As a sustainable cleaning enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the principles of Swedish death cleaning, a decluttering method made popular by author Margareta Magnusson. The idea of thoughtfully shedding the unnecessary items in our lives, rather than leaving that burden to our loved ones, really resonates with me. But where do you even start?
Luckily, I had the chance to pick the brains of some top cleaning experts who have mastered the art of Swedish death cleaning. The insights they shared were nothing short of transformative. From simple tricks to tackle overwhelming clutter, to the emotional journey of letting go, their wisdom has truly changed the way I approach maintaining a clean and organized home.
Overcoming the Overwhelm
One of the biggest hurdles people face when it comes to decluttering is the sheer magnitude of the task. As Johan Svenson, a designer and host on the Swedish death cleaning show, shared, “Though it might seem daunting, you shouldn’t wait until you’re a certain age to start Swedish death cleaning – or any type of decluttering for that matter. Someone should start as soon as they have started an independent life so things don’t pile up too much over time.”
The key, according to Svenson, is to start small and build up momentum. “If you’re someone who has let things pile up, Svenson suggests warming up with easy items and looking through the things you have a less emotional attachment to, such as unnecessary duplicate kitchen equipment.”
Ella Engström, an organization coach and host on the show, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of tuning in and asking yourself a few vital questions before reaching for the trash can. “Ask yourself if you’ve used an item in the past year. What’s the likelihood of buying this item again? Would you actually remember if you had it a few months or years from now? If you don’t have a clear yes to these questions, it’s a clear no,” she advised.
Tackling the Emotional Barriers
As anyone who has ever tried to declutter can attest, the emotional attachment we have to our belongings can be the biggest obstacle. Katarina Blom, one of the show’s hosts and an expert in the psychological aspects of Swedish death cleaning, shared some insightful advice on this front.
“It’s important to note the power of the emotional side of why you’re avoiding organization as you get in the habit of putting things back where they came from,” Blom said. “Ask yourself if there’s anything you are emotionally avoiding and procrastinating in your life. What could you gain from exploring that thing that you otherwise avoid? It could be through talking to a friend or just journaling. The important thing is to actually go there and explore.”
Blom also suggested utilizing the dilemma-box method as a way to make tough decisions. “You place the things you are unsure about into the box, close it, and after a month you can bring it out again. All the things you can name in the box without looking, you keep. The rest you should donate. According to Engström, it’s time to let go if you haven’t missed the item while it’s been in the box.”
Developing Sustainable Habits
One of the key takeaways from my conversation with these experts was the importance of establishing sustainable cleaning routines. As Engström put it, “Gradually getting rid of items and getting into a routine with Swedish death cleaning can also be productive. I often see people become overwhelmed with shame and guilt once they start going through their belongings. The expert recommends taking small steps and reminding yourself how good it feels to be kind to yourself and declutter.”
Svenson echoed this sentiment, advising, “You don’t need to make all the decisions right away. Implement an ongoing routine so it doesn’t become overwhelming.”
This approach is exactly what we strive for at Adam Cleaning – helping our clients develop sustainable cleaning habits that make their lives easier, not more stressful. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and prioritizing self-care, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of this mindset.
The Beauty of Simplicity
As I delved deeper into the world of Swedish death cleaning, I couldn’t help but be struck by the elegance and simplicity of this approach. It’s not about depriving ourselves or living a minimalist life to the extreme, but rather about being intentional with the items we choose to surround ourselves with.
Engström summed it up beautifully: “Ask yourself if you’ve used an item in the past year. What’s the likelihood of buying this item again? Would you actually remember if you had it a few months or years from now? If you don’t have a clear yes to these questions, it’s a clear no.”
It’s a refreshingly straightforward way of thinking that can be applied to every corner of our homes and lives. And as I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this approach, both in my own home and in the lives of my clients, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the wisdom of these sustainable cleaning experts.
Embracing the Journey
Of course, the road to a decluttered and organized life is not always smooth. There will be setbacks, moments of uncertainty, and the ever-present temptation to hold onto things “just in case.” But as these experts have shown me, it’s all part of the journey.
Blom touched on this beautifully when she said, “What could you gain from exploring that thing that you otherwise avoid? It could be through talking to a friend or just journaling. The important thing is to actually go there and explore.”
By embracing the emotional aspects of the decluttering process, we can unlock deeper insights about ourselves and our relationship with our possessions. And as we learn to let go, we make space for the things that truly matter – the memories, the experiences, and the connections that enrich our lives.
So, whether you’re just starting your Swedish death cleaning journey or you’re a seasoned decluttering veteran, I encourage you to keep an open mind and a compassionate heart. The rewards, both tangible and intangible, are truly transformative.
