What in the World Is Swedish Death Cleaning?

There’s a new show on Peacock that has everyone talking a little more about death in a surprising way. It’s called The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, and I would describe it as a mix between The Great British Baking Show and Marie Kondo. Based on the book by Margareta Magnusson of the same name, the show centers around the principal that we’re all here on Earth  temporarily and we shouldn’t leave a mess of junk for our grieving loved ones to sort through when we’re gone. Three Swedish professionals come to America to help these sweet people declutter their homes and lives.

I think we can all relate so the feelings of obligation and guilt we feel when there’s an heirloom or hand-me-down that we have in our homes that we didn’t feel we could throw away. Would grandma really care if you donated her mixer from the 60s? Probably not, but this process would have taken the guess work out of it. When looking at decluttering our own homes, if we think of items in terms of what we are leaving behind it gives a new perspective to our decision making. Will my children really miss out if I toss my horrendous abstract drawings from that one art class I took in college? That’s a big NO! It’s a funny memory to look back on, but I definitely don’t need to keep these things in a box in the attic for someone else to deal with.

One of the parts that really stuck with me was when they referenced a Swedish saying that translated to “when you keep everything, you lose everything.” When we are surrounded in clutter, our sentimental and favorite items get lost in the fray. By removing the excess, we bring the important items to the forefront. The sooner in life we partake in this “death cleaning,” the more time we have to enjoy what is important to us. Also, we unburden our loved ones who are left to handle our affairs when we’re gone. This process is like writing a will, it’s uncomfortable to think about but it’s very helpful to our friends and relatives.

I really enjoyed this show and its lighthearted look at clutter accumulated during a lifetime. It had many funny, sweet, and touching moments as they all navigate the attachment we have to things and how to focus in on those things that make us happy.