Embracing Death (Yes, Really!): The Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and Setting Your Affairs in Order
Let’s face it: thinking about death can be uncomfortable. But what if I told you that, with the right mindset, it could actually be a good thing?
Death is Part of Life (Really, It Is!)
First off, let's get one thing straight: death isn’t the enemy.
The sooner we accept that our time on this planet has a limit, the better we can make the most of it!
Instead of that thought getting ou down or afraid, let’s think of it this way: how we live directly influences how we die.
By embracing death, we’re really embracing life. It’s about doing the things that matter, laughing a lot, and, yes, maybe cleaning out that closet full of old concert t-shirts you’re definitely not wearing again.
The biggest regret recorded from people on their deathbed is not living how they wanted to and caring too much what others thought.
I have been attending a thing called "Death Cafe" and it's incredible, you sit with complete strangers and have the deepest most heartwarming connections and conversations.
The more we talk about it the less fear we have.
Also one thing I have done recently after losing 6 friends and family members in one year, (5 of them under 55 and suddenly) was a Swedish death clean.
After hearing the stories of those who left a terrible mess of their wills and belongings and no way to access passwords etc for their loved ones as opposed to those that had everything sorted, really woke me up to look at my own affairs.
Of course the first thing I did was rewrite my diaries to make myself look incredibly cool and philosophical (just kidding, but I did rip quite a few pages out that were downright no one else's business!)
Then I got my will sorted and let people know where it was kept. Then i culled any excess belongings that were just a waste of space including old keepsakes that I could smile at then chuck. To be fair no one else is going to give a shit about my glass mouse in a wedding dress perfume bottle from when I was 8. It feels like a weight is actually lifted that I didn't even know I had.
Swedish Death Cleaning: A Positive Approach to Tidying Up Your Life
The Swedish have a fantastic concept: döstädning. In case you didn’t know, it’s the process of decluttering and organizing your home in preparation for, well, death. Not a gloomy "I’m giving up on life" thing, but more of a “let’s make life easier for those we leave behind” approach.
Here’s how to do it:
Start with a Plan: You don’t need to tackle everything in one go. Start small—maybe with the kitchen drawers that are filled with expired coupons and mismatched Tupperware. Work your way up from there.
Ask Yourself, “Will Anyone Miss This?”: If the answer is no, chuck it. Seriously, let it go. The less you leave for others to sort through later, the better. Keep sentimental items (but not the 12 dusty VHS tapes you haven’t played since 1995).
Gift Things While You’re Alive: Why not give your loved ones things that have sentimental value while you're still around to see their reaction? Nothing says “I love you” like gifting that ceramic frog collection you’ve been hoarding for decades.
Tidy Up Paperwork: Make sure your important documents (wills, life insurance, passwords) are organized and easily accessible. Bonus points for digital copies stored in a secure place!
Setting Your Affairs in Order: It’s Not Just for Old People!
We often put off organizing our affairs because it feels... well, like we’re admitting that life isn’t going to last forever. But here’s the truth: you can’t control when your time’s up, but you can make things easier for those you leave behind. A will, a list of your favorite songs for your funeral (because why not make it a dance party?), and clear instructions for your belongings can save a lot of stress for loved ones during an already difficult time.
Live Like You’re Dying (But, You Know, in a Fun Way)
Living with death in mind doesn’t mean you’re constantly in a state of dread. It’s about appreciating the present. It’s about dancing like nobody’s watching (except maybe your kids who comment on your wobbly bum), laughing at jokes you’ve heard a hundred times, and forgiving yourself for that one time you definitely should’ve called your grandmother back.
In fact, thinking about death might just make you live more intentionally. You’ll stop sweating the small stuff (like if your hair’s perfect) and start focusing on what really matters—experiences, memories, and leaving a legacy of joy, not clutter.
In Conclusion: Death Is Just Another Adventure
So, let’s raise a glass to death, not as a thing to fear, but as an inevitable part of the ride. Swedish Death Cleaning? A way to declutter and make your final years (and the years of your loved ones) a bit lighter. Setting your affairs in order? A gift to those who love you. And living well? Well, that’s just how you’ll want to go—on your own terms, with a smile on your face, and probably a mess-free closet.
Who knew talking about death could be so... liberating?
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