How much stuff is too much? Most Americans would probably admit that they own too many things. From clothes to electronics to sports equipment to collectibles, the typical US house is stuffed to the brim with items of questionable utility. On occasion, we may commit to decluttering, only to get overwhelmed or distracted. Meanwhile, the stuff keeps piling up. But at some point, it is necessary to deal with everything we have accumulated over our lifetime. If you do not declutter your house, somebody else will have to do it when you die. This is part of the thinking behind Swedish death cleaning, a morbid-sounding practice that is actually quite liberating, both for ourselves and our loved ones.
The primary goal of Swedish death cleaning is to spare loved ones the burden of clearing out our stuff when we die. You can categorize possessions by those you can easily get rid of, such as clothes you no longer wear, unwanted gifts, and excess kitchen items, and those you might want to keep, like old letters, photographs, and your children’s artwork. You might consider starting in the attic or basement, where excess items tend to accumulate, choosing belongings you do not have an emotional attachment to and moving from large items to small items. Develop your own method and focus on personal goals for Swedish death cleaning. It is a highly personal exercise that is intended to be uplifting rather than daunting.
Your loved ones, however, may not understand why you would want to undertake something called “death cleaning,” even though it benefits them. Especially if you are still in good health, it might disturb them that you are systematically eliminating stuff from your life in anticipation of dying. There might be items your friends and family would rather inherit than see you get rid of. Inviting them to take part in your decluttering journey could make the process go smoother. Together, you can sort through things and reflect on the memories they spark. If they want something, let them have it.
Along the way, they may develop an appreciation for minimalism and decluttering. They might even decide to undertake their own death cleaning and receive a wellness boost that becomes part of your legacy.
Death Cleaning and Estate Planning. Estate planning, like death cleaning, makes life easier for our loved ones after we die. An estate plan leaves nothing to chance. It creates a written record of your final wishes that minimizes court involvement and eliminates questions about what you would have wanted.
We cannot help you with death cleaning. But we can help you create an estate plan that simplifies asset disposition for your heirs and gives you peace of mind. To get your plans in order, call 303-984-9900 to schedule your free initial consultation.