I have been hearing a lot about The Swedish death purge style of minimalizing what you own. (Originally I used the word decluttering but it just does not seem to fit.) I am Swedish and I like to help people get organized. So I was intrigued. I found and read the book that started the movement. I found the show and binged watched it. My final thoughts…I LOVE this technique or motivation because it is more about others. It takes the focus and reason for working through our clutter off ourselves and helps us think about how it will affect our loved ones.
“I often ask myself, Will anyone I know be happier if I save this?”
― Margareta Magnusson
The Swedish death purge was popularized by Margareta Magnusson, author of the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Make Your Loved Ones’ Lives Easier and Your Own Life More Pleasant. The Swedish death purge, also known as döstädning, is a method of decluttering and downsizing your belongings before you die. The goal of Swedish death cleaning is to reduce the burden on your loved ones after you pass away. By decluttering your home now, you can make it easier for them to go through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. However, Magnusson argues that Swedish death cleaning’s focus is not about death or DYING, but about LIVING a more meaningful life. By decluttering your home, you can free up space and energy to focus on the things that are most important to you.
Did you catch that? It does not have to be about death and dying it is about LIVING A MORE MEANINGFUL LIFE.
There are a few key principles to Swedish death cleaning:
- Start early. The sooner you start decluttering, the easier it will be. If you wait until you’re elderly or sick, you may not have the energy or the time to do it properly. Or the memory, let’s be real.
- Be gentle with yourself. Declutter at your own pace and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s no need to get everything done in one day.
- Think about your legacy. What do you want your loved ones to remember you for? When you’re decluttering, think about the items that will have the most meaning to them.
- Be grateful. As you declutter, take some time to be grateful for the things you’ve accumulated over the years. These items have brought you joy and meaning, and they will continue to do so for your loved ones. No bad self-talk. I don’t allow it.
- If you’re thinking about doing a Swedish death purge, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start in one room. Don’t try to declutter your entire home at once. Start with one room and then move on to the next.
- Set a timer. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Ask yourself three questions. For each item, ask yourself these three questions: Do I use it? Do I love it? Do I need it? If you CAN’T answer YES to all three questions, it’s time to let go.
- Donate or sell items. Don’t just throw away the items you’re decluttering. Donate them to charity or sell them online. This will help you declutter your home and give back to your community.
Swedish death cleaning is a thoughtful and intentional way to declutter your home and simplify your life. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more rewarding.
“Life will become more pleasant and comfortable if we get rid of some of the abundance.”
― Margareta Magnusson
Here are some additional benefits of Swedish death cleaning:
- It can help you reduce stress and anxiety.
- It can free up space in your home and make it more comfortable to live in.
- It can help you clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
- It can help you connect with your loved ones and share your memories with them.
- It can help you leave a legacy behind that your loved ones will cherish.
If you’re looking for a way to simplify your life and improve your well-being, Swedish death cleaning is a great option. It’s a process that can be done at any age, and it can have a positive impact on your life right now. If you want to start this journey and just need a some help feel free to reach out to schedule a free no obligation consultation.