The Shed at Cooroy would like to introduce you to The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning! It’s not as morbid as it sounds and can save you and your family a lot of stress and heartache in the future.
An awful lot of our vintage and antique stock comes from either people going into care or from deceased estates and often it is a very sudden and rushed affair. Swedish Death Cleaning, or döstädning in Swedish, is a decluttering and organising method that involves gradually downsizing your possessions so that your loved ones won’t have to deal with a massive cleanup after you pass away. The concept was popularised by Swedish author Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.
What is Swedish Death Cleaning?
Unlike traditional decluttering, which often focuses on tidying up for personal convenience, Swedish Death Cleaning is about being thoughtful and intentional about what you leave behind. The idea is to sort through your belongings, keep only what is truly meaningful or useful, and either donate, sell, or discard the rest.
Why Do It?
- Eases the Burden on Family – After a person passes away, their loved ones are often left to go through a lifetime of belongings. This can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. By decluttering in advance, you make it easier for your family.
- Encourages Mindful Living – Swedish Death Cleaning is not just about preparing for the future; it’s about simplifying your life in the present. You keep only what truly matters, making your home more organised and peaceful.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety – A clutter-free home is easier to manage, clean, and navigate, making everyday life less stressful.
- Creates an Opportunity to Share Meaningful Items – Instead of leaving all your possessions for someone else to sort through, you can pass down heirlooms, sentimental items, or family treasures while you are still alive to share their stories.
- Saves Money – Selling or donating unused items prevents waste and can even put extra cash in your pocket. Plus, a smaller, decluttered home is easier and cheaper to maintain.
How to Start Swedish Death Cleaning
- Start with non-sentimental items like clothes, kitchenware, or books. Save sentimental items for later, as they can be more difficult to part with.
- Ask yourself if someone else would find this useful—if not, it may be time to let it go.
- Be practical—keep what you need and truly value, not just what you feel obligated to keep.
- Give items away while you’re still alive so you can see the joy they bring to others.
- Document important information like financial details, passwords, and legal documents in a way that will be easy for your loved ones to access when needed.
Final Thoughts
Swedish Death Cleaning is not about being morbid—it’s about taking control of your legacy and making life easier for yourself and those you leave behind. It’s an act of kindness to your family and a way to live a more intentional, clutter-free life. Instead of being overwhelmed by a house full of things, you get to focus on what truly brings you joy.
If you’re at the point where you need to downsize mindfully, give us a call on 07 5400 8916 or contact us.