“Death Cleaning”: The Scandi method of tidying up brings order to your life
Clean up and cleaning out probably belongs to the hobbies of very few people. As a rule, one resolves for weeks to really clean out the closet, finally look through this cable drawer or look at it chaos to dedicate in the kitchen cupboard. But as is unfortunately the case sometimes, one prefers to procrastinate and leave these to-dos to the future self, which only hates one all the more for it. So we’re definitely not saying no to a motivating and effective way to clean up. After the famous approach alla Marie Kondo, we are now looking for a new technique with which we Order can get into our lives – and the Scandinavians have the answer. “Döstadning” The method is called and means something like “Death Cleaning”, i.e. death cleaning – what? We’ll tell you everything that’s behind it and why, despite the name, you don’t have to perform any kind of sacrificial ceremony.
“Death Cleaning”: The clean-up method that sounds more deadly than it is
You really have to give the Scandinavians one thing: They just know how things work. Especially when it comes to fashion (we can never get enough of Scandi fashion!) or in the attitude to life alla “Fika” or “Pyt” we like to look at one or the other method from them. Now “Döstädning” is making the rounds, especially because of the somewhat morbid name, and describes a special technique for cleaning out the apartment and bringing order in.
The Swedish term, which can be translated as death cleansing, has nothing to do with murder (except perhaps that of our good humor) but still refers to our own death. Yes, you heard me right. Even if that sounds pretty morbid at first, there is a good idea behind it. The aim of “Döstädning” is to bring such a system into one’s belongings that the bereaved are not completely overwhelmed if the worst comes to the worst. Sounds pretty far-fetched at first, but it basically gives you a completely new look at the things you own and don’t really need anymore.
“Death cleaning” like the Swedes: how do you best implement this clean-up technique?
If the name of this method hasn’t put you off, here’s what you can do if you want to try it yourself: It’s best to work from the top down. First, button the top compartment of your kitchen cupboard, wardrobe, etc. and work your way down bit by bit. Then, as you go through all your items and decide what to keep or get rid of, Döstädning says you should think about what it does to your loved ones when they find those items and if they know what to do with them. Don’t worry: That doesn’t mean that you should frantically search for your sex toy box in order to dispose of it as quickly as possible. It’s more about the thought: less is more.
“Death Cleaning”: This is how you make it as easy as possible for the bereaved
Minimalism is writ large in the Swedish method. Anything you don’t actually use goes away. Above all, devote yourself to the things that are hidden way back in the kitchen drawer or in the closet, that haven’t seen daylight for a long time. Instead of throwing away sorted things, you can simply give away some things, such as books, that you have already read to friends and co. Sentimental items such as photo albums, letters or mementos are best placed in a collected box. Because as sad as it is: once you’re gone, you won’t be able to use these things anymore either. And while they have a high emotional value for you, your loved ones can’t do much with them. If they are all collected in one place, it is easier for them to dispose of them.
However, this process is not done in one afternoon. Sorting your belongings the way the “death cleaning” method calls for it can take weeks or months. So you can divide the work up in a way that suits you best. But the good thing is: you not only bring a lot more order and minimalism into your home, you also take a big burden off the shoulders of your loved ones, should the going gets tough. Nevertheless, let’s hope that the ulterior motive of this technique for cleaning up remains in theory for the time being.