The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Audiobook By Margareta Magnusson cover art

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

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

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The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

By: Margareta Magnusson
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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The original, official, bestselling guide to Swedish death cleaning—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 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 readers 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 readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go. Grief & Loss House & Home Personal Development Personal Success Inspiring Marriage Witty Minimalism Cleaning House
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Featured Article: A Future Corpse's Guide to Death Acceptance


Confronting death does not necessitate a spiral into despondency. Instead we may come a realization that, in acknowledging and accepting this fate, we paradoxically lead fuller and more emotionally present lives. In this list, scholars, physicians, journalists, philosophers, and death professionals share their stories, perspectives, and advice, offering a glimpse into how we can prepare for the end with grace, heart, and humor.

Featured Article A Future Corpse's Guide to Death Acceptance
Practical Advice • Inspiring Stories • Soothing Voice • Gentle Approach • Thoughtful Perspective • Motivating Content

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however, it was not what I had hoped for in cleaning up my home. What I liked about the book is that it was read very well by the reader and I was brought nearer to the author and her life through the listening of this book. I found it entertaining more than useful. This is why I gave three out of five stars. I am a hopeless disordered home keeper and I am focused on getting rid of things in my home, office and wanting to keep things simple. I will probably listen to this book again simply because it was so charming.

Not what I had expected

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I liked her point of view and practicality. Normally we are so attached to things that we don't reflect on how much we pile up and who will need to clean everything after we are gone. I'm in my 40s and hope that time will not come for decades, but the practical advice here can be extrapolated to downsizing, moving to another country, etc

Practical and useful

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a good book to motivate, and have the proper frame of mind for the task

a very interesting listen

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This book has some great info and the author tells some wonderful stories about her life.

Interesting concept

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Not just tips on cleaning, but the story of preparing for your last years. Warm and personable, I felt like a dear friend was helping me sift through my stuff and decide the best things to keep and why. Great performance, too.


What a delightful story

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