Americans have a reputation for ascribing to both a materialistic and disposable culture. This coupled with Texans’ notorious individualism spells trouble for progeny following the death of a parent.
The material possessions left behind by recently passed parents are difficult to deal with for a number of reasons. The sheer mechanics of the conundrum are difficult enough to navigate, but the process becomes even more complicated when the items in question are caustic to the healing process. The Swedes, whose pragmatism could rival that of even the Germans, have found an interesting solution to this problem.
Swedish Death Cleaning is the process of individuals cleaning out and properly dispensing or disposing of clutter that has accumulated over time for the sake of their children, rather than forcing their children to do so after they have passed away. While the process may initially sound a bit morbid, there is a much deeper emotional and psychological process at work. Swedish Death Cleaning does not need to be a solitary experience fueled by an existential crisis—it can be an extremely cathartic experience that presents an opportunity for deep emotional bonding between parents and their children.
The trick lies in how to approach and initiate the process. This is not a process meant to frighten or panic anyone; Swedish Death Cleaning is meant to induce an actualized and healthy sense of fulfillment, nostalgia, remembrance and cleanliness. The process draws on prioritization and organization.
Begin by sorting through objects and asking whether or not it has some sort of significance or emotional value. Does it have shared memories tied to it? Would your children appreciate it for any reason beyond a possible monetary value?
The process of prioritization can be exhilarating. Sorting through objects and being perfectly honest with yourself about if you still have use for it is a self-illuminating process that allows you to rediscover or reaffirm your own interests.
For example, if a book of yours—maybe one you finished years ago or have kept and haven’t read it yet—lies outside of your interests, there may be someone out there that could use it. Asking your children if they have interest in the subject of the book is one more opportunity to learn something about them, and the renewed process of discovery between parent and child can be a powerful bonding experience.
These emotional benefits coupled with the ease it can bring children later in life make Swedish Death Cleaning a brilliant concept that could benefit countless Americans, their homes and their families.