Ep 32: Want to Know Why Swedish Death Cleaning is the Latest Trend?

Every once in a while a new trend comes along in the minimalism space that shakes things up and makes people re-examine their lives. One of the recent newcomers is the idea of Swedish Death Cleaning. Don’t worry. It’s not as morbid as it sounds.

In fact, it could be one of the best ways for sentimental people to declutter their belongings.

At the heart of the trend is the idea that you want to make life easier for your loved ones when you die instead of leaving them with a house filled with crap that you, yourself didn’t really care about.

It’s also a lovely way to pass on things you love to people you love - as long as they are useful and wanted by the recipient.

This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will help you discover:

• the nuts and bolts of what Swedish Death Cleaning actually is

• how to incorporate this new style of decluttering into your life

• why this may be the best thing you can do for your family

• how Swedish Death Cleaning differs from Functional Minimalism

• simple ways I used death cleaning without even knowing it

HIGHLIGHTS

* some of the following links may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a tiny commission if you make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for supporting me and the Wannabe Minimalist Show!

[00:00] – This episode is brought to you The QUICK Way to Declutter and Organize Your Home. This 5 part mini-course will help you declutter, tidy, and organize any room in your home. Get started today!

[00:47] – Deanna introduces the show and gets us past the the idea that Swedish Death Cleaning is morbid.

[01:30] – If you have struggled with finding your “why” when decluttering, discover how this method of decluttering might be the right fit for you.

[02:10] – We look at how the movement behind Swedish Death Cleaning started.

[03:15] – Deanna points out that Swedish Death Cleaning is about thinking of your loved ones as you declutter your home. What legacy do you want to leave behind?

[03:40] – A gentle reminder that you are not stored in your belongings. Instead, we live on in the minds of our loved ones so it’s important to remember we do not need to keep all of the stuff in our homes in order to keep the memories of someone alive in our hearts.

[03:50] – Deanna reminds us that decluttering our stuff before our families have to do it might stop family arguments or uncomfortable conversations down the road.

[04:30] – How does one declutter their home in the Swedish Death Cleaning style?

[04:38] – Don’t get too hung up on the idea of death. Instead it might help us Americans to think more in terms of downsizing your home.

[05:17] – Deanna breaks down the items in your home into a few categories to help you with the exercise of pretending to downsize your home and declutter the things you own.

[06:15] – Have something you love and want to keep in the family, but no longer use or need? Here’s a tip for what to do with it (and it’s not about throwing it out!).

[06:45] – How does one broach the subject of passing things on to others while still alive? Here are some tips.

[07:40] – The second point to remember with Swedish Death Cleaning is that it is not a quick process. Have patience with yourself as you declutter and make decisions about your belongings.

[08:05] – One surprising thing about Swedish Death Cleaning is that the concepts can be applied no matter what your age. If you are younger, it helps you have a longer view when it comes to the things you own or purchase. It can also help you start these slightly uncomfortable conversations with your parents or older relatives.

[08:30] – Not sure how to start this conversation with your parents? Here are 4 conversation starters you can use.

[09:21] – Discover how Swedish Death Cleaning has changed Deanna’s perspective as a parent.

[10:45] – Deanna steps back to look at how Swedish Death Cleaning differs from Functional Decluttering - the most widely used form of decluttering in America.

[11:05] – The first difference between the two is where you start with each of these decluttering methods.

[12:20] – The second way Swedish Death Cleaning differs is through telling your friends you are starting your decluttering process and asking them if they want any of your items you are discarding. Would we do this in America?

[13:21] – Deanna links the actions of the author behind the Swedish Death Cleaning movement to the simple 5 box method. This blog post does a deep dive on the subject so you can get started right away.

[14:07] – If you’re not up for inviting your friends to “shop your stuff” you can incorporate this idea with these 2 simple ideas

[15:00] – See how Deanna used this in her life and discover what she traded for the best travel crib ever!

[15:40] – We look at what a “throw away box” means and what Deanna suggests instead.

[16:49] – The show wraps up with 3 pieces of sage advice that everyone can get behind regardless of what you think of Swedish Death Cleaning.

[17:42] – The #1 tip that can help sentimental declutters everywhere. It might surprise you!

[18:00] – What are your thoughts about Swedish Death Cleaning? Join us in the Wannabe Minimalist Group on Facebook and let us know if you're on board or if you think this is the craziest decluttering trend that you want no part of.

[18:58] – Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of the Minimalism for Families Starter Guide. It’s the perfect resource to help you on your journey to living your best life with less stuff. And remember that she loves hearing from listeners, so please get in touch by email at hello@littlegreenbow.com or by sending a message on Instagram (@WannabeClutterFree) or on Facebook (@WannabeClutterFree)!

[19:35] – Don’t forget to subscribe to the Wannabe Minimalist Show on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite place for podcasts!) and leave a review so others can find us too.

[19:50] - Join us next week for another guest episode. This time we’re talking with the Disguised Super Mom about how to manage a busy home and tips as we head into a summer of virtual camps.

If you want to learn more about Swedish Death Cleaning, pick up the book by Margareta Magnussen here.