Swedish Death Cleaning: A Savvy Celebration of Life (Really!)
Swedish Death Cleaning Clears Space for a satisfying Second Half in Life!
Swedish Death Cleaning, or “Döstädning”, has rapidly garnered interest all over the world! Yet it’s not a new Swedish phenomenon. And despite the ominous sounding name, it is not about cleaning or dusting after someone has died!
Instead, it refers to a national steadfast approach of streamlining your own stuff when you reach the second half of your life. After all, what will become of the possessions we have accumulated over our lifetime? Who will deal with all our stuff?
So is it a movement that makes sense for us? Margareta Magnusson, renowned author of “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” thinks so! And what a gem of an author, who described herself as “somewhere between 80 and 100 years of age!”
To be clear, it is actually considered to be a joyful process! You retain things embedded with the best memories and release items associated with negative experiences. You sort through, making decisions with what stays and what goes.
Today's post shares the 3 Swedish Death Cleaning steps Margareta recommends to enhance this popular process.
1. Announce Your Decluttering Intentions
Declaring your Swedish Death Cleaning plan creates accountability for you to follow through!
Just like boldly stating a New Year’s resolution to shed a few pounds, share your plans to begin your döstädning process. This alllows your family and friends to support you along the way.
And as you progress, your everyday life feels smoother and more efficient. This will also provide momentum to keep going strong.
Moreover, the resulting byproduct of a simpler and better organized life is not reserved for just those over 50. Folks of all ages are encouraged to adopt this decluttering practice!
After all, the sooner you take stock of what you’ve accumulated, the quicker you hone in on what matters now.
2. Embrace Your Swedish Death Cleaning Phase
Understand that this is a slow, deliberate process.
It’s not a marathon! It should not be rushed.
In truth, the Swedish Death Cleaning process is really a revisiting of your life. You are examining what gave joy and what caused sorrow; what is meaningful and what is no longer relevant.
By taking your time while examining your possessions, you honor your past. You reflect on what has shaped you thus far. And you begin to formulate where you want to go in the future.
In a way, you can think about Swedish Death Cleaning as an ongoing personal retreat with therapeutic benefits!
3. Reward Yourself Frequently
Because this is not a race, your Swedish Death Cleaning sessions should be reasonably short.
Therefore, allot a specific amount of time. Focus on a particular small area, such as a drawer or a closet. Then immediately follow your session with a favorite activity. For example, every 60 minute clearing session might be followed with 30 minutes of reading or walking.
Ultimately, the point is to remain upbeat and energized after your sorting sessions. After all, you’re still in your prime years when you start the process. There is time to rewrite your narrative if you so decide.
In other words, you can change your direction!
You can be more in control than ever with the legacy you leave to your loved ones. How empowering is that?!
The Wrap: This Post Shared 3 Swedish Death Cleaning Aspects Which Clear the Way to Your Next Life Chapter!
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Related Topics and Resources to Explore
Clutter: What Exactly Is It & How Do We Collect So Much of It?
Decluttering Clothes to Create Clarity in Your Closet
How to Release Stuff From Other People (Without Guilt!)
Listen to Margareta Magnusson herself!
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Your turn!
- Have you started examining your own possessions?
- What do you want to happen with your stuff when you’re gone?
Share your thoughts below … and thanks for stopping by!