Swedish Death Cleaning: The Life-Changing Decluttering Method You Need to Try

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the content I create here on the blog! You can read my full Disclosure Policy for more details.

Swedish Death Cleaning. The name alone sounds like it belongs in a Nordic noir crime novel, right? Like something a detective in a wool coat does on a cold, gray morning in Stockholm. But, spoiler alert—there are no crime scenes involved (unless we’re counting the crime of keeping expired spices from 1997).

Instead, döstädning (Swedish for “death cleaning”) is a simple, freeing, and oddly joyful way to declutter your life before your loved ones have to do it for you.

But before you say, “Well, I’m not planning on kicking the bucket anytime soon,” hear me out—this isn’t just for the elderly. In fact, the sooner you start, the more you get to enjoy a clutter-free, intentional life. So let’s get cozy, grab a cup of tea (or strong Swedish coffee if you’re feeling bold), and dive into this beautifully practical Scandinavian tradition.

What Exactly Is Swedish Death Cleaning?

Swedish Death Cleaning is a cultural practice rooted in the Scandinavian love for simplicity, practicality, and lagom—the Swedish philosophy of “just the right amount.” It was popularized by Swedish artist and author Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, where she describes how she began methodically decluttering her home to make life easier for her children.

The core idea? Instead of leaving behind an overwhelming mess for your loved ones to deal with after you pass away, you gradually downsize now, so only the truly meaningful and useful items remain.

But here’s the twist—it’s not really about death at all. It’s about living better with less. It’s about choosing what truly matters, making room for what sparks joy (hej, Marie Kondo!) and ensuring your belongings reflect the life you want to live today.

Why Swedish Death Cleaning Is the Ultimate Slow-Living Practice

Scandinavians are famous for their minimalist approach to life. They have a knack for stripping things down to the essentials—whether it’s their homes, their fashion, or their design aesthetic (think IKEA, but with fewer impulse purchases).

But Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t about living in a stark, empty space. It’s about cultivating a home that feels light, peaceful, and filled with only what truly serves you.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. You Get to Choose What Stays

Unlike a frantic, stress-fueled purge where you regret tossing half your wardrobe, Swedish Death Cleaning is deliberate. You take your time. You reflect on what holds meaning. You decide, with intention, what you want to carry forward.

2. It’s Practical (and Very Swedish)

Scandinavians have a reputation for being pragmatic, and döstädning is no exception. It’s designed to prevent chaos. After all, who wants to burden their family with sorting through decades of stuff? This is a deeply compassionate practice—not just for yourself, but for those you love.

3. It Helps You Live a Lighter, Freer Life

The less you own, the less you have to maintain, organize, clean, and store. Swedish Death Cleaning is, at its heart, a method for simplifying life. Less clutter, less stress, more space—physically and mentally.

4. It Turns Decluttering into a Ritual

In Sweden, where long winters and cozy indoor living are the norm, homes are meant to be serene retreats. Death cleaning aligns with this mindset—it’s a practice of mindful letting go, rather than a rushed task. You light a candle, put on some soft music, sip tea, and make thoughtful choices about what truly deserves space in your life.

How to Start Swedish Death Cleaning (Without the Existential Crisis)

Feeling inspired to döstädning your way to a lighter life? Here’s how to start:

1. Begin with the Easy Stuff

Step away from the sentimental items for now—trust me, you don’t want to spend your first session sobbing over old love letters and kindergarten drawings. Instead, start with things that are easy to part with:

• Expired food
• Clothes you haven’t worn in years
• Old magazines, receipts, and random papers
• That junk drawer filled with half-used birthday candles and mystery keys

Starting with simple items helps build momentum without the emotional overwhelm.

2. Use the Swedish Death Cleaning Question

Magnusson encourages a simple, brutally effective question:

Would anyone want this after I’m gone?

If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. If it’s yes, but you no longer need it, consider passing it on now instead of later.

3. Keep It Joyful, Not Gloomy

Despite its name, death cleaning isn’t a sad or morbid activity. In fact, many Swedes approach it with a sense of humor and lightheartedness. Magnusson even suggests inviting friends over to help, swapping stories as you sort through old belongings.

Make it cozy—light some candles, put on your favorite playlist, and turn it into a self-care ritual.

4. Give Sentimental Items Thoughtful Attention

Once you’re ready to tackle keepsakes, remember this: memories don’t live in objects—they live in you.

If you have sentimental things you love, keep them. But if you’re only holding onto something out of guilt (hello, ugly vase from your great-aunt), it’s okay to release it with gratitude. Consider taking a photo before letting it go—sometimes, that’s enough to preserve the memory.

5. Pass Things On While You’re Still Here

One of the best things about Swedish Death Cleaning? You get to see people enjoy the things you gift them. Instead of waiting until your belongings are inherited, why not pass them on now? Give that beautiful teapot to your friend who adores tea, or gift an old book to someone who would cherish it.

A Look at How Swedes Approach Simplicity in Daily Life

Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t an isolated concept—it fits into a broader Scandinavian mindset. Sweden, like many Nordic countries, embraces a minimalist, nature-focused way of life:

• Lagom: The Swedish philosophy of “not too much, not too little—just right.” It’s about balance and contentment. Death cleaning aligns beautifully with this, helping you find just the right amount of possessions.
• Fika: The beloved Swedish tradition of slowing down for coffee and cake with friends. A reminder that life is about moments, not things.
• Hygge & Mys: While the Danish term hygge is more famous, Swedes embrace mys—coziness, warmth, and simple pleasures. A clutter-free space makes room for more mys in your life.

The Beauty of Letting Go

At its core, Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t about preparing for the end—it’s about making space for now. It’s about curating a home that reflects who you are today, rather than who you were decades ago.

So whether you’re 30 or 80, now is the perfect time to start. Because the truth is, this isn’t about death at all. It’s about choosing what to carry forward and living more freely in the present.