If you’ve watched Netflix’s romantic comedy ‘Too Much’, you might have come across the term Swedish death cleaning. Some words capture emotions or ideas that our own language can’t quite express, such as the Japanese ‘komorebi’, or the Danish ‘hygge’. The Swedish ‘döstädning’ – or ‘death cleaning’ – refers to the process of streamlining your home to free yourself from clutter and your family of burden after you’re gone.
While it might sound a little grim this mindful practice may have surprising mental health benefits in the here and now.
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What is death cleaning?
Döstädningis a Swedish term that refers to the practice of clearing out clutter and simplifying your home. Unlike other decluttering methods – such as the Marie Kondo approach – döstädning focuses on making things easier for your loved ones. By trimming down your belongings before you die, you spare your family and friends the distress of sorting through a lifetime of possessions while they’re grieving.
Where did death cleaning come from?
Though traditional in its philosophical roots, the concept of döstädning was first brought into the global spotlight by Swedish artist and author Margareta Magnusson. Her internationally best-selling 2017 book, ‘The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter’, introduced the practice to a wider audience, helping it gain recognition well beyond its Scandina
Dr Bryan Bruno, Medical Director, Mid City TMS, New York City, USA explains that while death cleaning may appear to be aimed solely at older adults, its principles can benefit anyone feeling overwhelmed by their possessions – even people in their twenties and thirties.
“For younger people dealing with depression, döstädning can simplify life by encouraging a focus on true essentials,” he says. “This can help reduce decision fatigue that often worsens depressive symptoms.”
Bruno argues that decluttering with purpose could enhance mindfulness practices and help you identify what is genuinely important in your life.
He adds: “This kind of intentional living can complement therapy. Reducing cognitive load through decluttering can help people with depression who struggle with decision-making and feeling overwhelmed.”
The health benefits of death cleaning
Supporting your mental health
Studies consistently highlight the positive mental health benefits of cleaning and decluttering.
Streamlining your surroundings may:
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Reduce stress.
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Boost energy.
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Enhance concentration.
“Physical clutter could lead to mental clutter,” says Bruno. “Swedish death cleaning can foster a sense of calm and clarity, helping to relax both your mind and body.”
He suggests that if you are already feeling depression or anxiety, taking control of your home environment through organisation can be particularly therapeutic.
Bruno explains: “Mental wellness involves many factors. Creating a more organised and peaceful living space can support your overall mental health recovery.”
He adds, however, that this should be part of a broader treatment plan that includes evidence-based methods.
Strengthening emotional bonds
Another health benefit of death cleaning lies in its positive impact on your relationships with those around you. Revisiting your belongings encourages reflection on your life and intentional choices about what truly matters. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate meaningful memories.
Whether done alone or shared with loved ones, this mindful process can foster deeper connections and support emotional wellbeing.
Bruno says: “When families engage in death cleaning together and share stories about significant objects, it strengthens their bonds and opens up opportunities for healing conversations about legacy and values.”
How to start death cleaning
It’s important to begin death cleaning – or any form of decluttering – only when you feel emotionally and physically stable. Starting from a grounded place allows you to make clear, thoughtful decisions, rather than ones driven by symptoms of depression or reactions to a health condition that you might later regret.
Make easy choices first
Start with items that carry less emotional weight – such as clothing or everyday household items. Tackling these first can help you ease into the process.
Bruno says: “Just like with depression treatment, taking small, manageable steps is important,” says Bruno. “Starting with easier areas helps you build confidence and momentum before tackling items that hold deeper personal significance.”
He advises that if you choose to involve family members, do so with care. Being clear about your reasons can help everyone stay on the same page and open up important conversations about your wishes for the future.
Go slowly with more meaningful items
Your emotionally challenging items will require extra patience.
“Take your time with possessions that have strong emotional connections, as processing these feelings is important,” Bruno recommends.
“Just as we suggest involving family in treatment, having supportive people around during emotional decluttering can provide comfort and perspective.”
Get support for emotional triggers
If certain items bring up intense feelings of depression or anxiety, it may be a sign to seek support from a mental health professional.
Bruno says:“While döstädning can aid mental wellness and support therapy, it cannot replace professional care when facing ongoing depression or anxiety disorders.”
He cautions that the goal of death cleaning isn’t to remove all emotional attachments. It’s to thoughtfully decide which memories and items truly deserve a place in your life moving forward.
Creating space in your home can help create space in your mind. Prioritise what brings you comfort and clarity, and be kind to yourself along the way.
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Preparing for the loss of a loved one: how to cope with anticipatory grief
Although we don’t often talk about it in our daily lives, death is an inevitable part of living. For many of us, grief comes suddenly – when a loved one passes away, the shock and loss can feel overwhelming. But what happens when you know in advance that someone you love is dying? Accredited psychotherapist Laura Greenwood explains this experience is referred to as anticipatory grief. We spoke with Laura about how facing the loss of a loved one can affect you, and what can help you cope during such a difficult time.
About the authorView full bio
Victoria Raw
Feature Writer
Victoria is a content writer at Patient, with special interests spanning mental wellbeing, societal trends and the impact of technology on our health.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
General Practitioner, Medical Author
MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH
Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Article also available inEnglish,German,Spanish,French,Italian,Portuguese,Hindi,Hebrew,Arabic, andSwedish.
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Next review due: 21 Sept 2029
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21 Sept 2026 | Latest version
Victoria Raw
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP -
6 Jul 2025 | Originally published
Victoria Raw
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
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