I'm helping my mother-in-law with 'Swedish death cleaning.' I wish more families did this while they have the chance.
Practicing Swedish death cleaning has helped my aging mother-in-law declutter, clean, and prepare for our futures while bringing us closer together.
My wife Mar Yvette and I have been assisting her mother Elizabeth with Swedish death cleaning for several years. Swedish death cleaning is a method where people prepare their homes for the end of life, making it easier for loved ones when they pass away. Elizabeth is an 85-year-old woman who lives with her daughter and son-in-law in Michigan.
Helping my mother-in-law with this process has been joyful and productive, bringing us closer together. Being the daughter-in-law has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to help without the emotional burden that her children might face. I have always been a natural organizer, and this experience has only strengthened that skill.
Our visits to Michigan have become opportunities to bond and spend quality time together while decluttering. The most significant progress has been made in her wardrobe, which we reduced to just one closet. We have donated items to various charities, including the Salvation Army and a resale shop, helping Elizabeth see the value in letting go of some of her possessions.
Going through Elizabeth's belongings has been a journey down memory lane, uncovering a wealth of stories and experiences tied to her past. Her spiritual beliefs have made this process meaningful and even light-hearted at times, with laughter often breaking the moment. I wish more families could engage in death cleaning while they still have the chance, as it has been one of the most meaningful ways we have spent time together.
Elizabeth's positive outlook on death has helped ease the mood during these sessions, and I hope others can find similar experiences.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
