Döstädning – Death cleaning
Location: Sweden
Organisation(s): NA
Website
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-swedish-death-cleaning-should-you-be-doing-it-ncna816511
Availablelanguage(s): English
Date of development: NA
Type of tool: Other (practice)
Purpose: Guidelines (“how to”)
Topic(s) covered: How to prepare for end-of-life
Overview
“Death cleaning” is a practice designed to essentially help individuals prepare for death and it deals with getting rid of all the stuff they have accumulated that they don’t need anymore — so that no one else has to do it for them after they pass. Itincludes for example reflecting on what we are still needing and what can be donated or sell.
Reasons for selecting the practice and impact
It is a gradual process that can help to start thinking and planning for own death. Moreover, an important piece to Swedish Death Cleaning is involving others and it becomes a good time to share with family own wishes after passing.
It can support well-being: the practice belongs to the concept of psychologically minimalism, which is based on the idea that happiness doesn’t come from stuff, but rather from relationship sand experiences. According to psychologists, when you get rid ofthe excess stuff surrounding you, you can better identify on those things that are really important to you and what brings youpleasure in your life.
Impact
The practice started to be popular beyond Sweden after thepublication of a book in English named “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter” written by the Swedish author Margareta Magnusson.
Contacts and additional information
Transferability
The practice is based on suggestions / advices that can be implemented by anyone, therefore it is highly transferable.
Additional info
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-swedish-death- cleaning-should-you-be-doing-it-ncna816511