1. Start Now, Not Later

The best time to begin dödsstädning is when you still have energy, clarity, and time to make thoughtful decisions. Waiting until a health crisis or major life change forces your hand means you'll be making decisions under stress. Starting today gives you control and allows you to work at your own comfortable pace. Even small steps now make a difference.

​

2. Begin With One Room or Category

The entire house can feel overwhelming, so choose just one space to start - perhaps a spare bedroom, the garage, or a category like books or kitchen items. Completing one area gives you momentum and shows you what's possible. Many people find that having a supportive partner in this process helps them stay focused and motivated through that crucial first space.

​

3. Ask Yourself: Would Someone Want This?

For each item, consider honestly whether anyone in your family would actually want or use it. That collection of magazines from the 1990s? The duplicate kitchen gadgets? The clothes that haven't fit in a decade? If the answer is no, you're not honoring memories by keeping them - you're creating work for someone else later.

​

4. Share Stories While You Can

One of the most precious gifts of dödsstädning is the opportunity to pass items to loved ones now, while you're here to share the stories behind them. That vase from your wedding, your father's watch, the quilt your grandmother made - give them away during your lifetime so the stories aren't lost. This is something only you can do, but organizing everything to make this possible often benefits from an experienced guide.

​

5. Create a "Throw Away" Box for Your Family

Designate specific items that hold meaning for you but that you know won't matter to anyone else. Label a box clearly: "Please throw away without looking through." This might include old love letters, diaries, or personal items that are yours alone. This simple act protects your privacy and saves your family from difficult decisions.

​

6. Organize Important Information in One Place

Gather all crucial documents, account information, passwords, insurance policies, and final wishes into one clearly labeled location. Make sure at least one trusted person knows where this is. This practical step is one of the most loving things you can do, though many people find the organizational aspect challenging and appreciate professional help to ensure nothing is missed.

​

7. Don't Let Guilt Keep You Stuck

Many people hold onto items out of guilt - gifts they never liked, inherited items they don't want, expensive purchases that were mistakes. Remember: the gift was given, the money was spent, and keeping things out of obligation doesn't change the past. It only clutters your present and becomes someone else's burden. Permission to let go is one of the most valuable things you can give yourself.

​

8. Take Your Time With Emotional Items

Not everything needs to be decided immediately. If you come across photographs, letters, or items with deep emotional significance, set them aside to review when you're ready. Dödsstädning is a journey, not a race. Some decisions need time to settle, and that's perfectly fine. Having someone who understands this process can help you navigate the emotional terrain without getting stuck.

​

9. Remember: This is Also For You

While dödsstädning is considerate of those who come after you, it's equally about improving your life now. A lighter, more organized home is easier to maintain, less stressful to live in, and allows you to focus on what truly matters. Many people wish they'd started sooner, not because of death, but because of how much better their daily life becomes.

​

Need Support on Your Journey?

Starting dödsstädning is a wonderful decision, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you need help with the physical work, guidance on what to keep or let go, or simply someone who understands the emotional complexity of this process, professional support can make the journey easier and more thorough. Sometimes having an objective, compassionate partner makes all the difference between getting stuck and making real progress. I am happy to talk with you about how I can be of help to you on your dödsstädning journey.