Decluttering isn't just about creating space—it's about leaving the right legacy. Welcome to a candid exploration of Swedish Death Cleaning, the surprisingly uplifting practice of methodically clearing out your possessions before others have to do it while grieving your loss.

Fresh from completing cancer treatment and finding my new normal, I dive into this concept that transformed my perspective on possessions. Swedish Death Cleaning (döstädning) isn't morbid—it's an act of profound consideration. Having downsized from a large house to a one-bedroom condo, I've experienced firsthand the liberation that comes with lightening the load.

Most of us have stood bewildered in a parent's home after their passing, wondering what to keep, what to discard, and why they saved 14 boxes of expired vitamins or 57 tubs of cat figurines. Death Cleaning prevents your loved ones from facing that overwhelming task. Starting with non-emotional items (those extra kitchen gadgets, clothes you never wear, mystery cords connecting to nothing), you gradually work through your home at your own pace—one room per week or month, whatever suits your lifestyle.

The unexpected benefit? Freedom. Looking around my condo now, I see only things Craig and I truly love. There's no guilt-keeping of unwanted gifts or untouched items. When everything has meaning, your daily life becomes more intentional. Your legacy shouldn't be your junk drawer but rather the love, wisdom, and memories you leave behind.

Ready to start your own Death Cleaning journey? Begin small, label important items, communicate your intentions to loved ones, and remember—you are not your stuff. Share this episode with someone drowning in decades of accumulated belongings, and together, let's age boldly and mindfully.