What We're Reading
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
Alright, friends, let’s talk about something that none of us want to address but all of us know is coming: the inevitable day when we need to start clearing out our stuff. Not just tidying up the kitchen junk drawer but real emptying. The kind that has you looking at your old clothes and wondering if it’s really worth saving that pair of high heels you haven’t worn since 1986 (spoiler alert: it’s not).
Enter The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. It’s the Swedish approach to decluttering—perfect for those of us who’ve accumulated enough stuff over the years to start our own mini-museum of things we might need “someday.”
What is Swedish Death Cleaning?
In essence, Swedish Death Cleaning (döstädning, if you’re
feeling fancy) is about preparing your home for when, well, you’re not
around anymore. It’s the kind of cleaning that makes your kids thank you
later, when they don’t have to go through 7 boxes of old greeting
cards, your 1976 “best-of” playlist on tape and that questionable ceramic cat
collection you swear you were going to sell on eBay.
Let’s face it, most of us have accumulated things we no longer need
but keep “just in case” (empty 3-ring binders, handwritten spiral
notebooks and college books are my downfall). This book will guide you
through the process of simplifying your life and making sure your family
doesn’t have to file a missing persons report just to find the bottom
of your closet.
Why Should We Care?
As we age, the idea of downsizing and clearing out the clutter
isn’t just about making more room for the new trendy items from
HomeGoods (though let’s be honest, they have some cute stuff). It’s
about making life a bit easier for the people who will have to clean up
after us. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t just a
book; it’s a gift to your kids, spouse and your friends. Trust me,
they’ll thank you when they don’t have to figure out how to donate 25
mismatched socks.
Margareta Magnusson’s approach is humorous, graceful, yet practical. You’ll go through your stuff bit by bit, without the guilt of “Well, I might need that back-up blender someday!” You’ll be free, my friends. Free from the oppression of too many Tupperware lids. (Seriously, does anyone ever find the matching container?)
How to Get Going
Don't start with the Photo Pile: Don't start here. This is where it gets emotional and you will get stuck and never move on to anything else. We all have stacks of photos/slides/films from past decades, and while we do love that picture of Aunt Lucy wearing an outrageous Christmas sweater from 1968, do your kids really need to inherit the entire box? Keep the good ones—those will become the family legends—and let go of the rest. (P.S. Your kids don’t need 32 photos of their first ballet.)
1. Start with the Shoes: Let’s be honest—if you haven’t
worn them in the past year or two, it’s probably time to let go. Yes,
even those “comfortable” ones. And of course the ones that give you
blisters but are somehow still hanging out in the back of your closet.
They’ve had their time in the sun. It’s over. Hopefully this is an easy
start without too much sentimental attachment.
2. The Pantry Challenge: You know that jar of mystery jam from 2009 you’re holding on to because “it was a gift”? It’s time to let it go. (I have a 24-year old jar of Doce de Cajui (cashew jam) that I brought back from Brazil. It was so yummy, but I'm afraid if I opened it today I would get botulism just by breathing it!) You don’t need 6 different kinds of mustard. If you’re hoarding spices older than your youngest grandchild, it’s time to face the facts. They’re not adding flavor to your life—they’re just adding stress.
3. The Clothes That Don’t Fit (Anymore): You know which ones I’m talking about. The jeans that are a little too tight in the waist but you keep “for motivation.” Hey, no one’s motivated by those jeans! Time to donate them. Just admit it—if they didn’t fit last year, they won’t fit this year either.
4. Anything “Just in Case”: We all keep things “just in case.” You know, “just in case” someone comes over for tea, or “just in case” you might need that extra blender (again, seriously, how many do you need?). Well, it’s time to let it go. Unless it’s something you truly use and enjoy, toss it. After all, if it hasn’t been useful in the past 5 years, it’s not going to suddenly become your favorite thing now.
The Best Part: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone!
Okay, here’s the real kicker: this whole Swedish Death Cleaning
thing doesn’t have to be done in isolation. Grab a friend, have some
wine or tea (use the fancy china), hey, it’s a cleaning party, and go
through the process together. You’ll have a laugh, share some stories,
and, most importantly, share the joy of throwing things away without
judgment. It's
always nice to get a second opinion from someone with no sentimental
attachments to the items in question, especially if the advice is from
someone much younger. You can do this virtually, too if you need a lifeline.
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
is a reminder that life is short, and so is the amount of space in your
house. It’s not about rushing to declutter everything in one go. It’s
about taking a moment to reflect on what’s important, letting go of what
no longer serves you, and making life easier for everyone around
you—while simultaneously giving your home a much-needed makeover.
So, grab a copy of the book (I got mine through the library, heaven knows I don't need anymore books), start clearing out those kitchen drawers, and remember, there’s no need to keep every knick-knack from your 1988 visit to Yellowstone. After all, you’ve got plenty of memories—let the clutter go!
Thanks to Lois Brooks for recommending this book. (She could use some support in clearing out some linens and tea cups by the way.)
As for me, I'm going to tackle the shoes first and leave the books and binders for another day. Progress, not perfection.