



Magnusson's book recommends starting in an attic or basement, an area that is bound to contain many items you don't need-like old toys or broken holiday decorations. The long answer: Begin with the area that's easiest to tackle, and work towards the most overwhelming one. Think about it: Rather than leave your loved ones to sort through a closet of sweaters you haven't worn in years or shelves full of books you've already read, why not make their lives easier by doing the hard work for them? Things you still need to live happily or want to pass on-extra supplies for your favorite hobby, family photo albums-are exempy. The basic definition of Swedish death cleaning is the process in which a person cleans out their belongings and sets their affairs in order in anticipation of their death. $11 at Amazon Credit: Amazon Swedish Death Cleaning Basics So what actually is Swedish death cleaning? Below, we highlight the seven pillars of the cleaning process that you'll see on the show. After all, we've looked to the Nordic countries for functional designs (the iconic Alvar Aalto stools) and relaxation ideas (saunas!) for ages. Trust us, it's lighter and funnier than it sounds. In each episode, the three authentically Swedish hosts-an organizer, designer, and psychologist-walk a participant through the steps of the death cleaning process, help them declutter, and hold their hand as they manage the thoughts and emotions around sentimental attachment and their own morality that emerge.

In it, author Margareta Magnusson recounts the process of cleaning out her late husband's storage shed. The show is based on a 2018 New York Times best-selling book of the same name. (Think of it as more heavy-duty than spring cleaning but less intense than a full Kondo.) An age-old concept in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia, the concept has landed stateside with a new show on Peacock produced by Pohler and narrated by Amy Schumer called The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. The technique is pretty much exactly what you're imagining: It's the process of decluttering and organizing your belongings so that when you pass, your loved ones won't have to wade through piles of knickknacks and 30-year-old paperwork. We have Amy Poehler to thank for the latest craze to sweep the organizing sphere: Swedish death cleaning. Six Tips For Successful Swedish Death Cleaning.
