Organizing Using "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning"

**This post may contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing additional, but allow me to buy more experiences than things.**

While the title may get your attention, the meaning behind Swedish Death Cleaning may not be as scary as you think.

I have friends who swear by Whole 30, Keto, and Paleo, but the whole purpose behind these diet trends is to trim away the extra and get to a healthier way of living. Organizing really is no different. For years, methods of organizing have come in various forms from minimalism, to sparking joy, and everything in between. Each of the different methods of organizing is about clearing out the excess and living a life that is less chaotic, more peaceful, all the while knowing where everything is located. No matter how you spin it.

Swedish Death Cleaning is organizing with a twist.

Organizing, Swedish Death Cleaning — A different approach in the world of organizing, Swedish Death Cleaning.

In early 2018 author Margareta Magnusson published her book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning”. The gist: if you’re not going to organize for yourself, at least think of those around you. I know it sounds harsh, but if you’ve ever had a loved one pass away and you were left to figure out what to do with all of their stuff, then you totally get what I’m saying.

Lessen the burden

Something to consider is the amount of time that it will take your family or friends to have to deal with all of your stuff. Super busy schedules, young families, family living all over… while losing someone is traumatic in and of itself, finding time to go through the items and figure out what to do can be overwhelming.

When my Poppy passed away, it was my Nonny who took care of all of his belongings. (Those are my grandparents in case you were wondering.) When my father passed away, it was my mom who took care of his belongings. However, when there’s no one left, the task then falls to the children and other family members. It was while watching my mom and my aunt spend hours sifting through Nonny’s belongings that I realized being an only child meant the responsibility would fall solely on me. My mom and I have started having those uncomfortable, yet necessary, conversations about what to do with all of her stuff after she passes. (We also have talked how she’s not allowed to go anywhere for a super long time. Like many years from now. We pinky swore and everything.)

Having a will or well written instructions on where your items should go can help your loved ones. Or even consider giving the item to the loved one now which will also allow you to share the story behind the item and why you want them to have it. Not to mention it will help eliminate potential fights or misunderstandings down the road, regarding who should have the item of question. Trust me, I have seen some really ugly family disputes all because someone took something that was promised to someone else.

Living with intention

Of course we don’t know EXACTLY when our time here on earth is over, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be more intentional with the time that’s left. Living with less stuff gives you the opportunity to do the things that will bring you great joy instead of bringing you more stuff.

One of my favorite parts of the book deals with the super personal items that we have in our possessions. (wink, wink) Ms. Magnusson recommends marking a box “private throw away” in hopes that whatever is in that box won’t embarrass those responsible for your belongings. Granted curious minds may still peak, but at least they’ve been warned. Something I wish my Nonny would have done instead of what we discovered when we went through her belongings. (High five to Nonny though, even though I’m slightly scarred .)

On the other hand, a few months after my dad passed away, my husband and I found pre-signed and sticky note organized cards for the next few holidays from my dad to my mom. My dad had been in failing health and knew that being able to do even a task like picking out a card may be too hard. I totally cried when we found his thoughtful gesture.

Tip: Instead of printing off all the immediate family pictures, create a USB for each child.

Overall I did enjoy Ms. Magnusson’s perspective which is quite different than the norm. Most organizing books focus solely on the person doing the organizing whereas this book takes it one step further in considering other people. Teaching future generations how to fix things instead of just throwing them away and how all of your stuff could potentially have a negative impact. Definitely a great read and something to share.

XOXO,

Brooke