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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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About this listen

A charming approach to putting your life in order so your loved ones won't have to. There's a word for it in Swedish: Döstädning, literally, 'death cleaning'.

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 matters only 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 audiobook 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.

©2017 Margareta Magnusson (P)2017 Canongate Education Personal Development Personal Success Inspiring
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This book had unexpected funny moments, and the writers personality really shone through. Loved it.

Funny and though provoking

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Practical step by step advice for cleaning up your home and making your life easier.

Great advice!

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I thought this was a book about cleaning. Which it is, in a way. But also, very much not. I found it fascinating and also endearing. I will be sending a copy to my parents and also my grandmother, who is also between 80 and 100 :)

Accidental favourite

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Definitely written for older people. There are better books on decluttering & minimalism if you're looking. But this was an easy, gentle listen.

Okay, but not great

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Loved it all and will reread again and again as I go through my house. Great listening and very inspiring.

I loved this book, the calm and methodical way of cleaning up life

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