These days, there are all kinds of decluttering methods out there—the one in one, out rule and the 10-10 approach might immediately come to mind, for example. However, if you plan on downsizing your belongings in the near future, experts say there’s one buzzy decluttering method to consider: Swedish death cleaning.
What Is Swedish Death Cleaning?
Swedish death cleaning is a well-known concept in Swedish and Scandinavian culture, which involves eliminating unnecessary items from your home, so loved ones won’t be burdened with the task after you die.
The organizing method calls for editing everything from furniture and clothing to the ever-growing piles of documents that have been difficult to control over time. It’s a slow process that was featured a few years ago on the Peacock show, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, which is produced by Amy Poehler. While Swedish death cleaning is all about holding onto essential belongings, pinpointing the items you want to keep and part ways with isn’t exactly easy.
Below, you’ll find out exactly what the Swedish death cleaning technique entails, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Swedish Death Cleaning Steps:
In 2017, Swedish author Margareta Magnusson coined the term in her New York Times best-selling book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. In her guide, she urges those 65 and up to try the method, though it never hurts to begin earlier, especially since decluttering is a great stress reliever.
When starting, focus on areas you may find the easiest to tackle. According to Magnusson’s book, the attic or basement may be best since they are more likely to have unnecessary items, like broken seasonal decorations. Choose belongings you don’t have emotional attachments to and determine the category you want to scrap first, such as unwanted clothes, books, or even half-empty bottles of skincare. There’s actually no time limit or definitive checklist to know when you’re done. Simply focus on how you feel and the goals you want to achieve.
1. Start with your closet.
There’s no need to start with personal and sentimental items, like love letters or your children’s photographs. In fact, our closets and drawers may be the easiest to organize. You’re sure to have two or more garments of the same color and size that you never wear.
Choose clothes that no longer fit, discard damaged shirts or pants, and donate items that no longer suit your lifestyle. Since you may have a bulk of clothes to sort through, don’t worry about how long it’ll take. Start with seasonal clothing and gradually work your way through your piles over the course of a few months (or even years if you must!).
2. Declutter by size.
Go for the large items first, such as any furniture or rundown decor hidden away in the garage—think broken tables, chairs, or smelly rugs. Then, move on to smaller items you can easily discard in boxes. We’re talking about shoes you barely wear, any excess magazines, and more.
If you find it easier, go room by room instead of decluttering your house as a whole. You can start off in the kitchen, looking out for any unused dishes or burnt pots that are not worth keeping around. As you clean, you may find many “just in case” items you’ve been holding onto for emergencies. Sadly, they only create clutter and should be discarded too.
3. Buy less.
The fewer items you have, the less time you’ll need to clean! It doesn’t matter what age you start Swedish death cleaning, it pays to limit shopping to avoid feeling overwhelmed. And don’t worry, as this doesn’t mean you have to stop buying things you love. It’s simply about rethinking your purchases—for example, there’s no need to buy yet another pair of sneakers when you already have a large collection.
4. Share the process with loved ones.
Your family and friends may not understand why you want to try this decluttering approach, but it’s still important to share the journey with them. Plus, they may have items they want to keep or sentimental pieces they want you to cherish until the end (an old school painting or unique Christmas gift are just a few ideas to consider). It might also be helpful to invite them on your decluttering journey, so you can all enjoy reflecting on memories throughout your life.
5. Conduct a digital detox.
Almost everything is online, including your important passwords and documents shared through email or Google Drive. While the process may feel tedious, sorting through emails and making sure loved ones have your log-in details is a step that shouldn’t be overlooked. A simpler way is to scan key documents, including your house deed, medical records, and photos, and save them on a flash drive.
6. Save sentimental items for last.
In her book, Magnusson recommends saving your highly sentimental belongings for last. Sorting through them too early may deter you from continuing your household purge. These items can range from photo albums and letters to scrapbooks and family heirlooms. When looking at photos, discard duplicate or blurry images and keep heirlooms in a separate box to pass down to loved ones. Since you may be emotionally attached to these items, this step may be the most difficult. That’s why it’s important to discuss your thoughts with family and friends to help you stay motivated as you declutter.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
