It was Fe who gave it a name. I found myself cleaning, dusting, brushing old dust and Kali’s long dog hairs caught in corners of rooms. It was something I could do, amid a feeling of being at sea, missing the dog so much. It was a natural progression to turn to stuff, question it’s relevance, in the particular recent light of realising I could not pass it on my cousin. I continued a theme from last year: no more what if it may be useful, and pass on anything no longer used, no more what if storing. Another natural progression to my LPA and post a meeting with Gill, over a glass of cider talking about her LPA, I revisited mine. So it is I begin the Nordic clean, getting my house in order so that it is clear and clean, ready for me to die. Not that I plan to die soon, but I like this plan of getting stuff ready.
‘Ah it’s called a Nordic clean’ said Fe on the journey to Hales wood for our Coppice group meeting.
Nordic or Swedish death cleaning, known as “döstädning,” is a practice of decluttering and organizing one’s home, particularly focusing on possessions, with the intention of easing the burden on loved ones after death. It’s a process of sorting through belongings, deciding what to keep, and responsibly letting go of items that are no longer needed or wanted. This practice is not just about physical decluttering but also involves emotional and practical considerations, such as having open conversations with family members about cherished item
Kalikellett 