Death Cleaning

“Our fates are tied. We have this strange notion on this planet that our fates are not tied. If it were not so we would not be here together. It’s that simple.” ~ Luisah Teish

The fact is, we live in unsettling times. Decades of hard work toward equity, equality, the recognition of human rights, services and supports we fought for and have held dear are being eroded like sand pulled out to sea by a tsunami. It is painful, indeed. How do we withstand these rough waters, deal with the day-to-day demands, and just function? By implementing the elements of life that calm and uplift us. They can save us from being swept away in the sea of turmoil and anxiety.

There are many things we can do to keep ourselves pulled together; action can be healing. One that came to mind for me recently was decluttering the Scandinavian way with a thing called “Death Cleaning!” While the practice is primarily associated with Sweden, it is common in Finland, Denmark and Norway as well.

The Swedish practice of “Dostadning” is a mindful decluttering and organizing of your belongings prior to your death to best support your family. It is a thoughtful process of determining what objects and artifacts are important to your legacy, to preserve family history, and to not impose the burdensome job of disposal of your “stuff” on your family after you die. Death cleaning does not require old age or a terminal diagnosis. Dostadning can be practiced at any stage or age in life. Simplifying life is welcome at any age. It brings with it a lightening of burdens and a focus on what truly matters.

What better time than now for Dostadning? The removal of clutter and unnecessary belongings is liberating, we have control! Decluttering, such as death cleaning, has been studied and evidence supports that it aids mental, physical and emotional health. Let’s take a quick look at how this works:

• Clutter distracts and as a result of removing it, focus and concentration improves.
• Mood is boosted and we feel happier, we have accomplished something and we are relieved. Decluttering is a form of catharsis; the old restricting emotions go out with the unneeded trash.
• Our creativity is boosted as we free up mind space and achieve increased energy for creative endeavors and problem solving. It allows us to freely move into the “flow” we need to create. Another caveat is we can find materials we need!
• Sleep is improved in a decluttered space. We have no piles of things demanding to be attended to and we can be at rest.
• Clutter causes anxiety and stress. Removing it reduces and can remove these painful mental states.
• The sense of control over our habitat is profound with decluttering. We are in control of our homestead; it is not it working against us. We have enough external pressure already!
• Our body can experience ease of movement when we move out the clutter and make way for us to live in our bodies gracefully.
• A clean, decluttered home is easier on our health; there are fewer allergens, less dust and we can breathe easier. We also can make more room for the things we love to do like exercise, hobbies and projects, playing games with loved ones and fun in general.
• Reduces guilt and shame about the dirty cluttered habitat. Self-esteem rises.
• Re-homing items we no longer want by gifting to someone who may truly need them always raises our mood and brings a little joy.
• Our home becomes more welcoming and feels more comfortable to connect with others in.

Death Cleaning is a beautiful version of decluttering, no matter which culture’s version you utilize. Whether Swedish, Finnish, Danish or Norwegian, the concept is the same. Use this deep assessment of your belongings for organization, determining what is really valuable to you and in the process support your loved ones in gifts, remembrances and in their grief when you are gone. It is practical, sentimental in its exploration and reviewing of memories, and helps to create a habitat that can more fully support you, your needs and your health.

For more information here are some resources:

• Read this wonderful book by Margareta Magnusson, “Dostadning, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” You can find this at your local book store or on Amazon.
• https://www.sourgum.com/the-sour-scoop/swedish-death-cleaning-checklist/
• https://www.mapscu.com/2024/03/25/swedish-death-cleaning-7-steps-to-the-art-of-letting-go/
• https://wasteremovalusa.com/blog/swedish-death-cleaning-checklist  

I hope this exercise, should you choose to do it, brings you peace, fond remembrances and a little joy in our current times of struggle. Add a little calming aromatherapy in the room when you are sorting what has value and what can be set free. Use a therapeutic grade essential oil like rose, hops or valerian root.

Another calming practice is using an herbal tea infused with relaxing herbs. Sip this calming herbal tea blend (as always check with your physician for safety before using any herbal remedies for potential medication interactions and/or health concerns):

• 4 parts chamomile
  • 2 parts lemon balm
  • 1 part skullcap

Tea bags can easily be found online at your herbal provider or Amazon.

Here at https://asandyplace.com/ we support your health and well-being. If you need us reach out via email at sandy@asandyplace.com, we care.

As always,

Sandra (Sandy) L. Place

sandy@asandyplace.com

“You must live life with the full knowledge that your actions will remain. We are creatures of consequence.” ~ Zadie Smith