Start Fresh: Embrace the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning in the New Year

As the clock strikes midnight and a new year begins, many of us feel the urge for a fresh start.

This year, decorating the house seemed to take a long time. But when it was time to take it all down, I was motivated. I purchased, for the first time, ornament boxes with separate spots to store all the ornaments.

For years, I had copied my mom’s system. She layered large cardboard boxes with sheets of newspaper and let the ornaments (glass, wood, ceramic) nestle comfortably together for another year. So I did the same thing.

Occasionally, a few items would break and many would stay in the box not making the cut for the tree trimming event. I couldn’t toss those old gems. I could have decorated a second tree with “world’s greatest teacher” bobbles. The ones left behind in the box were like those unfortunate toys on the Island of Misfit Toys in the movie Rudolph. So sad.

This year, I joyfully tossed the ripped up old sheets of newspaper from decades ago and took the time to place all the ornaments individually in their new spots,. No longer a hidden box filled with excess, now I can easily locate the ornaments I cherish.

The satisfying feeling of organizing chaos is contagious. As I went to store the Christmas boxes, I decided that climbing ladders and lifting them up onto shelves in the garage was both difficult and dangerous. That made me consider what was on the lower shelves in the garage and in the closets.

When the mood hits, go with it is my feeling.

As I listened to several podcasts on decluttering, I curiously emptied the 15 milk crates filled with Pete’s tools that were on the lower shelves in the garage. I created piles for donation, trash and to give to family and friends. Pete insisted that some of my trash labeling was faulty and determined to set up a box to donate to Habitat for Humanity. Of course we kept quite a bunch too, but now for the first time I knew what was in those crates and we only kept what we may use.

Next stop was my yoga/craft room. I started with emptying the closet and found we had a surplus of towels, sheets and pillows in multiple parts of the house. Focusing on the linens I made piles. The guest towels were mixed in with beach towels and shell cleaning towels. Yikes! And why did I still have twin sheet sets in the linen closet when we don’t have any twin beds?

It didn’t take long to sort my linens and when finished I drove straight to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center to donate the towels and sheets. They are always appreciative of any donations for the dogs and cats. Admiring the cleared and organized spaces felt freeing.

This sense of renewal often takes on a deeper meaning—focusing not just on resolutions, but on simplifying life, cherishing what matters most, and letting go of what no longer serves us. Enter the Swedish concept of döstädning, or “death cleaning,” popularized by Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. While the name may sound morbid, it’s anything but—it’s a life-affirming process that helps you declutter with purpose, reduce stress, and ensure your home reflects the person you are today.

In her book, she provides practical tips to help you embrace the new year by clearing out unnecessary clutter and welcoming a lighter, more intentional lifestyle.

What is Swedish Death Cleaning?

Swedish death cleaning isn’t about doom and gloom—it’s about easing the burden on loved ones and creating a space that aligns with your current needs and desires. The concept encourages us to thoughtfully evaluate our belongings, ask ourselves if they bring joy or serve a purpose, and let go of items that don’t.

Unlike the frenzy of spring cleaning or a rushed decluttering spree, death cleaning is a gentle, ongoing process. It’s about taking control, making peace with your possessions, and reflecting on the memories tied to them. It’s also about ensuring that, someday, your family won’t be overwhelmed by the task of sorting through your things.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Start

The new year is a time of fresh beginnings and renewed energy—a perfect moment to start your Swedish death cleaning journey. For women my age, this process can be particularly empowering. By this stage in life, we’ve accumulated decades’ worth of possessions, many of which may no longer serve us. Perhaps your children have moved out, your career has shifted, or you’re contemplating downsizing. Whatever your circumstances, death cleaning can help you align your home with the life you want to live moving forward.

Practical Tips for Embracing Swedish Death Cleaning

1. Start Small and Stay Focused

The thought of decluttering your entire home might feel overwhelming, so begin with something manageable. Magnusson suggests starting with less emotionally charged areas, like your closet, pantry, or bathroom. Choose one category or space and focus solely on that before moving on. This approach builds momentum and helps you avoid burnout.

Tip: Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and tackle one drawer or shelf. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make in a short time.

2. Ask Yourself Key Questions

As you go through your belongings, ask yourself:

• Does this item spark joy or hold significant meaning for me now?
• Do I use it regularly?
• Would anyone else benefit more from this item?
• Will this item burden my loved ones if they have to sort through it?

If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.

3. Create a System

To stay organized, create four categories for your items: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Trash. Use labeled bins or boxes to sort as you go. This system not only simplifies the process but also gives you a clear plan for what to do with each item.

Bonus Tip: For sentimental items, consider a fifth category—“Pass On.” These are meaningful belongings you’d like to give to family or friends while you’re still around to see their joy.

4. Involve Your Family

Swedish death cleaning is as much about legacy as it is about decluttering. Involve your family in the process by discussing your intentions and inviting them to weigh in on certain items. You might learn that your daughter treasures the vintage jewelry you rarely wear or that your grandchildren would love your collection of old storybooks.

Tip: Use this as an opportunity to share stories and memories tied to the items—it’s a chance to connect and celebrate your life.

5. Digitize Memories

Boxes of photos, letters, and documents can take up valuable space, but they hold priceless memories. Consider digitizing these items to preserve them without the physical clutter. Scan photos and documents, create digital albums, and back them up for safekeeping. I have even taken photos on my phone of my kids’ art projects that I kept. I’m sending a box filled with old video tapes to iMemories today. I did this a few years ago and have a DVD, but now you get access to your videos online so you can watch them anywhere and share the links.

Tip: Keep a small selection of physical keepsakes—perhaps a special photo album or a few handwritten letters—for sentimental value.

6. Tackle the “Hidden Clutter”

Don’t forget about the less visible areas of your home, like the attic, garage, or basement. These spaces often become dumping grounds for items you don’t know what to do with. Dedicate time to sort through these areas and ask yourself if those old holiday decorations or unused appliances are really worth keeping.

7. Set Clear Goals

Why are you death cleaning? Is it to prepare for downsizing? To make your home more peaceful? To prevent your loved ones from dealing with excess clutter? Defining your “why” will keep you motivated and focused.

Tip: Write down your goals and revisit them whenever you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

8. Celebrate Your Progress

Decluttering isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s also about making space for new possibilities. As you clear out the old, take time to celebrate the freedom and clarity you’re gaining. Treat yourself to something meaningful, like a fresh bouquet of flowers or a cozy new throw for your decluttered living room.

The Emotional Side of Letting Go

Decluttering can stir up emotions, especially when dealing with sentimental items or belongings tied to difficult times. Allow yourself to feel those emotions and process them. Remember, letting go doesn’t mean forgetting—it means making space for the present and the future.

If you’re struggling, give yourself permission to take breaks. Magnusson encourages us to approach death cleaning with kindness and patience, both for ourselves and our belongings.

Welcoming the New Year with Intention

By embracing Swedish death cleaning, you’re not just clearing out physical clutter—you’re creating a home and a life that reflect your values and priorities. You’re lightening your emotional load, making room for joy, and ensuring that your loved ones will have an easier time when the day comes.

As you begin this journey, remember that it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress and the peace that comes from living intentionally. This new year, give yourself the gift of clarity, simplicity, and a home that truly feels like your sanctuary.

The gentle art of Swedish death cleaning is more than a method—it’s a mindset. It’s a way to honor your past, cherish your present, and prepare for the future with grace and intention.

So put on your favorite music or podcast, and take that first step. Your lighter, brighter new year is waiting.