There is a tendency to avoid contemplating one’s own mortality. But that won’t postpone the inevitable. It’s far better to be responsible and do your estate planning now while you have the time.
But even those who have written their wills, funded trusts, drawn up powers of attorney and living wills might be interested in a decidedly European sort of estate planning — Swedish death cleaning.
It’s not as morbid as it sounds
In fact, it’s quite practical, and it saves your loved ones lots of time and effort at one of the saddest times of their lives. The term was coined by Swedish author Margareta Magnusson, who wrote a book introducing the European custom of periodically downsizing and decluttering households throughout people’s lives.
Known in Sweden as “döstädning,” it is a marathon and not a sprint. Start small in one area and spread out through your home. It is a great kindness to clear out clutter and get rid of private items that your loved ones would otherwise have to manage after your death.
It’s all about making survivors’ lives easier
All facets of your estate plan should be designed to make your survivors and heirs have an easier time getting through the events surrounding your death. Pre-planning your arrangements, preparing your will, or funding a trust for children or grandchildren are all very important and offer an opportunity for you to gain peace of mind.
By also incorporating Swedish death cleaning into your personal estate plan, you can get a chance to enjoy the delight of loved ones when you gift them with special items from your collections. It’s a win-win deal!