Margareta Magnusson: Pioneer of Swedish Death Cleaning Passes Away at 92

Margareta Magnusson, the Swedish author and artist renowned for her influential book on "death cleaning," has died at the age of 92 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Her daughter, Jane Magnusson, confirmed that she passed away in a retirement home. Magnusson's 2017 book, *The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter*, introduced the concept of döstädning to a global audience, emphasizing the importance of decluttering one's possessions to alleviate the burden on family members after death.

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The practice of döstädning, which translates to "death cleaning," involves sorting through and giving away personal belongings in later life. Magnusson's insights stemmed from her own experiences following the deaths of close family members, particularly her husband of 48 years. She believed that this process could be both practical and emotionally rewarding, stating, “Death cleaning is not a sad thing. I want it to be joyful and interesting.” Her book became an international bestseller, published in over 30 countries, and inspired a reality television series in 2023, where Swedish experts assisted Americans in decluttering their homes.

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Born in Gothenburg, Magnusson was primarily an artist and illustrator before her literary success. She graduated from Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm and exhibited her artwork globally. Magnusson was a mother of five and published her second book, *The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly*, in 2022, further exploring themes of aging and well-being.

The Guardian

Magnusson's daughter, Jane, reflected on her mother's legacy, noting, “If you went to her house, you always left with something to take home.” She emphasized that her mother practiced what she preached, leaving little behind after her passing. Magnusson's approach to death cleaning was not merely about tidiness; it was a means of sharing memories and ensuring that loved ones would not be overwhelmed by the task of sorting through her belongings.

The Local (Sweden)

While Magnusson's philosophy has been widely embraced, some critics argue that the concept of death cleaning may not resonate with everyone. The emotional weight of sorting through a lifetime of possessions can be daunting, and not all individuals may find joy in the process. Nonetheless, Magnusson maintained that starting early and approaching the task with a positive mindset could transform the experience.

The Local (Sweden)

• “My motto for cleaning is simply: If you don’t love it, lose it. If you don’t use it, lose it,” — Margareta Magnusson

The Guardian

• “No matter how much they love you,” — Margareta Magnusson

New York Times

• “I think you should take care of your stuff so that no one else has to do all the work for you with all the crap that you have left behind,” — Margareta Magnusson

The Local (Sweden)

Margareta Magnusson's contributions to the conversation around death and decluttering have left a lasting impact, encouraging individuals to confront their possessions with intention and care.

The Local (Sweden)