Have you started death cleaning yet? If you’re over the age of 50 and haven’t started, it’s something you should strongly consider.
Current Events :
In case you’re unaware, death cleaning is the act of cleaning your home and tidying up your papers and affairs in the event of your eventual death. Taking the time now to get rid of old clothes you stopped wearing years ago, books and magazines you never got around to reading, and any embarrassing items you may wish to keep private even in death, will save your loved ones the time and hassle of having to do the work for you following your passing. This is especially true for those who are hoarders and rarely, if ever, throw anything away.
The origins of death cleaning are unknown. However, the practice is especially popular in Sweden where death cleaning is known as döstädning and often begins in a person’s 40’s. Although some may prefer to begin getting their affairs in order when they’re older or are facing a serious illness, the truth is that death could come for anyone at any moment. So, being older or ill is not a requirement to make preparations for your death in order to save your family from having to do it for you.
“I have a stash of travel guides that take up two shelves in my home. They’re all completely useless, of course – out of date and pre-smartphone. But while clearing out my house a few years ago, I struggled to get rid of them,” author Sophie Morris wrote for iNews.
“But when I factor in my daughter and think about how she’d feel if I left her with a stack of pointless books, saying goodbye becomes much easier. I’d far rather she has some online photo albums of my travels to flick through when I’m gone than break her back lugging books to the tip [trash],” she continued. “We’ve started to feed them to the fire together, reading pages as we go and dreaming about future holidays and real-life experiences that I’d love to share with my family instead of clinging onto bulky possessions.”
Death cleaning is a smart approach to organizing your life –- which the Swedes apparently have always done as they age –- to prepare for death. It has been translated and popularized for the rest of us by author Margareta Magnusson, whose book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning was not only an international hit but also a successful TV show.
So, what exactly is Swedish death cleaning? “Basically throwing out your crap so that others don’t have to do it when you’re gone,” said actress Amy Poelher, who also produces and narrates the TV show. She emphasized that it should not be considered a sad act and should leave people feeling enriched rather than robbed.
Now, the inevitable question is this: how does someone begin death cleaning?
Experts say it’s smart to start in your closets. Separate the clothes you wear all the time from the ones you only wear occasionally and those you haven’t worn in some time. Put all your active clothes back inside the closet, then decide to either give away or donate the remaining clothes to a friend or charity.
Do the same with books, electronics, and other keepsakes. Keep, sell, give away, or donate.
Next, go through drawers and desks. Shred and trash old bills and other papers you no longer need. Toss old boxes (from your smartphone and other devices). Get rid of old technology (coax cables, telephone cords, etc.). Consider what to do about old gifts and keepsakes that you’ve always wanted to keep but, in reality, never look at and frequently forget you still own.
Do you have any “embarrassing” items you’d never want anyone to find in the event of your death? A sex toy or racy costume/piece of lingerie, perhaps? Unless you’re actively still using/wearing said items, you may want to think about getting rid of those things now — or, at least, having a plan for a trusted partner or friend to dispose of them immediately upon your passing so that no one knows you had it.
Finally, create a will. Some online sites such as FreeWill permit you to create a last will and testament for free. If you don’t do a will, at least print out a list of your wishes regarding how you would want your possessions divided or disposed of upon death. You can also list requests for your final services, who should do what/where, and if you want burial or cremation.
Additionally, print out a list of how your family can access your bank accounts, credit cards, mortgage/lease accounts, online and social media accounts, the location of your safety deposit box, and other useful information. Then, place your will, your account information, your list of final wishes, and your life insurance papers inside a fire-safe storage box and keep it inside your home where your loved ones can easily find it. (You may also want to place car keys, storage facility keys, and info on how to access any locks you’re using in a safe, but easy-to-find location as well).
Doing the hard work of death cleaning while you’re alive will save your loved ones a ton of time, money, and hard feelings in having to do it for you after you’re gone.
OK WASSUP! covers Current Events:
How to join the ‘death cleaning’ movement.
Can’t say that I like the phrase “death cleaning” but I do like the idea. In fact, I have tried it a few times but get easily sidetracked each time and that was that.
It never seems that pressing to me because I’m not a hoarder so there really isn’t that much for me to get rid of. But I do need to make sure that my important papers are in order.