Swedish ‘death cleaning’ technique

It’s not as morbid as it sounds, says artist Margareta Magnusson about her forthcoming book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter,

The “death cleaning” technique — what Swedes call döstädning — refers to the art of unloading a lifetime of accumulated things through the lens of death.

As Magnusson explains, Swedes reportedly start doing this in their 50s. “Death cleaning is … about a permanent form of organization that makes your everyday life run more smoothly,” she tells The Chronicle.

Details surrounding “death cleaning:”

When sorting your home, think about your will, memorial service, and the inheritance you’ll ultimately leave behind, too. The experience should be comprehensive and practical, allowing you — not others — to come up with the big decisions.

Start with your closet. It’s less emotionally taxing to get through, according to Magnusson.

Gift your unwanted items. When you drop by a friend’s house, skip the flowers or food, and bring them a few books you no longer want. Or, gift your grandchild with a treasured item you want him or her to have.

It should be a slow and ongoing process. This cleaning technique can’t be started and finished in a day, week, or month.