Döstädning is a Swedish term that literally means “death cleaning.” In Sweden, this is a practice in which individuals begin decluttering their homes in preparation for their exit from this mortal coil. Though appearing a bit morbid at first glance, people engage in the activity as early as their 40s. The scope of the exercise expands significantly beyond the confines of throwing out junk in preparation for death, but involves self-reflection and a consideration of personal collection habits.
See Hannah-Rose Yee, Swedish Death Cleaning is the Morbid New Way to Declutter Your Life, New York Post, October 5, 2017.
Special thanks to Deborah G. Matthews for bringing this article to my attention.
