Embracing the Swedish Death Cleaning Trend for a Peaceful, Clutter-Free Home

Decluttering often feels overwhelming, especially when emotions and memories tie us to physical items. That’s where the Swedish Death Cleaning Trend comes in. This minimalist movement, rooted in Swedish tradition, focuses on thoughtfully clearing belongings before they become someone else’s burden.

Inspired by Margareta Magnusson’s book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, this method helps people simplify their lives with intention and clarity.

Courtesy of Emily Benda Gaylord

Courtesy of Emily Benda Gaylord

What Is Swedish Death Cleaning?

The concept originates from Sweden, where “döstädning” translates to “death cleaning.” While it sounds grim, the goal isn’t morbid at all. Instead, it invites reflection on what items are truly meaningful.

The Swedish Death Cleaning Trend encourages people to downsize their possessions—not just for themselves, but also for their loved ones. It’s about reducing the emotional and physical weight of clutter.

According to organizing expert Christina Morton DesAuguste, this trend helps us evaluate what we genuinely want to keep. “It helps you assess and curate to prevent things from getting out of hand,” she says.

My Experience Trying Swedish Death Cleaning

When I first heard about this method, I was skeptical. I’m (hopefully) far from death, so why clean like I’m nearing it? However, I saw value in the mindset. So, I chose to test the method in our cluttered mudroom.

Before: A Space Begging for Simplicity

Though not chaotic, our mudroom needed help. Shopping bags cluttered the floor, and random items collected dust on top of the coat organizer. I knew this would be the perfect place to start.

The Process: Toss, Donate, and Rehome

First, I removed everything from the space. Then, I asked a tough question: Would this item matter if I were gone?

While the thought felt heavy, it surprisingly made decision-making easier. I tossed coats with holes, discarded worn shoes, and donated gently used jackets. I reduced our reusable bag stash to just a few. This shift in mindset removed emotional hesitation.

Next, I assessed where items truly belonged. A casserole dish still in its box moved to the kitchen. A tote of winter boots found its way into storage. Each decision added calm to the room.

Swedish Death Cleaning Trend in Action

By the end of the process, our mudroom felt lighter, both visually and emotionally. Items no longer overwhelmed the space, and even our closet organizer had room to spare.

The Swedish Death Cleaning Trend helped me declutter more decisively than ever before. I appreciated the simple, non-emotional approach to determining what stays and what goes.

However, DesAuguste offers an important reminder. “Doing Swedish Death Cleaning alone won’t mean that you’re organized or tidy when you’re done,” she says. You must also complete the organizing process.

Courtesy of Emily Benda Gaylord

Courtesy of Emily Benda Gaylord

More Than Just Decluttering

Swedish death cleaning helps you curate, but true tidiness requires organizing what remains. I took extra time to find proper homes for items, and the room now feels calm and purposeful.

Without this step, the mudroom still would’ve looked chaotic. That’s an essential distinction for anyone adopting this trend: decluttering and organizing must go hand in hand.

Final Reflections on the Swedish Death Cleaning Trend

This process changed how I view my belongings. Instead of holding on to items “just in case,” I now ask if they serve real purpose.

While imagining life after death might sound dark, the clarity it brings is refreshing. I felt empowered, not burdened, while letting go of things I no longer needed.

As DesAuguste puts it, “When you’re not surrounded by clutter or things that are just ‘nice to have,’ you can truly appreciate the things you do love.”

She’s absolutely right. Now, my mudroom is clean, organized, and peaceful. More importantly, it makes me feel lighter every time I walk in.

What’s Next?

I plan to apply this method to other cluttered areas in my home. Nostalgic keepsakes and financial documents are next on my list. These items carry emotional weight, and the death cleaning mindset feels ideal for tackling them.

This trend isn’t about preparing for death—it’s about living intentionally now.

Explore more decluttering tips, organizing methods, and life-improvement trends right here on this website.