Swedish Death Cleaning

Hello friends— have you ever heard of this decluttering method? (Quite a catchy name, that’s for sure!) It’s called ‘cleaning’ because the Swedish word döstädning includes tidying and putting things in order, but the practice is really about thoughtfully decluttering your life. Rather than being morbid, its purpose is to simplify life now while easing the future burden on loved ones. Instead of leaving behind closets full of forgotten items, Swedish death cleaning invites you to reflect and make intentional choices about what stays or not. It shifts the focus from discarding things to considering how your decisions can spare others stress, which helps with letting go.

It’s about gratitude, reflection, and honoring memories associated with belongings. Because the process unfolds gradually, it gives those who are emotionally attached to items more time to make decisions. You avoid leaving children (or grandchildren!) with the emotional and physical labor of sorting decades of possessions. In doing so, you have the opportunity to share the stories behind these items with the next generation, echoing the call of Psalm 78:4 to pass along what truly matters: telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wondrous works He has done.

While Swedish death cleaning is traditionally slower in pace, the small, focused sessions can make a meaningful difference for busy schedules—especially around the holidays. The goal is to avoid the burnout and guilt that come from rushing through your stuff. To begin, pick one small category and work through it prayerfully, deciding what still has purpose and what can bless someone else. This keeps the process peaceful and helps you build confidence as you let go. When you know what you value, you’re also more likely to choose or request gifts that don’t add to seasonal overwhelm.

This approach also differs from traditional decluttering which focuses on quick results: less mess, more space. Swedish death cleaning is rooted in legacy, which makes it deeply motivating. It asks what will happen to your belongings when you’re gone and how you can spare others from difficult decisions. It also acknowledges how lifestyles change with age. Hobbies or activities that once fit your life may no longer serve you. Letting them go isn’t about giving up who you were; it’s about honoring who you are now.

Instead of asking, “Does this serve me today?” the questions become “Does this tell my story?” and “Would someone else understand why I kept this?” Swedish death cleaning encourages intentional, simple living in its invitation to regularly examine your life, let go of excess, and steward well what you keep. It’s an act of care—for yourself and for your loved ones—and ensures your home reflects the story you want to leave behind. It can benefit you no matter your age, creating a more organized home while turning holiday busyness into something more purposeful and peaceful.

Coaching Connection

1. How could practicing a form of Swedish Death Cleaning help you clear clutter?
2. What would you want others to find – or not find – if they had to sort through your things?

To Your Growth,

 

 

Photo by cottonbro studio at Pexels