What is the Danish practice of ‘death cleaning’?
Have you heard of the Danish practice of "dødsrydning" or, as it’s more charmingly known in English, death cleaning?!
What is death cleaning?
Now, before you jump to any morbid conclusions, let’s clear the cobwebs.
Death cleaning isn’t some eerie ritual involving black candles and incantations. It’s a journey of self-discovery and renewal, a chance to embrace life and spread a little tidying magic along the way. It's about making space for the things that truly matter and letting go of the rest.
In 2017, Swedish writer Margareta Magnusson introduced the term in her widely read book, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Liberate Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter," which became a New York Times bestseller. Magnusson encourages individuals aged 65 and above to engage in this activity but emphasises that there's no harm in starting earlier, especially considering the stress-relieving benefits of decluttering.
How do you start death cleaning?
When you start the process, it's best to focus on areas that appear most manageable. Magnusson suggests beginning with spaces like the attic, as they often harbour unnecessary items, such as broken Christmas decorations and past its best sports equipment. Select possessions that lack emotional significance. Then, identify the category you intend to address first, whether it's unwanted clothing, books, or partially used skincare products. Importantly, there's no set timeline or definitive checklist to gauge completion. The determining factors are your personal satisfaction and the goals you wish to achieve.
As we journey through life, we accumulate stuff—lots of it. And while each trinket and treasure may hold a special memory, let’s face it, not everything sparks joy.
Originating from Denmark, the Scandinavian trend for ‘death cleaning’ is a powerful tool for decluttering and organising your belongings. It ensures that when the time comes to shuffle off this mortal coil, you leave behind a legacy of love and simplicity, not a tangled mess.
Creating order and peace of mind
Estate planning is about cleaning and decluttering, too. It’s the legal and financial process that will bring order and peace to your life and your loved ones when you’re gone.
Similar to the Danish practice, estate planning involves tidying up your current living arrangements (Lasting Powers of Attorney, pensions, investments, work, and business) and considering your future financial life. It’s like a mini spring clean for your thoughts, wishes and money.
When should I start my life tidying?
Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to embark on your life-tidying journey. Retirement is often a catalyst for getting sorted. But estate planning, like decluttering, can bring benefits at any age. It’s never too early to start.
Begin now and sprinkle a little peace of mind magic into your everyday life. Estate planning and 'death cleaning' are not just about preparing for the inevitable, they're about embracing the present and living your best life.
Imagine opening your wardrobe each morning to find only clothes that make you feel like a million bucks. Or wandering through your home, every corner a sanctuary of calm and clarity. The purpose of the Danish practice of death cleaning is not just about preparing for the inevitable; it’s about embracing the present and living your best life.
Estate planning can also bring calm. Our clients often tell us how they feel a sense of peace once their Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney are complete and safely stored.
Where do I start?
If the thought of sorting through decades of memories feels a tad overwhelming, fear not! That’s where we come in. Here at Carisma Wills, we’re not just about legal jargon and signatures—we’re about guiding you through your own estate planning journey with care and compassion.
While your family and friends might give you a puzzled look when you mention a newfound passion for tidying up, don't let that deter you! In fact, it's crucial to involve them in your journey. Who knows, they might have treasures they want to hold onto (remember the macaroni art from junior school?). And why not make it a group affair? Decluttering together can turn into a heartwarming stroll down memory lane, complete with laughter, nostalgia, and maybe a few tears (of the happy kind).
So, grab a box, gather your loved ones, and let the decluttering adventure begin!
How we can help
Our team of expert life-tidying wizards is here to help you navigate the waters of preparing for the inevitable with ease. From practical tips on record keeping, document vaults, and social media settings to heartfelt conversations about cherished mementoes, we’re with you every step of the way.
So, whether you’re a seasoned minimalist with a place for everything or an it-might-be-useful one-day hoarder, why not give Death Cleaning a whirl? Who knows, you might find that the key to a happier, more fulfilling life lies not in the things you possess but in the memories you cherish and the joy you spread.
