What is Swedish Death Cleaning? (and How it's Actually about Living– Better)
- Kendall
- Nov 5
- 4 min read
If you ever looked around your home and felt overwhelmed by stuff, you're not alone. Many of us hold onto belongings long past their usefulness– out of habit, guilt, sentimentality or "just in case" thinking. But what if there was a gentle, thoughtful way to simplify your home and your life?
Introducing Swedish Death Cleaning, or döstädning– a Scandinavian approach to decluttering that's less about death and more about living intentionally.
What is Swedish Death Cleaning?
The practice gained worldwide attention thanks to Swedish author Margareta Magnusson's best-selling book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, published in 2017. Magnusson describes döstädning as the process of slowly and intentionally clearing out unnecessary belongings so your loved ones don't have to do it after you're gone.
Swedish people are known to be direct and practical. They're more comfortable talking about death, viewing it as a natural part of life that we can plan for in a sensible manner. The primary motivation for Swedish Death Cleaning is to spare loved ones the overwhelming physical and emotional task of sorting through a lifetime of possessions while they are grieving.
Swedish practicality often focuses on minimalism, quality over quantity and functionality. Döstägning encourages people to keep only what's truly useful and meaningful, leading to a simpler, less cluttered space.
It's not just for people later in life– anyone can benefit from this practice. It's about creating space for what truly matters, making your home easier to manage, and bringing peace of mind now (not someday).
Why People Love It
It reduces stress. Living in a clutter-free home makes it easier to focus and relax.
It helps you reconnect with what you value. You rediscover meaningful items and let go of what no longer serves you.
It's eco-friendly. Passing on, donating, or responsibly disposing of items reduces waste and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.
It's a gift to your loved ones. You spare family members the emotional, physical and financial burden of sorting through your belongings later.
How to Start Swedish Death Cleaning
Start small– one drawer, one shelf, one category. Ask yourself: When is the last time I used this? Do I need it? Will I miss it when it's gone? Would I want someone else to have to deal with this if I weren't here?
The practice of Swedish Death Cleaning is meant to be an unhurried, ongoing, gradual process. Allow time for reminiscing, sharing stories and letting go. And start early, while you're physically and mentally able.
Be thoughtful about where your items go next. Donate, gift, recycle, or sell what you can. Swedish Death Cleaning isn't about loss– it's about gratitute, respect, and clarity.
You Don't Have to Do it Alone
Swedish Death Cleaning can be an emotional process– it's not just about stuff, but about memories and meaning. Having a supportive guide can make the journey easier and even enjoyable.
If you've been thinking about simplifying your home or preparing for a new chapter, I'd love to help. Together we can create a calmer, more intentional space that reflects what truly matters to you.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation– and start your own version of Swedish Death Cleaning with compassion and clarity.
What my clients are saying:
As a realtor, I'm incredibly grateful to Kendall for helping my clients clear out 74 years' worth of belongings from their cherished family home. She brought just the right mix of sensitivity, efficiency, and organization to a very emotional process. Her thoughtfulness and hard work made it possible to get the home market-ready on time– and with far less stress for everyone involved. I highly recommend KENDALLCLUTTER Home Organizing to anyone facing a significant move or home transition.
Diane E.
Kendall is amazing! She is a machine. Gets things done quickly. Makes sure the job is complete. Is happy to roll up her sleeves. I needed help getting organized before a move and a downsize– I hadn't moved in 18 years so I had a lot of stuff to deal with. Kendall made what could have been a miserable process both quick and painless.
Paula Z.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter, by Margareta Magnusson, is a New York Times bestseller. Buy a copy for yourself or as a gift for someone you love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Inspired by Margareta Magnusson's bestselling book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is an uplifting and often funny 8-episode television series from Executive Producer Amy Poehler, who's also the show's narrator. It follows a team of Swedish experts– organizer Ella Engström, designer Johan Svenson and psychologist Katarina Blom, as they help eight people from different stages of their lives sort through home, life and relationships, leading to an emotional and physical transformation.
About Kendall: My mission as a home organizer is to help families and communities take SMALL STEPS to organize and declutter at home in an eco-friendly way that starts to build BIG CHANGE in the world. Consider becoming an Official Declutter Buddy by joining my Email List. Click HERE to get in touch or fill out the Subscribe form below.
Comments