Move over Marie Kondo, the latest craze in cleaning and organize our lives has hit, Swedish Death Cleaning (also known as Döstädning).

Released in 2018, the book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter (The Swedish Art of Living & Dying Series)” by Margareta Magnusson has become quite popular in the past year or so. So popular that Peacock has created The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, an 8 episode television series all about Swedish Death Cleaning.

What is Swedish Death Cleaning?

Swedish Death Cleaning, or döstädning, is the gentle art of decluttering your life to simplify it and prepare for the inevitable end. This may seem morbid to some, but in Sweden, it is a traditional practice that is done to help ease the burden on loved ones who are left to sort through their deceased relatives’ belongings.

Swedish Death Cleaning involves going through your possessions and getting rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose or brings you joy. It’s a process of reflection and self-evaluation that can be liberating and cathartic. By eliminating unnecessary items, you can free up space, reduce clutter, and simplify your life.

You need not be dying to benefit from Swedish Death cleaning.  So, whether it is your garage, your basement, your utility room or your attic, let’s get cleaning and then call Garage Store to get everything put away and organized.

Why Should You Do It?

The concept of Swedish Death Cleaning may seem daunting at first, but it has some major benefits that are worth considering. Firstly, it helps you declutter your living space and get rid of items that you don’t need. By doing this, you can create a calmer and more organized environment, which can positively impact your mental health and wellbeing.

Swedish Death Cleaning encourages you to focus on the things that matter most to you. It’s not about getting rid of everything you own – it’s about deciding what’s important and letting go of the rest. By doing so, you can create a space that truly reflects your values and priorities.

How to Get Started

Swedish Death Cleaning is not about getting rid of everything you own. It’s about decluttering and letting go of things that no longer serve you.

To begin, find a quiet space where you can focus. Grab a pen and paper and start making a list of areas in your home that need attention. This could include your basement, garage, utility room, attic, or any room in your home.

As you go through each area, use the gentle art of Swedish Death Cleaning to guide your decision-making process. Ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Don’t hold onto things out of guilt or obligation. Remember, you’re simplifying your life, not adding to the clutter.

What to Throw Away

When it comes to Swedish Death Cleaning, one of the most important steps is knowing what to throw away. Here are some things to consider throwing away:

• Unnecessary clutter: This can include old clothes, books, and other items that you no longer use or need.
• Duplicates: If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider keeping only the one that is in the best condition.
• Broken or outdated items: Peacock statues and other knick-knacks that no longer hold any sentimental value can be discarded.
• Unused appliances and electronics: If you haven’t used an appliance or electronic device or in the past year, it’s likely that you don’t need it.
• Unused tools:  If you don’t plan on any projects the future that require the tool and you haven’t used the tool in years, it may be time to get rid of it.

Remember, the gentle art of Swedish Death Cleaning is about letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. By doing so, you can simplify your living space and create a more peaceful environment.

The Benefits of Swedish Death Cleaning

Swedish Death Cleaning is not only about getting rid of clutter and unwanted possessions, but it is also a powerful way to simplify your life and create a sense of peace and freedom. Here are some benefits of practicing Swedish Death Cleaning:

• Decluttering your space.
• Clearing your mind.
• Simplifying your life.
• Embracing change.

Organize & Store What Remains

Once you have cleared out all the junk, give the team at Garage Store a call.  The professionals there can help you create an organization system for any room or area of your home that will make finding what you need to access easier and also make it easier to declutter your space.  See the Gallery for inspiration.