What is 'Swedish death cleaning,' and should you do it?

Downsize with the Swedish death cleaning method

There are things that we are supposed to do because they are good for us. These include eating right, exercising, getting enough rest and cleaning. However, a relatively new trend has been catching on for the past few years that is good for others — namely, your loved ones. It is called Swedish death cleaning. It makes things easier for the people who survive you because they won't have as much clutter to go through when you are gone.

In this article: "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" by Margareta Magnusson, HDX 27-Gallon Tough Storage Tote and Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags

What is Swedish death cleaning?

Swedish death cleaning is cleaning like there is no tomorrow. It doesn't involve dusting, mopping or vacuuming. It is a permanent type of cleaning that is more akin to gradual downsizing. Instead of accumulating things, like you've done for most of your life, with Swedish death cleaning, you are getting rid of them. This means you are the one who is responsible for going through that attic filled with 50 years of stuff, not your kids.

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When should I start Swedish death cleaning?

It is not bad to practice Swedish death cleaning throughout your entire life. Anyone who has ever moved has done this on a smaller scale. It's a good philosophy to live by if you never want to be overwhelmed by clutter. 

However, if you want to know when to partake in the official, final version of this practice, it's a good idea to start when you are around 65. While this might sound young, remember it took you a long time to fill up your house. It will take years to get rid of all of the things you've accumulated. Also, you want to start when you are still mobile enough to do (most of) the heavy lifting yourself. 

Swedish death cleaning tips

Swedish death cleaning can be overwhelming, both physically and mentally. Here are a few tips to help you get the job done.

• Strategize your approach: Swedish death cleaning makes spring cleaning look easy. Come up with a plan of attack to make the task less overwhelming.
• Designate time: Don't wait until you have an extra free minute. Make cleaning a priority. Set a weekly schedule and stick to it.
• Not everything has to go: The point is just to downsize, not get rid of everything.
• Consider gifting: If something is meaningful to you, it is meaningful to someone close to you. These important items make great gifts.
• Don't make your heirs wait: If you know someone is eventually getting that bookcase and you no longer need it, give it to them now.
• Consider big items early on: Believe it or not, it can be tough trying to donate a piano. Start with large items so you can take the time to find the best home for them.
• Give yourself a goal: Instead of getting rid of everything at once, choose five or 10 things each week to purge. By the end of the year, the difference will be huge.
• Revisit: When you first go through that treasured box of personal items, you might only be able to get rid of one or two things. Come back to it in a few weeks and try again. 
• Don't forget the subscriptions: Make a hard-copy list to keep track of all of your digital subscription services so they can be easily canceled if needed.

Best products for a Swedish death clean

It might seem counterintuitive to buy more items when trying to get rid of stuff, but the things you need for Swedish death cleaning are not things you will keep. These are mainly organizational items that you'll use to organize, pack and get rid of your things.

"The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" by Margareta Magnusson

If you really want to do your homework on this trendy decluttering method, read this nonfiction book. A New York Times bestseller, it's the basis for the Swedish death cleaning show developed by actress and comedian Amy Poehler. The author takes a fun approach to cleaning, providing insight into her own experiences of the method. Through this book, you can become more comfortable with the idea of letting go of material things. 

HDX 27-Gallon Tough Storage Tote

Although these items are called storage bins, that's not what you will use them for. These reinforced stackable bins can be filled up with the things you want to get rid of. The snap-on lid keeps them secure, while the built-in handles make the totes easy to carry.

Uboxes Premium Medium Moving Boxes
This pack of 10 moving boxes can be filled with clothing or other items you no longer want or need. After it is filled, you can take it to your favorite donation drop-off to help bring joy to others who might not have everything they need. These boxes have a printed checklist on the side for labelling items and built-in handles to make transport easier.

Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Roll
If there is anything fragile you need to pack during your cleaning, bubble wrap is the easiest way to protect it. This large roll gives you 175 feet of protection. It is lightweight and perforated every 12 inches for convenience.

Gorilla Tough & Wide Packing Tape
You will use packing tape for any cardboard boxes that need to be sealed. This offering comes with 35 yards of tape. It's thick, durable and wide for sealing larger boxes. It's easy to cut with the included dispenser.

9527 Brand Labels
Sometimes downsizing takes place in steps. You may need to label your storage boxes as you fill them to make things easier. This pack of labels comes six to a sheet. There are 100 sheets, giving you a total of 600 self-adhesive stick-on labels.

Sharpie Permanent Markers
When you write on those labels, you want the information to stay. The best marker for the job is a Sharpie. The markers in this pack of 12 have a fine point and come in various colors so you can color code your boxes.

Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags
Heavy-duty trash bags are necessary for all items you are not saving or donating. The puncture-resistant bags in this 74-pack from Hefty have a drawstring closure for confident sealing. 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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