Lessons in decluttering

‘Swedish Death Cleaning’ is a new trend, but unlike other trends that are based on acquiring ‘stuff’ you’re unlikely to really need, Swedish Death Cleaning is purposeful disposal of stuff you don’t want, need or use. This is so your house and life are less cluttered, and so that your friends and family aren’t burdened with your lifetime’s junk to dispose of when you’re dead and gone. The concept comes from a recent book by Swedish author Margareta Magnusson, ‘The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning’. She encourages us to embrace minimalism, sooner, rather than later, “before others have to do it for you”.

Magnusson says things you own can be classed into two categories: possessions you can easily get rid of – clothes you no longer wear, unwanted gifts, books you’ll never read; and things you might want to keep because of their meaning to your life – photos, love letters, treasured children’s art. But be careful about those love letters, Magnusson warns. Getting rid of private correspondence and things that might hurt those you love when you’re gone, ensures you’re doing it at and with your discretion, and avoids causing future harm. It also means there’s no invasion of your privacy even when you are dead.

Swedish Death Cleaning follows other ‘decluttering’ doctrines that have been popular around the world, including Marie Kondo from Japan, who said if you don’t love something, let it go. The overall principle is the same. Love and use it, or lose it. Then your life will be simpler, with less worry, less maintenance and easier, if and when you have to move. I like the idea that there are also less things to dust. An uncluttered life sounds refreshing. Magnusson says we should focus on meaningful life events and memories, not the stuff acquired along the way. The process of decluttering as a gradual, ongoing and lifetime effort will bring those special events and memories into focus. But Magnusson advises starting not with mementoes of the heart, otherwise you’re at risk of getting side tracked into nostalgia and not getting rid of anything. She says you should start with practical objects where there’s less emotional attachment.

Swedish Death Cleaning is apparently not some morbid rejection of the things that give life meaning, but allows you to focus on the things that really matter. To be most effective you should celebrate your efforts with friends, and reward your clearing efforts with life affirming activities, not more stuff. We spend a big part of our lives accumulating often unneeded stuff but are encouraged to spend the latter part getting rid of it. Decluttering is challenging because lots of stuff is acquired as part of life’s journey and that’s what gives it the meaning and makes it so hard to dispose of. Ultimately, it is better for the planet not to acquire so much junk to begin with.

Christine Rose christine.rose25@gmail.com