Those interested in Scandinavian living may be intrigued by this end-of-life guide. Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go. Digging into her late husband's tool shed, and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you'd ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children's art projects). Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning 'death' and städning meaning 'cleaning.' This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you.

Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go.*The basis for the wonderfully funny and moving TV series developed by Amy Poehler and Scout Productions*Ī charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life. Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you’d ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children's art projects).

The gentle art of death cleaning