Swedish Death Cleaning - Döstädning!  Don't get hung up on the 'death' part.  Döstädning is a way of life that stresses decluttering and simplicity.  It’s a lifestyle that revolves around letting go of your junk using the simple question, “Will anyone be happier if I save this?”

The 7 Steps of Swedish Death Cleaning:

Step 1: Let Your Loved Ones Know

Step 2: Start With Less Personal Items

Step 3: Gift Possessions Away Gradually

Step 4: Keep Mementos for Yourself

Step 5: Donate and Sell the Rest

Step 6: Make a List of Important Documents and Passwords

Step 7: Declutter Regularly

To that end, bring your previously enjoyed Swedish items that you may have too many of, have had for ages and are done with, or that you simply want to share with other Svea members.    You will be able to swap your Swedish items for other Swedish items that someone brought for YOU to enjoy.   Perhaps you're new to Svea and don't have any items to bring, this will be an excellent time to get some Swedish decor for your home or apartment for free!   If at the end of our meeting, no one took all of, or any of, the Swedish items that you brought, don't despair -  you can take them back home with you or they will be donated to a local social service agency.

To learn more about Swedish Death Cleaning read Swedish author Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter.

FIKA - Karen Lundwall and Donna Sedelmeyer