Decluttering with Purpose: The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
Imagine you’ve just died (morbid, I know), and your loved ones are left with your space and all your belongings. The ADHD piles, the hundreds of books you swore you’d read but collected dust, the old school papers, and the magnets of all the cities you traveled to, the boxes of old photos, and enough coffee cups to have an entire tea party.
Now imagine, instead of holding onto all these things, you became intentional while you were living. What might change for you if you were mindful in creating space, about giving things away, allowing new energy into your home, decluttering in a way that made you feel lively and purposeful? What possibilities are available when we let go of material things? How kind is it to declutter in the name of peace for the people that come after you?
Swedish death cleaning, known as "döstädning" in Swedish, is essentially decluttering and organizing your belongings as you age, with the intention of relieving your loved ones from the burden of dealing with your possessions after you pass away. It's about taking stock of your life, sorting through your possessions, and letting go of items that you no longer need or that may hold no significance to you or your family.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2016 examined the impact of environmental cues, including clutter, on psychological well-being. The researchers found that participants who were exposed to cluttered environments reported higher levels of stress and lower levels of life satisfaction compared to those in tidy environments.
Maybe you read this and are reminded of all the things you’ve collected on this life journey. Maybe the research of spiked cortisol or the thought of passing down your piles to family feels like something you don’t want to do. But the idea of organizing your entire life collection has you at a standstill. Here are some steps to move forward on your quest to a purposeful space.
My first rule of tackling a big task is to break it up into the next smallest, digestible step. I am in my office a lot and my office is small, so for me I would start there. I’d go through my books and drop them at a free library at the park. I’d make my way to my clothes and donate or give to a friend. Little by little, making my way through my home with the value-driven motive of creating more space for joy, for not only me but the ones that are left after me. While implementing a habit of maintenance to keep the space clear from accumulating clutter again.
Many people have found joy and fulfillment in practicing the Swedish death cleaning method. There are several reasons why this approach to decluttering resonates with people. Things you could experience from a mindful purge might look like empowerment to take control of your possessions and living space. Embracing a more minimalist lifestyle can lead to greater clarity, contentment, and freedom from the distractions of excess belongings. Letting go of unnecessary possessions can be a cathartic experience, even an emotional release.
Overall, Swedish death cleaning offers not only a practical approach to decluttering but also a mindset shift toward intentional living and the pursuit of true happiness and fulfillment. Many people find joy in the process of simplifying their lives and creating spaces that reflect their values and priorities. Is this something you will commit to in your life?
