Swedish Death Cleaning, or “döstädning,” is a decluttering method that focuses on simplifying your possessions to reduce the burden on loved ones later in life. For many successful women, this practice isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that supports a productive, focused lifestyle. Here’s how highly successful women embrace Swedish Death Cleaning to declutter their homes and wardrobes, creating an environment that reflects their values and goals.
1. They Approach Decluttering as an Act of Self-Respect
Successful women see Swedish Death Cleaning as a way to respect themselves and their space. By only keeping items that add value, they’re left with a curated home that brings them joy and ease. This method helps them maintain a sanctuary that reflects their aspirations, making it easier to live intentionally and pursue their goals without distractions from unnecessary clutter.
2. They Prioritize Quality Over Quantity in Their Wardrobes
Women who embrace Swedish Death Cleaning adopt a minimalist mindset with their wardrobes, focusing on timeless, high-quality pieces over fast fashion or impulse buys. This selective approach means they only keep items that enhance their confidence and style. As a result, they build a wardrobe filled with versatile pieces that serve them well in both personal and professional settings, eliminating decision fatigue and ensuring they always look polished.
3. They Regularly Edit Their Belongings
Highly successful women make Swedish Death Cleaning a consistent practice rather than a one-time purge. They routinely go through their homes and wardrobes, assessing whether each item still serves them. This regular editing process helps them stay organized and ensures their space remains filled only with items that align with their current lifestyle and aspirations, keeping their environments fresh and functional.
4. They Practice Mindful Shopping
Rather than buying on impulse, women who follow Swedish Death Cleaning practices shop with intention. They avoid accumulating unnecessary items and choose only those that truly add value. By focusing on mindful shopping, they prevent clutter from building up and maintain a home and wardrobe filled with meaningful, purposeful pieces that support their goals.
5. They Value Experiences Over Possessions
Successful women often prioritize experiences over material goods, choosing to spend time and money on things that create lasting memories rather than physical items. Swedish Death Cleaning encourages this shift in focus, promoting the idea that memories and experiences hold more value than clutter. This mindset shift helps them live a richer life without accumulating items that weigh them down.
6. They Organize Their Spaces to Maximize Productivity
With Swedish Death Cleaning, successful women arrange their belongings to create a streamlined, productive environment. They keep their spaces clear, clean, and organized, ensuring that everything they need is easily accessible. This organized space minimizes distractions, allowing them to focus better, be more productive, and feel a sense of calm and control in their surroundings.
7. They Keep Sentimental Items to a Meaningful Minimum
Swedish Death Cleaning encourages people to evaluate sentimental items and keep only those that hold significant value. Successful women may retain a few cherished mementos while letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose. This approach frees up space while allowing them to honor memories that truly matter, helping them focus on the present without being weighed down by the past.
8. They Communicate Their Intentions with Family
Successful women practicing Swedish Death Cleaning often involve their family members, discussing which items hold importance and which do not. This open communication allows them to share meaningful items with family members while minimizing confusion and conflict down the road. By having these conversations, they ensure that their loved ones understand their values and the reasons behind what they choose to keep.
9. They Embrace the Concept of Legacy
For these women, Swedish Death Cleaning is a way to leave a legacy that reflects their values rather than material clutter. They focus on what they want to pass down—whether it’s life lessons, cherished family stories, or a few meaningful heirlooms. By being intentional with their possessions, they leave behind memories and lessons that matter rather than a home full of unnecessary things.
10. They Focus on Functional Decor
Highly successful women who practice Swedish Death Cleaning choose decor items that are functional, beautiful, and purposeful. They aim to create a space that’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical, ensuring that every item serves a purpose. This approach minimizes clutter while keeping their environment aligned with their productivity and style, allowing them to maintain an inspiring space without excess.
11. They Set Boundaries for New Items
To avoid clutter creeping back in, successful women practicing Swedish Death Cleaning set clear boundaries for bringing new items into their space. They might use a “one in, one out” rule, where each new item must replace an old one, or limit their wardrobe to a set number of pieces. This intentional approach helps them keep their space uncluttered, maintaining the simplicity they value.
12. They Donate and Repurpose Instead of Hoarding
Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t just about throwing things away; it’s about finding new purposes for items. Successful women donate, repurpose, or gift items they no longer need, sharing resources with others rather than letting them pile up. This practice aligns with their values, allowing them to give back while maintaining a clean, focused environment.
13. They Let Go of “Just in Case” Items
Highly successful women know that holding onto items “just in case” often leads to unnecessary clutter. Instead, they release these items, focusing on what’s useful and relevant to their current lifestyle. By letting go of “what if” thinking, they keep their space intentional and avoid the mental burden of storing unnecessary items.
14. They Create a System for Handling Paper Clutter
Papers can be one of the most overwhelming sources of clutter. Women who embrace Swedish Death Cleaning create systems for managing paperwork—like digitizing files or creating an organized filing system. This approach allows them to keep important documents safe without being weighed down by piles of paper, freeing up space and helping them stay organized.