Swedish death cleaning is a decluttering method historically practiced in Sweden. It is a simple living practice, encouraging people to get rid of belongings before death to spare loved ones from having to manage them. [1] As the practice has become more popular in the United States, it has received both praise and criticism, being described by some as morbid and others as the healthiest thing you can do. [2] The term was popularised in a book by Swedish author Margareta Magnusson. [3] [4]
The tradition inspired a 2023 TV show, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, produced by Amy Poehler. [5] In the show, three Swedish people help Americans declutter and detach from belongings. [6]