Margareta Magnusson’s The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, a guide to döstädning, or “death cleaning,” introduces readers to a mindful, practical approach to organizing life by letting go of excess belongings.
This book is not about stark minimalism or morbid planning; it’s a thoughtful exploration of making space for what truly matters. Magnusson’s words encourage readers to tackle the clutter in their lives with intention and humor. Inspired by her approach, I began my version of death cleaning, focused on sorting through jewelry, plants, and many other accumulated items.
Starting Small: Clearing Clutter with Thoughtfulness and Humor
As someone with a longstanding collection of Christmas decor—including seven themed trees and hundreds of ornaments—the idea of preparing for a Christmas Open House felt daunting.
I decided it was time to tackle the areas of my home that had gradually become overwhelming; starting with my own room, so I could make space to enjoy the holiday season fully.
Magnusson writes with a lighthearted tone that makes the concept of “death cleaning” surprisingly approachable. She nudges readers toward mindful decisions, choosing what to keep, share, or let go of.
With this guidance, I started with jewelry, some of which had been inherited and much of it gathering dust. The real gems found new life; some pieces went to my great niece in Alabama, and others, like a jewelry box my grandfather bought in India, found a home with my sister. The memories are still there, but now the items have meaningful places.
A Nod to Practicality – Function Over Sentiment
Magnusson emphasizes functionality, a principle I embraced when assessing everything from forgotten stuffed animals to an overstuffed drawer of black scarves (seriously, why did I have so many?). I kept the best scarf, donated the rest, and gained space. I tackled drawers full of socks and bed pillows I’d rejected over time. As Magnusson suggests, it’s freeing to assess each item’s usefulness.
Through Magnusson’s words, I laughed at my accumulation habits (two drawers of pillows that I deemed too full but couldn’t bring myself to part with!). Instead, I plan to call on local seamstress extraordinaire Suzie Honeywell to adjust them to the perfect level of “floppy.”
I emptied my closet and assessed my wardrobe—have I worn this in the last year? I Poshmarked the good stuff and donated the rest. This inspired a new closet organization system, making finding clothes much easier. As a bonus, all my old shoe boxes went into the recycling when I bought a shoe rack.
In some cases, decluttering even came with unexpected surprises. For instance, my jewelry declutter yielded some cash when I took old settings to my jeweler, Green Lake Jewelry Works, turning what was unused into a bit of extra income. Magnusson’s guidance made each step feel purposeful rather than overwhelming, reminding me that letting go can open doors to new experiences.
Confronting My Plant “Addiction”
One principle that resonated deeply was Magnusson’s encouragement to “start sooner rather than later.” Rather than waiting until everything became overwhelming, I turned to my self-proclaimed “addiction” to houseplants.
I set a goal to reduce my collection of 100 plants by 25%. Using my local free plants Facebook group, I successfully rehomed nearly 30 plants—though, in true plant-lover fashion, I’ve since added a few back!
Help Along the Way
Swedish Death Cleaning encourages seeking help when needed, whether from friends, family, or professionals. I was fortunate to receive assistance from local Joey Kenney and Ba Dump A Junk, whose employees moved furniture up several flights of stairs and removed a truckload of items, including a broken elliptical, an ancient artificial Christmas tree, an unused hutch, and outdated electronics like computer monitors and TVs. Magnusson’s advice to take things at our own pace reminded me that asking for help is not just acceptable; it’s wise.
For those seeking additional support, local businesses like Cascara Concierge can also be invaluable. They offer services tailored to help organize cluttered spaces, downsize home belongings, and manage items in phases, making it easier to tackle the process over time. Cascara Concierge’s assistance could be ideal for those looking to simplify their living space while working through their own Swedish Death Cleaning.
The End Result: More Space for Living and Loving
Magnusson writes that The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is ultimately about living fully, not about giving things away. This resonated as I tackled items from my parents’ estates.
The process forced me to confront the nostalgia attached to things I’d kept without much thought after my parents passed. It was refreshing to narrow my keepsakes to things that truly matter and send other items to new homes.
Decluttering in this way, with purpose and a bit of humor, turned out to be as rewarding as Magnusson promised. Each bag or box that left the house brought a sense of satisfaction.
Final Thoughts: A Guide Worth Embracing
Margareta Magnusson’s The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is much more than a manual for decluttering—it’s a guide to living intentionally. By encouraging readers to start early, take it slow, and focus on functionality, Magnusson transforms death cleaning from a daunting task into a manageable, even enjoyable, process. Her wit and warmth bring levity to an intimidating idea, making the experience feel achievable and surprisingly satisfying.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by “too much stuff” or wanting to leave a legacy of simplicity and thoughtfulness, this book is a gentle push toward finding freedom. Magnusson’s insights are a refreshing reminder in a world where we often hold onto things too tightly. After finishing just one room, I still have a long way to go, but I’m already convinced that death cleaning is not only about making space—it’s about embracing life along the way.
