What is Swedish death cleaning and how can it benefit you?

What is death cleaning?

Döstädning is a Swedish term that refers to the practice of clearing out clutter and simplifying your home. Unlike other decluttering methods - such as the Marie Kondo approach - döstädning focuses on making things easier for your loved ones. By trimming down your belongings before you die, you spare your family and friends the distress of sorting through a lifetime of possessions while they’re grieving.

Where did death cleaning come from?

Though traditional in its philosophical roots, the concept of döstädning was first brought into the global spotlight by Swedish artist and author Margareta Magnusson. Her internationally best-selling 2017 book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter, introduced the practice to a wider audience, helping it gain recognition well beyond its Scandinavian origins.

Dr Bryan Bruno, Medical Director, Mid City TMS, New York City, USA explains that while death cleaning may appear to be aimed solely at older adults, its principles can benefit anyone feeling overwhelmed by their possessions - even people in their twenties and thirties.

"For younger people dealing with depression, döstädning can simplify life by encouraging a focus on true essentials," he says. "This can help reduce decision fatigue that often worsens depressive symptoms."

The health benefits of death cleaning

Supporting your mental health

Studies consistently highlight the positive mental health benefits of cleaning and decluttering.

Streamlining your surroundings may:

• Reduce stress.

• Alleviate anxiety and depression.

• Boost energy.

• Enhance concentration.

"Physical clutter could lead to mental clutter," says Bruno. "Swedish death cleaning can foster a sense of calm and clarity, helping to relax both your mind and body."

He suggests that if you are already feeling depression or anxiety, taking control of your home environment through organisation can be particularly therapeutic.

Strengthening emotional bonds

Another health benefit of death cleaning lies in its positive impact on your relationships with those around you. Revisiting your belongings encourages reflection on your life and intentional choices about what truly matters. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate meaningful memories.

Whether done alone or shared with loved ones, this mindful process can foster deeper connections and support emotional wellbeing.

How to start death cleaning

It’s important to begin death cleaning - or any form of decluttering - only when you feel emotionally and physically stable. Starting from a grounded place allows you to make clear, thoughtful decisions, rather than ones driven by symptoms of depression or reactions to a health condition that you might later regret.

Make easy choices first

Start with items that carry less emotional weight - such as clothing or everyday household items. Tackling these first can help you ease into the process.

He advises that if you choose to involve family members, do so with care. Being clear about your reasons can help everyone stay on the same page and open up important conversations about your wishes for the future.

Go slowly with more meaningful items

Your emotionally challenging items will require extra patience.

"Take your time with possessions that have strong emotional connections, as processing these feelings is important," Bruno recommends.

"Just as we suggest involving family in treatment, having supportive people around during emotional decluttering can provide comfort and perspective."

Get support for emotional triggers

If certain items bring up intense feelings of depression or anxiety, it may be a sign to seek support from a mental health professional.

He cautions that the goal of death cleaning isn't to remove all emotional attachments, but to thoughtfully decide which memories and items truly deserve a place in your life moving forward.

Creating space in your home can help create space in your mind. Prioritise what brings you comfort and clarity, and be kind to yourself along the way.