The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning 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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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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Confronting issue for us all. Put into focus without gloom. Much of the content is not new. I've thought about lots of its points already. The strength is in the logic, simplicity and written pace which makes it a quick page turning read generating mental nods of agreement as I work my way through it.

The narrative voice (and the superb reader) is as gentle as the title predicts.

The writer's personal anecdotes underscore but do not labour her message.

Strange to say. I found this book charming. I began reading with the intent to gain discussions points to help me influence my very aged mother in getting her act together. Completely unexpectedly, I've realised that it is ME who must get my act together!

Happy thoughts on mortality....

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I enjoyed the very personal touch that Margareta gave to this guide to death cleaning. Very well read by Juliet Stevenson.

Practical and entertaining

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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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Great book, loved listening about decluttering and not making it your family’s problem.
I started declutering as soon as I finished the book and put aside items I want to say goodbye to after years of having them in my cupboards. I have recommended it to many people.

Loved this book!

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Very easy to listen to and as the title says - gentle introduction to decluttering but aimed at the most important type of decluttering. It’s motivated me to think about and take action. Very practical advice.

Easy to listen to and practical advice

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Was a pretty good intro to the lifestyle habit of decluttering….
Overall though there are many others that tackle the psychology of decluttering more effectively.
Go on YouTube and search minimalism to get a better range of tactics.

Not a bad introduction into decluttering

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I loved the ideas and opinions in this book. The reader had a delightful and soothing voice also.

Soothing

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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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