photos from the 1990s. Cloud storage is much more manageable than an entire filing cabinet.
Discard with intention, not guilt
No matter what you're decluttering, it's easy to feel guilty about creating waste or getting rid of things that are still useful. But don’t worry – we're not suggesting that everything go into a landfill. Donate clothes to a charity shop and books to your local library. When you discard items with the intent of making your life and your loved ones' lives easier, the guilt starts to fade.
Buy less
Whether you're in your early twenties or early eighties, the simplest way to start Swedish death cleaning is to stop shopping now. Buying less doesn't mean cutting back on what you love or enjoy, but will serve as a reminder to think twice before adding that sundress to your cart or buying another pillow for your already-comfortable bed.
Be considerate of others
Let your family members know you're undergoing this process, not as a warning but as a 'last call'. That way, they can call dibs on anything they'd like to take off your hands now (if you were planning to get rid of it) and speak up if there are items they'd like you to keep (like old art projects or their school reports).
Take care of yourself
Swedish death cleaning is a marathon, not a sprint. No one is expecting you to declutter your entire life in a single day, week, or even month. Take breaks, ask for help, and request support from your loved ones. Cleaning and organising can be as mentally draining as it is physically, but going through your old belongings can actually be fun if you let it. Take joy in the nostalgia and maybe spend some extra time going through photos and recalling memories. Our belongings communicate who we are and what we value, so allow yourself to feel your feelings and reflect on your life as you go.
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