The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson.
From Scribner Books:
"A charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life.
In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning “death” and städning meaning “cleaning.” This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming.
Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you’d ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children’s art projects). Digging into her late husband’s tool shed, and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go."
(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come to the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catchy your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)
Coming from a Finnish background, all of our family & friends from similar backgrounds had absolutely spotless houses with minimal clutter. I deviated from the norm by collecting tons of books & music. My mother had an apoplexy. I must get this book just to give her a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteGlad it crossed you path!
I had the pleasure of visiting Sweden last spring. I definitely think it is just a part of their culture to be organized and minimal. Even the resale shops we perused were completely sorted and clean!
ReplyDeleteIcewineanne, I'm always so happy when an 'over the counter' selection catches someone else's eye. Hope your mom enjoys it!
ReplyDeleteEthan, lucky you! Yes, I think you're right. Resale shops are a favourite haunt of mine as well.