The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter

By: Margareta Magnusson

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

A charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life.

In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning "death" and städning meaning "cleaning." This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner rather than later, before others have to do it for you.

In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs listeners to embrace minimalism. Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming.

Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you'd ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children's art projects). Digging into her late husband's tool shed and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Along the way listeners get a glimpse into her life in Sweden and become more comfortable with the idea of letting go.

©2018 Margareta Magnusson (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Home like story, very vivid. I found it practical

Narrator made this story as well. Without her voice and intonation touch it would a bit boring. Will certainly buy with this narrator.

Gently Presented and Insightful

Unlike the a lot of the other books of this genre, this one presents the reasons for and aesthetic of why we should consider Death Cleaning. This can serve as a stand alone or a springboard into the Minimizing of one’s possessions. Refreshing in that it isn’t a “Dump your entire closet onto the floor while you talk to each item” or “30 days/30 items per day” or Capsule Your Life. Just a pleasant read that persons of all ages and especially persons in our “Maturity” will appreciate. The reader has a lovely voice. Time well spent.

great for the over 40 out here. I loved every word

I have been examining this subject many years. Parents death,in-laws passing two daughters,a daughter in law.
I'm at this time teeing to figure out how to pare back. This book was perfect on everything. sending it to my newly married granddaughter.
maybe she can learn to be a minimalist now.

Not what I was expecting.

Entertaining to listen to. I was expecting a bit more on self help. 1 2

Absolutely wonderful and touching book

I’m 37 years old, a mother of 3, and this book has made me think and reflect about my life and belongings.
So many words of wisdom there are in this book.
Thank you so much Margareta.

Great Book for Motivation to Remove Clutter!!!

Easy book to listen to---short & to the point, but not boring & overly stuffy. Would definitely recommend to those who are getting older and to those who want to declutter their lives, but are having problems starting!!!

Excellent thanks

At first I felt odd about listening to this book, because of the subject matter. However, very glad I listened to it. It is intriguing, helpful and very educational. Also seemed very personable in it’s delivery

So good

I cried and laughed and danced and all the things. Read it. Listen, ok? Clean.

Great ideas

I liked all the idea she gives for dejunking and getting things in order. When my parents died they had SO much random stuff. It was a bit overwhelming.

Cleaning inspiration

This book has been very helpful in so many ways, and a delight to listen to!