Swedish death cleaning, or ‘döstädning’, is the process of decluttering and organising your belongings later in life to reduce the burden on loved ones.
What is Swedish death cleaning?
It involves sorting, letting go of unnecessary items and ensuring that personal belongings are in order for a smoother transition in the future. It helps:
prevent your loved ones from dealing with overwhelming clutter
ensure specific items go to the people or places you want
make your own living space more organised and stress-free.
How is Swedish death cleaning different from regular decluttering?
While both involve removing excess belongings, Swedish death cleaning is done with the intention of easing the burden on family members after your death. It is a thoughtful, gradual process rather than a quick purge.
When should you start Swedish death cleaning?
It’s never too early to start! However, many people begin in their later years when they start thinking about end of life planning and simplifying their lives. The earlier you start, the easier it is to manage over time.
5 steps to Swedish death cleaning
Let go of items – release items that no longer serve you.
Start with less personal Items – avoid sentimental objects at first to prevent getting lost in memories.
Take it step by step – tackle one small area at a time, such as a single drawer or shelf.
Sort items into categories – organise belongings into piles (e.g., keep, donate, recycle, sell, throw away).
Complete the process – deliver items to their intended destinations to fully declutter.
How do you decide what to keep and what to let go of?
If you haven’t used an item in a long time, consider letting it go.
Ask yourself if the item holds sentimental value or is truly necessary.
If you’re keeping it ‘just in case’, it might be time to part with it.
What should you do with sentimental items?
Keep only the most meaningful pieces.
Consider passing them down to family or friends who will appreciate them.
Digitise photos and letters to preserve memories without physical clutter.
What’s the best way to stay motivated?
Set a timer for short, manageable sessions (e.g., 15 minutes).
Focus on small accomplishments instead of the entire process at once.
Reward yourself for progress, whether it’s a treat or sharing your success with others.
What if you struggle with letting go of things?
Be kind to yourself and take your time.
Remind yourself of the benefits of decluttering for both you and your loved ones.
Start with easy items before moving on to more emotional ones.
How can you make sure you complete the decluttering process?
Have designated boxes or bags for different categories (keep, donate, recycle, etc.).
Regularly drop off donation items to avoid procrastination.
Keep a charity donation bag in a convenient place to add items over time.
What should you do after completing Swedish death cleaning?
Celebrate your progress with a small reward!
Maintain the habit by decluttering regularly.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an organised and simplified space!
By following these steps and tips, Swedish death cleaning can be a meaningful and rewarding process that benefits both you and your loved ones.