Title: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter
Author: Margareta Magnusson
First published October 6, 2017
117 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781501173240 (ISBN10: 1501173243)
Rating: 3.38
Overview
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: A Practical Guide to Decluttering Your Home and Life
Are you tired of living in a cluttered home and feeling overwhelmed by your possessions? Look no further than the Swedish method of decluttering, known as döstädning, or “death cleaning.” In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson shares her unique and humorous approach to minimalism.
Magnusson’s method not only helps you streamline your possessions, but facilitates important conversations with loved ones about the future. With her guidance, you’ll learn which items to keep and which to let go of, all while enjoying the process.
As you declutter, you’ll also get a glimpse into Magnusson’s life in Sweden and find inspiration to embrace new beginnings. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to downsize, this charming and practical guide will help you free yourself and your family from a lifetime of clutter.
About the Author
Margareta Magnusson, a self-described octogenarian or even centenarian, hails from Sweden and has traveled extensively throughout her life. Her background includes a degree from Beckman’s College of Design and her artwork has graced galleries all across Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
Margareta is a mother of five and presently resides in Stockholm. Her debut book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, is a must-read for anyone seeking a thoughtful approach to decluttering and organizing their personal possessions.
Editoral Review
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson is a thought-provoking and practical guide to decluttering, downsizing, and organizing one’s home and life. Published on October 6, 2017, this book has quickly become a favorite among readers who are looking for a fresh perspective on the art of tidying up.
Margareta Magnusson, a Swedish artist and writer, shares her personal experience of cleaning up her parents’ home after their deaths and offers readers a gentle and humorous approach to death cleaning. She defines death cleaning as the process of decluttering one’s home and possessions before one dies, so that the burden of cleaning up falls less heavily on one’s loved ones.
The book is written in a conversational tone and is full of anecdotes, tips, and practical advice on how to get started with death cleaning.
The book is divided into chapters that cover different aspects of death cleaning, such as letting go of sentimental items, organizing personal documents, and dealing with digital clutter. Magnusson stresses the importance of taking one’s time and being mindful of the items that are being kept or discarded.
She also emphasizes the importance of talking to one’s family and friends about one’s wishes and intentions, so that they can be better prepared for the future.
One of the strengths of this book is its accessibility. Magnusson’s writing is clear and straightforward, and her advice is easy to follow.
She also includes illustrations and diagrams that help to illustrate her points visually. Another strength of the book is its emphasis on the emotional aspect of decluttering.
Magnusson acknowledges that letting go of possessions can be difficult and painful, and she offers readers tips on how to deal with these emotions in a healthy way.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is its narrow focus. While Magnusson’s approach to decluttering is refreshing, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Some readers may find the book too simplistic, or may disagree with Magnusson’s emphasis on death cleaning as a way to ease the burden on loved ones. Additionally, the book may not offer much new information to readers who are already familiar with the KonMari method or other popular decluttering techniques.
Overall, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is a valuable addition to the genre of self-help and decluttering books. Magnusson’s approach is unique and her voice is engaging, making this a book that is both informative and enjoyable to read.
Readers who are looking for a fresh perspective on decluttering, or who are interested in exploring the emotional aspect of letting go of possessions, will find this book to be a worthwhile read. The Washington Post gives this book a rating of 4 out of 5, based on its engaging writing style, practical advice, and unique perspective on decluttering.
