Swedish-born Margareta Magnusson is, in her words, 'aged between 80 and 100'. When her husband died, she had to downsize her home. The experience forced her to recognise the power of 'death-cleaning' and the concerns that must be addressed in order to do it with thought and care. Done well, the approach not only makes things easier for your loved ones later on, it allows you to revisit the lifetime of memories accumulated with your things.
From clothes and books to stuff you just can't get rid of, stuff that only matters to you, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning offers indispensable advice on questions you will inevitably face when sorting through a lifetime of objects- How do you deal with your secrets? Tackle photographs and letters? Avoid heirs fighting over your belongings after you are gone? This charming, practical book based on personal experience and anecdotes will guide you in making the process uplifting rather than overwhelming- it focuses on the importance of living - even through death cleaning.
'Proustian ... A primer on how to winnow your belongings before you die, so you don't burden your family ... Ms. Magnusson is the anti-Kondo, who takes us on a charming and discursive tour of her own stuff.'
-The New York Times
'Magnusson shares solid guiding principles for organizing your home, no matter your age or life circumstance.'
-Business Insider
'Magnusson has something worthwhile and amusing to say to adults of all ages ... This is not an orderly book for people who like dot points and detailed instructions, but a meandering personal essay that weaves memoir with household tips and a calm philosophy.'
-Susan Wyndham, Weekend Australian