In Sweden, there is a term called "döstädning." It is a combination of words meaning "death" and "cleaning," referring to the act of slowly organizing one's belongings on one's own as one ages. Although the name sounds a bit heavy, its meaning is actually quite the opposite. It is a preparation to ensure that the family left behind after one's passing does not feel overwhelmed by one's burdens, and above all, to make the remainder of one's life feel lighter.
Thoughts conveyed by a single book
Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson wrote a book on this subject based on her experience sorting through the belongings of her parents, in-laws, and husband multiple times. She personally organized her own possessions while moving from a large house to a small apartment, describing the process as unhurried and sometimes even enjoyable. The core of her advice is to start with items that are easy to let go of, such as clothes not worn or dishes not used, and to handle sentimental items like photos and letters last, taking ample time.
Why is it good to organize in advance?
- It relieves the burden on the family. Facing thousands of the deceased's belongings while grief has not yet subsided is difficult for anyone. Items hidden away in advance make that time much softer.
- My life becomes lighter. As the number of unused items decreases, you feel your home becoming more spacious, cleaning easier, and your mind becoming more organized. This organizing is not just for the end, but also for your life right now.
- It serves as an opportunity for conversation. "If you personally hand something over while they are still alive, saying, "I wish you would take this," and share a conversation, the object becomes not a burden, but a bridge connecting memories.
Try starting like this
- Start small, like one drawer or one shelf a day. You don't have to try to finish the whole house at once.
- Start with places less emotionally entangled, such as the closet, storage, and kitchen, and save the photos and letters for last.
- It is a good idea to attach a short note to the items you leave behind. Simply writing down why they are precious and who they should go to serves as a great guide for your family.
- In Canadian life, moving or downsizing to a smaller home becomes a natural turning point. If you also review documents such as your will and Proof of Authority (POA) at this time, you can achieve both physical organization and mental organization simultaneously.
Organizing your belongings is not about shortening your life, but about keeping only what is truly precious. A small beginning today—opening a single drawer—can be a gift of peace for both you and your family.
Source: Simon & Schuster Canada — The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Margareta Magnusson)
https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/The-Gentle-Art-of-Swedish-Death-Cleaning/Margareta-Magnusson/9781508243823
Author's Official Site — Swedish Death Cleaning
https://www.margaretamagnusson.com/books/swedish-death-cleaning |
