10/16/2025
Dostadning (death cleaning). A Swedish term for decluttering, organizing and reducing burden on loved ones. The term may sound morbid but it is actually an act of love for your loved ones and ultimately you.
The purpose is to lighten the emotional and practical load on your family. It is also a good practice of living simply and pleasantly by reducing clutter.
The process may take some time but it is worth it. Start with the easy stuff( unworn clothes, gifts, two or more of everything !) Decide what to keep by asking yourself the questions, “does it bring you joy?”, “do you need it?” “or could someone else use it more?”
Keep any items that hold genuine meaning and donate, sell or discard the rest.
Always be mindful of the why ? It isn’t just to clean but learning to live with less clutter and more peace.
I encourage you to communicate with your family while doing this - tell them you are doing it as a gift and they nay even want certain items.
The great thing about this type of “cleaning” is that it can be done at any stage of your life to make your like more comfortable now ! There’s an emotional connection as well as you begin to reflect on your memories and life.
I encourage you to celebrate the process, trust me, decluttering can be rewarding, comforting and create a calm, peaceful space.
“Death cleaning is not about dusting or mopping up ; it’s is about a permanent form of organization that makes your everyday life run smoothly.”
-Margareta Magnusson Author of “ The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Make Your Loved Ones’ Lives Easier and your own Life More Pleasant.”
