How Swedish Death Cleaning Can Transform Your Lifestyle
Ever heard of “döstädning”? It’s a Swedish decluttering method that Margareta Magnusson explores in “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” Now, don’t let the name fool you because this isn’t about unhappiness and disaster.
It’s a surprisingly invigorating approach to clearing out unnecessary mess, something you can do at any age.
The book was originally published in Sweden in 2017 and has since garnered worldwide success, teaching the public how to declutter and organize their lives to make passing on easier for those who will remain on Earth.
Margareta’s Scandinavian wisdom adds humor to the mix as she guides you through a radical yet joyful method of embracing minimalism. Learn what to keep (like precious photos) and what to let go of (think unworn clothes and excess plates).
Plus, discover how this process can turn into a positive and uplifting family conversation. Let’s dive into the key points to learn from the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
“Death cleaning isn’t about doing regular chores like dusting or mopping. It’s about organizing things for good, making your daily life smoother,” she explains. “Going through stuff becomes a joy as you remember their value.”
Living with a grandparent, we often find ourselves discussing the end of life, a tough but necessary conversation.
There are items we want to cherish forever, holding sentimental value, and others that may not mean as much but are hard to part with. It’s a delicate balance, and that’s where Swedish death cleaning steps in.
After watching the show, I realized how this process can simplify things. Swedish death cleaning is something we should all think about, making it easier for our loved ones when the inevitable happens.
It helps curate meaningful keepsakes, allowing our personalities to be celebrated through the things that truly matter.
Here are the key points you should learn in the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.
1. Use the Red Dot System
Embrace the Röd Prick system which implies that red and green stickers help you decide what to keep or toss. It’s like a visual aid for decluttering.
After making decisions, gather everything in a clear space, organizing them into categories. This way, you can reassess if an item deserves a red or green status.
2. Show off Your Favorites
Don’t let your cherished items hideaway. If you’re cutting down on clutter, the items you keep should be proudly displayed, not buried under other stuff.
For instance, Suzi in the show couldn’t fully appreciate her grandmother’s beautiful hand-knitted throw because of the surrounding clutter. Keep sentimental pieces visible and cherished.
3. Donate Unwanted Items
As you become more ruthless with decluttering, not everything needs to head to the trash.
Consider donating items like trinkets, toys, craft supplies, and old clothes to local non-profits and reuse stores. This not only frees up space but also contributes to worthy causes.
4. Look Ahead, Not Back
Swedish death cleaning is about embracing the future. Katarina, a psychologist in the show, emphasizes letting go of the past and creating a fresh space for the future.
During this process, evaluate your connection with belongings but do they serve a purpose in your present and future? Think about whether future generations would treasure these items.
5. Categorize with Care
Extend the red and green sticker system by categorizing items thoughtfully. Instead of just separating them into keep or toss, create additional categories.
Maybe have a yellow sticker for items you’re undecided about. This detailed categorization ensures a more nuanced approach to decluttering.
6. Embrace Sentimentality Smartly
Sentimental items are essential, but it’s crucial to manage them wisely. Rather than letting sentimentality lead to unnecessary clutter, curate a selection of meaningful items.
It’s not about keeping everything from the past but about choosing what truly enhances your life and memories.
These six points offer a more comprehensive guide to Swedish death cleaning, making the process not only efficient but also mindful and forward-focused.
Brief History of the Author
Margareta Magnusson, who describes herself as being between 80 and 100 years old, hails from Sweden and has a rich life story.
She’s not confined to one place, having lived all over the world.
Margareta is a graduate of Beckman’s College of Design, and her artwork has been showcased in galleries spanning from Hong Kong to Singapore.
With a family of five children, she currently resides in Stockholm.
Margareta is the author of “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” her first book, and “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly.”
This means she brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her writings, offering insights into decluttering and embracing the aging process with vitality.
In wrapping up “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” Margareta Magnusson shares a unique perspective on organizing your life.
Remember, it’s not just about cleaning; it’s a way to make your everyday life smoother. As she puts it, the process is a joyous journey of remembering the worth of your possessions.
This book opens our eyes to a thoughtful way of approaching decluttering, making space for what truly matters, and leaving behind a curated collection of cherished memories.
So, dive in, embrace the wisdom of Swedish death cleaning, and make your life a delightful and organized experience.
