My EXPERIENCE with SWEDISH DEATH CLEANING I My MOM'S ESTATE

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#swedishdeathcleaning #lofi #scandinavian

[@BenitaLarsson]

If you're looking for sources, I've tried to collect as many as I can here: www.benitalarsson.com/sources

[@miladm9203]

My father in law was so orgaized and he really took care of his stuff. When he passed away, we just donated his perfectly cared clothes, some appliances and found all documents in perfect order. Perfectly lived and perfectly passed... Love and miss him.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s such a great gift to his family!

[@darlenechandler2403]

My parent’s both passed and left me a house and they were so organized, same thing, all documents laid out for me, house paid for, car paid for. All I had to do is sell everything and the hoe. I also gave a lot of things to charities and did have a content sale too. I am an only child, so everything left to me. I also gave the caregivers for my parents whatever they wanted or needed, so I felt better for giving to others who were in need that I knew. I gave a lot of the clothing to the nursing home for people living there, that neither had family or people to give them clothes. I donated my mother’s wheelchair to a Charity called the War Amps, for children with amputations, adults or veterans. Everyone gained something and I did especially feeling I made someone else happy.

[@melissareid640]

Bless you, this is a beautiful way to be remembered we should all be so blessed to be this loved and respected. Prayers for your family may you enjoy beautiful memories for years to come.

[@susanmoore679]

Your mom had a beautiful home. When my mom went into assisted living I too was left to empty her house. (I’m not actually an only child but geography had made me one.) My mom was by no means a hoarder and lived in a small home but it was still a long, hard job for me. Believe it or not I have a very sweet memory of a young man stopping to ask how much the stuff at the curb was. He had just bought a home around the corner but had very little “fun” stuff. You should have seen his face when we invited him in to see what he could use and that it was free! He left with a 6 foot pool table, patio set, umbrella, coolers. So much “fun” he needed two trips 😊. Apologies for the length of this comment but this video brought back sad but also good memories. Thank you

[@BenitaLarsson]

What a great way to get rid of all that ! He must have thought he won the lottery!🙌🏻

[@desanders12]

My father in law was a hoarder (14 dump truck loads) as was my Dad (10 dump truck loads). We took 2 big truckloads to charity and one truckload to the dump for my mom’s belongings before she moved in with us. My mother in law’s house is still full of all her cluttered stuff she has kept. This is a great message. People don’t burden your children to get rid of your junk. It is exhausting for your children.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So sorry you had all that to deal with!

[@evaperry8630]

Just been thru this & yes, totally exhausting & maddening.

[@desanders12]

@@BenitaLarsson I’m very sorry for your loss last year. Merry Christmas.

[@Objet_Dart]

I feel you. After 3 years of smaller trash and charitable donation runs (twenty 55-gallon contractor trash bags of good, usable clothing was a start) we had "Dumpsterfest" at my in-laws' house this summer. Local scrap metal collector also filled his truck ten times over one week. We had to pay for hazardous waste disposal for a vanload of old electronics. The house and garage(s) STILL aren't empty. It IS exhausting and time-consuming for one's kids. The memories of the cleanout are now stronger than any pleasant times I spent at their house.

[@desanders12]

@@Objet_Dart That sounds overwhelming. I wish you luck and peace in this journey.

[@Rositasparks]

Thank you for discussing this Benita. My darling father in law who passed away last January at the age of 94..left us with quite the mess to clean up. On top of dealing with a sad loss, the stress was unbelievable with the finances and STUFF. Shortly after his death, I picked up that exact book on Swedish Death Cleaning and took it to heart.. though I am only in my early 50’s I will never put my child through a mess like that. Minimize, organize and be respectful to those you’ve left behind ( now I will watch your video) lol Happy Holidays 🎄🎁🎄

[@BenitaLarsson]

The stress IS real! Happy holidays to you too!🌲

[@evaperry8630]

Just been through this, & totally agree.

[@debbiematthews981]

I am exactly the same after cleaning out my parents house and also dealing with a difficult buyer. I vowed and declared I wouldn’t leave this for our boys and have been cleaning out ever since and I have never been someone to have a huge amount of stuff.

[@sl9906]

I love the line “time to stop accumulating and start curating.” My mom has Alzheimer’s and began hoarding as everything became important and meaningful. Decluttering was too distressing for her until she had to move this summer. Then the stress doubled as the house clear out began and resettling mom happened simultaneously. It has caused me to have a knee jerk reaction to get my already minimalist apartment pared down even more as my nieces and nephews will be responsible for clearing my own things out.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Alzheimer’s is such an evil thing ❤️

[@karenkranz2682]

She’s really quite brilliant.

[@pamelacooley6457]

Probably cause she was having memory loss she was trying to hold on to things that she remembered

[@karenellis1031]

Yes we did the same but couldn’t clean out until Mum went into care for her Alzheimers as she got too upset. The house was packed with clutter it was awful and stressful to deal with. Once she was no longer living there we cleaned out about 80% of the house making it manageable for my elderly Dad and easier for me when the time comes to clear out one final time.

[@jeme7339]

Why will they be responsible for it? Is there a legal reason, or is it a cultural reason?

[@esm6000]

Buried my very organized and clutter free parents years ago…..still involved some work but nothing compared to cleaning out my in laws house filled with 67 years of accumulation. It was absolutely maddening. I don’t enjoy being angry with them, but the home was ridiculous and a tremendous burden to their children. Another great video so thank you very much. I hope people take your advice.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching! By the comments it seems to have inspired a few!

[@klmjtr]

I’ve been trying to declutter things from my life this past year. It’s been a huge realization to me on how much money I’ve spent on things I thought I needed or had to have.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That realization alone will be so great going forward!

[@phoenixjones660]

This beautiful, gentle video is a lovely tribute to your relationship with your mum and Willa. 🩶 The concept is such a thoughtful one, reflecting on meaning and purpose in things, feels so very Swedish! You highlighted some real treasures, I thought "Benita's got a gorgeous new cardigan, how it suits her" - how wonderful it was your mum's. And it's obvious why Willa wished for the portrait of child you 🤍. Best wishes for a peaceful yuletide ❄️🕊️

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for those sweet words!

[@robinkelly7444]

I appreciate how lovingly you explain the difficult process of handling your mom's estate.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@CorinnaOnTheRun]

Agree

[@chromegirl2175]

I'm a cataloger in a public library, and cataloged that book when it first came out. My co-workers laughed at the title, but I looked through it and liked it, and agree with the idea. (BTW, libraries do a similar thing on a constant basis--we keep circulation stats for each item, and, if it's outdated and.or not being checked out, we put it in a book sale, or send it to recycling). When my Mom died, she had been living in a very small set of rooms at my brother's house, so she had very little to get rid of. I took a handful of small items I remember from my childhood, and display most of them in a china cabinet. I wish I had her old potato masher that I used growing up. It originally had a red wood handle, but the paint wore away over the decades from the hands of my Grandmother, Mom, and myself, which I think is cool. Mom did leave me a nice amount of money, though, which I still have years later--I paid off a few bills, and bought 5 resin storage cabinets for my garage, which are used daily. I love the photos and the portrait of you as a little girl; so cute!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@jeme7339]

It is sad that libraries buy poor quality "popular" new-and-shiny media and remove the good books. Many people suggest decluttering books and just getting them from the library when needed...but the library has already discarded them.

[@dianebright9366]

I know this was not your intention, but I watched this video with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. A video which was well-made, important, and also very touching. The tour of your Mom’s house was just beautiful! I really liked her place, as well as her furniture and art. Thank you so much. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, thank you so much!

[@bevhocking1752]

Me too.😢

[@janinafisher101]

I have never heard of Swedish Death Cleaning, but it's a great idea. I have downsized to a smallish cabin and almost everything I have is second-hand and would be easy to give away. Fortunately in my rural area in Ontario, Canada we have two "Reuse Centres" were you can donate things in good condition, and anyone can help themselves to the items for free. It is attached to the local dump where we take our garbage, recycling and garden/brush waste. It is a brilliant concept, and you can often find things there that are brand new and still in their original packaging. I have brought home many of the things in my home from "The Reuse" and it is where I find books (which I return there after reading them, unless I pass them on to a friend) and CDs (I may be one of the few people who doesn't subscribe to a music streaming service) and dishes, furniture and fixtures. Although there is a thriving practice of having "yard" or "garage" sales of our unwanted items, I don't live in a place that many people drive by, so I donate everything to the Reuse. At Christmas I get my decorations there, and return them after the holidays. That way every year I have something new and different. And this practice helps ensure that useful items don't end up in our landfills.

[@BenitaLarsson]

The Reuse Center sounds amazing. We have great places to drop things off but we’re not allowed to take anything from there. They will donate what’s good to charities though.

[@janinafisher101]

@BenitaLarsson Yes, it IS amazing. Many of us who go there are low income (I'm a low-income senior) and it really helps our budget. I needed bedroom curtains recently and found a set that looked brand new, in exactly the right colour. It was thrilling. So, often we, the people who get things there, are the "charity." But most of us contribute too. And there is plenty enough to go around. It feels like a good community system - where we give and we get freely. No money exchanged. Good items don't end up in the dump - and it's all run by volunteers.

[@smoothtruth]

❤

[@jeme7339]

Brilliant.

[@denisearonow4921]

❤ I'm seventy and have completed my death cleaning. I feel free. Decluttering requires maintenance but it's easy now.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yay for you!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@marjoryross2754]

That was a really personal vlog and so much appreciated. I read the book a few years ago and tried to have my husband read it. He just doesn’t get that you can’t leave a mess for your children. He has now been diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing surgery in January. It’s awful, especially when someone is a hoarder and I’m talking the past 30 years. People, please don’t be selfish , think of those who come after you.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Sending best wishes for you and your husband!❤️

[@spoly8139]

Very practical tips and has motivated me in my '70's to eliminate a lot of useless items. Your Mom's home was really beautiful!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yay for taking charge!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@anthonywalsh2164]

I’m just realising I’m accumulating just like my father and mother. I have drawn up a plan for the next three weeks to clean up. Thank you for this video inspiration.

[@wenDesigner]

I am so sorry for your loss and having had to handle this. I totally relate. My father passed 8 years ago and he and my mom lived 2 hours away on a lake. It quickly became apparent that my mother could not live on her own. My sister and I had to clean out their house and belongings before selling it. We moved my mom in with my sister before having to put her in a nursing home for around the clock care. We are still distributing all of their belongings, selling, donating or getting rid of it all. It is life changing, exhausting and humbling. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yes, it’s all that!

[@leamubiu]

I had to deal with my mom’s things after she passed away. She was a “mild” hoarder, but most stuff still went to the bin. I sometimes found important things among what amounted to trash, so it was not just a matter of grabbing and dumping, rather I had to open hundreds of plastic bags, go through thousands of bits of paper, to sift out the memorabilia. She also left no will, no clear documents to put her affairs in order. If you’re going to ease the burden on your family, preparing a will-or even just insurance to cover the expense of a funeral-should be part of the plans as well. I believe the book touches on this, advising to prepare a folder with relevant contacts and information for a trusted party to have.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yes to the will and funeral fund! My mom had both in place which was a relief.

[@JaviiOchoa]

Hello Benita! I'm from Mexico, I'm in my thirties and I've been following your channel for several years. I really enjoy all your content and I particularly liked this video, it made me shed a few tears. I don't plan on having children, so living without so many things has been a focus on my mind. Thank you very much for all the good tips. May the channel continue to grow! ¡Saludos desde México! :)

[@BenitaLarsson]

If this video is helpful I’m happy!

[@THFrenchteacher]

I didn’t realize that what I was doing had a name! My mom’s house is packed, almost hoarder style. She has dementia and won’t get rid of anything. I’m dreading the task of moving her next year. I started getting rid of excess 5 years ago, worried about how my daughter would have to clean up after me as I will have to do with my mom. I see swedish death cleaning as an act of love and the responsible thing to do. Thank you for sharing this! I will have to read the book now. 🥰

[@BenitaLarsson]

It IS an act of love! Enjoy the book, it’s a great read!

[@senorra941]

I am in exactly the same position, my parents never threw anything away. Now my dad is alone at 93. I am an only child, I have a supportive husband but his health is not good. I will never do that to my children!

[@TeeBoyd88]

I am thankful to my two younger sisters who were co-carers for our parents in their last few years. My sisters decluttered our family home before they all moved in together. I miss just a handful items but I know the emotions would've been too much. The memories of them see me through without the items taking up physical space! Benita, thank you so much for sharing your Mother's home with us. I have wanted to see her home for so long to see how different your tastes, style and lifestyles are. The Belgian sofa setting is something I'd love to keep. But your reasons to let them go would be mine too. We just don't sit on furniture like our elders did. I consider this video an early Christmas present. 🙏🎄

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yes to keeping most memories inside and not as physically items!🙌🏻

[@dod2304]

I read a suggestion somewhere that when decluttering, if there's an item of sentimental value but you know you won't use it or have a place to display it, take a photo of it. Maybe make a scrapbook. then donate it and imagine someone gratefully using it. That always sounded like a lovely idea to me.

[@TeeBoyd88]

​@@dod2304I have read that too. I have too many photos on my devices to care about more photos.😅 My sisters had already decluttered before I had a chance to ask to save some things. Even my youngest sister is still upset about a few things she realised she should've kept. But I think they did a great job under the circumstances.

[@contancesholl3833]

You are so right..even before I heard of her book , I started decluttering my home.I was about 40 then. I am 70 now and have moved, down sized a lot. Going through my parents things after their passing felt overwhelming, yet I was what some would say ruthless. We can't keep everything and not everything was to my taste in my season of life. There is always something to declutter. I have used this phrase for decades.."It is just stuff, it can't hug you or love you back Always enjoy your content and visiting with you.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Great job on 3 decades of death cleaning!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mapsman5513]

My parents’ house is chock full of their beloved possessions. My mother despairs about leaving it all behind, but I tell her not to worry about it. She’s 90 and I don’t want her to fret about what would be an impossible job. I think it will be easier emotionally to handle after they are both gone. Would it be nice if they were well-organized and more essentialist in nature? Sure. However, that’s not their nature and I don’t want to make their final years to have unhappiness related to the perceived need to de-clutter. I’ll figure out how to deal with it all when the time comes.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s a great approach!

[@SaLiDeLune]

Ooh Benita, thank you for sharing! I really admire how both you and your mother handled it, and how you both cared about the other person. I can imagine it still was a stressful and sad process.. That book sounds like a very good read and I will definitely look it up! I actually think about this a lot. When my dad passed away, a few years ago, it was relatively easy, because his partner remained in the home so she kept everything. When she moved to a smaller home about a year later I got some of my dad's belongings. I got a very old family album, a few paintings/art my dad made (that I actually like) and a set of speakers he built himself. About two moving boxes full. And every thing I got feels special and is something I enjoy in one way or another. However, my mom is a hoarder (definitely trauma induced from WW2) who lives in a huge house (my entire apartment is smaller than her living room), completely stuffed with things. She is convinced that there are people/companies that will pay me money to clear/clean out her house when she is gone. I..., think differently. It is not something my mother ever wants to talk about (I have been trying for about 20 years), so I have no idea where any of her papers are (for her funeral, her house), or where things like family albums/baby pictures/etc. are (I have never seen a baby picture of myself, although they should exist). My mom simply refuses to talk about it. Just thinking about having to deal with it someday, is very stressful and it makes me sad that thinking about death is something my mother can't face... Of course I hope my mother will be around for many, many years and that she can enjoy her home in good health for a long, long time! However, realistically I will most likely out-live her... I don't have any children or nieces/nephews/cousins so when I die there will be no "next generation", so I try not to keep things "for others", although I can be a little sentimental. I moved two months ago and went from my largest apartment (69m2), to my smallest apartment (35m2). I love it! And I hope whomever is tasked with clearing out my apartment, once I am gone, won't feel too overwhelmed or burdened. I hope they will find a well curated, well lived, well loved home, that might make them smile here and there.

[@Gonzdadiana]

Sending best wishes to you and your mother. Hope you have many more years together.

[@SaLiDeLune]

@@Gonzdadiana Thank you so much, that is very kind of you!

[@BenitaLarsson]

It will make them smile, I’m sure of if!

[@thelettera9041]

I love this approach. It's so important to do this before cognitive decline sets in, it gets exponentially harder when making decisions is no longer something you can do well

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yes, totally, don’t wait too long!

[@avvlahos42]

No matter what you do or do not do. Nothing makes it easier when a parent passes away , neat or cluttered, the pain still is there and remains ..

[@sandraolsson1532]

My mother in law did a Swedish death cleaning some years ago. Not only did she declutter, she also threw a big birthday party as she turned 78. She said she couldn't count on being 80. When she did she threw another party! She was such a sweetheart ❤️ Both her and my father in law passed last year. It was still a lot of stuff, and to be honest, a lot of trash. But also some hidden gems. I was afraid that my husband (who is a little bit of a... collector) would want to bring to much stuff to our house, but it turned out just fine. Some artwork and rugs for us, and some bins with kitchen items that we store for our sons that are about to leave the nest. Oh, what I was going to say was that though Swedish death cleaning is a considerate gift from you to your children, please don't impose the idea to unwillingly elderly parents. In that case it's so much better to deal with the stuff when they are gone and spend the last precious time together without argues. Maybe go through some stuff without any intention of declutter but let them tell you about the story behind all nick-knack. That is want you really want to keep after they are gone!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yes, totally! You can only declutter your own possessions or with someone else’s blessing. I never touched the things my mom loved, but she was totally willing to let go of paperwork, kitchen utensils, plastic nursery pots and rusty tools😅

[@sandraolsson1532]

@@BenitaLarsson Just to make clear, my comment was no critique to you. I'm sure you and your mom did this in mutual agreement and with respect. Love your chanel, by the way. It's both entertaining and inspiring! Makes me happy every time you let a new video out!

[@k.krisztina189]

I read this book ab 5 years ago and I really liked to read it. This book was very thought-provoking. At that time, I had already been on the path of minimalism for 2 years, but this book helped me understand one key thing: what would I leave behind for my children if I were to die suddenly, for example in an accident, illness, etc. I promoted this book a lot to my Hungarian compatriots as a must-read in this materialistic world.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So thought provoking even for an already minimalist!

[@cathy3701]

Thanks so much for sharing this personal task. I think Swedish death cleaning is an unselfish act for those loved ones left behind.

[@BenitaLarsson]

It really is! Thanks for watching!

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Your mom’s home is charming. It is well collected. Sorry for your loss. Losing your mom can be so traumatic

[@ritabutler1951]

I don’t have children, but a number of nieces & nephews. I recently downsized to a one bedroom apartment and got rid of a lot of stuff. Now I am trying to keep up a steady pace of decluttering. It does make life so much simpler to have less.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So much simpler when you don’t spend your days managing stuff!

[@erinriordan6304]

I have been helping my 82 year old mom declutter her home which includes her own stuff and stuff from both my grandmothers and great aunt. In the past, she was reluctant to get rid of anything but after 2 serious falls she has been so much more agreeable. In fact, we've had quite a few laughs at some of the things she's kept. I'm also an only child and don't want the burden and stress of dealing with all this stuff when she passes so I'm encouraging her to gift some of her things to family members and friends who really want them. As we all know, it's a process.

[@BenitaLarsson]

My mom and I also laughed at some of the things she kept and the reasons 😆

[@aussieanne6812]

The number of views this video has had in 4 hours is amazing and shows that we all struggle with the decluttering process, but particularly after the loss of a loved one. My own experience when my 93 year old mother died has made me more determined to make sure I don’t leave a lot for my son (an only child) to sort through at the end. It was overwhelming to deal with my loss and then to sort through the family home that had been built by my father and grandfather, and thankfully my brother and sister were there to help. Emotions ran high as we said goodbye to loved items but there was also laughter as we remembered our extremely happy childhood. I’ve kept Mum’s favourite lounge chair and a few smaller things, like the kitchen spoon rest us kids bought her one mothers’ day - all practical and useful. I still have a few boxes left to sort through eight years after her passing. This video has motivated me to finish that job. Thanks Benita.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I love that you kept such practical and useful things!

[@jessiemacleod6100]

I had a tear as well

[@extrememinimalism]

I love that you filmed the house so beautifully x

[@rosamariahontoria5089]

Hi Benita! This is Rosa from Barcelona. I'm 58 years old and I'm working in this matter: clean of dead. I am not children and my brother and me have cleaned our parents house recently. It has been very sad 😢😢 Thank you for your videos. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching them, Rosa!

[@KarronAngel]

The portrait of you is amazing. What wonderful memories you have xxxxxxxxxxx

[@MarySmith-zn5dz]

I began this process three years ago. It is very satisfying and I highly recommend. It’s a gift to my children!

[@BenitaLarsson]

The best gift you can give!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Gaby_S6581]

Happy birthday to you, dear Benita.🎉

[@TGYtco]

I have been waiting for you to cover this! 😅 Thank you!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Finally, right? I’ve had requests since I pretty much started here on KZbin!😅

[@frappalina]

This is so touching and so nostalgic. It feels like being in another point in time.

[@womaninreallife]

Your mom had a lovely sense of style. I love the artwork you kept. Great choice! ❤

[@julestopper7553]

"a gentle art" I love that sentiment.

[@clarabenazera599]

What a beautiful way of thinking of the time passing! Thank you so much for sharing! I think we find some peace when we began this process of letting go…. Cheers🌲💗

[@carolinemcgowan9148]

Brilliant subject and amazing book .. I did this last year for my parents... they still have an awful lot of things .. It is incredible how less = more .. I tried thinking that if there was a fire what would I grab first .. in the end it just showed how very few items truly mean everything to us .. Thank you for touching upon this and for making this video .. Happy Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year .

[@Babs247]

Happy Birthday to my favorite utube friend who taught me about the peace found in simplicity ❤🎉

[@honeyjinx02]

Recently discovered your channel and I'm obsessed! I love it! My grandpa passed away a couple of years ago and cleaning his house was quite the chore--about 60 years worth of stuff even when he and grandma were not great hoarders. It was also bittersweet because they helped raise me. We donated a lot of their good china and appliances to our local immigrant community, and we sold grandpa's tools, too.

[@DH-ku6qg]

Well handled. Your mom was a treasure and practical as well. Thank you for sharing her with us.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I love that she was so pragmatic!

[@SondraRose]

Love the book! Thank you for sharing your journey. 💚

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

I feel so inspired! Thank you for this.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So happy if the video left you inspired!

[@sarahmorris1939]

Your mom's home looked so beautiful ❤

[@BeFabWithGab]

What a lovely video honouring how you took care of your moms things. Rather than pick up tips I thought of how your mom lived in that home and then I thought of my mom and the things I still have of hers. So well done 🌟

[@natasha_142]

Benita, thank you so much for this video. It must've been tough to go through your parents' things, but thank you for taking us with you. Loved the little stories about your family!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@lmeadow52]

So sorry about the loss of your Mom. I can't imagine going through it as an only child. Knowing that counseling is available in whatever form works eases the mind. Thank you for such a thoughtful video and tour of your mom's home. My mom used to go through the things in her home on a regular basis. She was very neat and organized. She was doing Swedish death cleaning before it became a thing on social media. We had to move Mom to a retirement home when the Alzheimers got worse. My two sisters had been going through and packing up items that mom wanted passed on her home prior to the move. I am grateful for all they did because I was 4 hours away with kids in school so i couldnt be there. Once mom was in her new apartment, they did the purging and packing of her home. Even with all mom's organizing it was brutal and very emotional. There was still so much to go through. I didnt want much. I have a couple of pieces of furniture and some other things that make me think of memories of mom. I have been purging my home for a couple of years and just bought the Swedish Death Cleaning book to help me get it finished. My kids wont want most of my stuff so saving them from what my sisters went through is a priority. It doesnt make us heartless or less sentimental to purge things. I think it's practical.

[@melissasmith8151]

what a beautiful video! I admit I teared up watching when you spoke about your parents as I lost my father a few years ago. it really makes you think about all the items you leave behind and what others will do with it. the house was gorgeous!

[@Bristolbelle59]

What a thought-provoking video, beautifully filmed. My parents tried to clear out their things before they died just 3 months apart. But my mum wished she’d started earlier as she ran out of energy in later life. I definitely need to make a start now!

[@olivemaycards]

I’m sorry for your loss. I was talking to an older friend about this - we’re never going to be younger than we are now! It’s not likely that we’re going to have more strength and energy in the future. And it takes time and practice. Everything we can do now will be something we don’t have to deal with later. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Do start earlier than you think you should!

[@Bristolbelle59]

@@olivemaycards 👍

[@Bristolbelle59]

👍@@BenitaLarsson

[@MuseKosh]

Dear Benita, thank you for sharing this very sensitive experience. This video was very important and helpful to me on so many levels. In the same time it was at moments painful to watch. I couldn´t help putting myself on your place, thinking of your loss and about my mother. I try to inspire her with my own example, showing how much easier life becomes when you own less. Apparently not only life... However this is a delicate topic, that not everybody is ready to accept. I believe this book could help me to make even more progress on my minimalist journey.

[@anne-mariebiorci5453]

I really appreciated this, thank you🇦🇺🦘🐨

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@suzanostmanbackman5005]

Such a wellmade video. Thank you Benita for sharing your life and this information.Great info about talking to a therapist and I absolute love the fact you shared about the book.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vanessablanc2074]

Sorry for your loss. ❤ I read that book too and loved it. That portrait of you is adorable!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you, the book is such a good read!

[@silviathomas3224]

Thank you for sharing this video. I do agree that other generations do not always want all the things we keep. Everyone has different ideas and thoughts of what is important to them.

[@barbiec4312]

Such a wonderfully done video. Thank you.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@thisispw]

Thank you again for such good advice. Forward thinking and pre-emptive action should be something we all should do. Both sets of parents with a lot of possessions was our task during a difficult time. No one should have to deal with that.

[@monicaw101]

Just ran to get the book ! Thank you sooo much Benita !!! Same as always, learning something from you ❣

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yay! Such a great read, enjoy!

[@pequenamarina]

I didn't know about this, but it is SO me!!!! Thank you for the video. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

You’re a Swedish death cleaner pro!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@pattysperfectday5397]

Thanks for describing this in such a beautiful way. I read the book and enjoyed it, but your take on it has given it deeper meaning to me. Thank you.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much!

[@carmenmilani4396]

Come sempre video utili ed originali.. superBenita😊 grazie!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Grazie mille! I’m so hoping you enjoy my videos!

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

I am so glad that you kept your most cherished items and let the rest bless someone else. 🥰

[@2222dw]

I, too, am an only child, however I never married or had children. My mother is 87 and I hope I will be as practical and organized as you - I admire the way you look at things and are so practical.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Being pragmatic and unsentimental helps for sure😅

[@tamarakelly5341]

The saying “reality bites” is no truer than this video. My husband and I have no children, next of kin or close enough friends. Obviously I’m organised and practical to be watching and subscribing. I have no idea what will happen to us in our golden years. My mother is also 87 and staying with us over Christmas. She has no idea how lucky she is.

[@frankietorres6740]

Beautiful video. Great practical advice. Blessings

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@snorlund1]

My sympathy in the passing of your Mom, Benita! I like the items you kept. Very curated! The art you kept is very nice! That was a cute photo of you when you were little, that your son wanted. I have some keepsakes from the passing of my Mom, too. They are very special to me! ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you and thanks so much for watching!

[@amoto1501]

I can really appreciate all of the work that you went through along with your grief. I am in a similar situation, this video is lovely. Xo

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m happy if it’s of help to you!

[@janeb3024]

I love this book every time I read it! Thank you, Benita, for sharing this approach with all of us. I think I will go and find my copy and read it again, if only to have a few chuckles!💕😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

She’s so sweet and funny! Such a great book!

[@sylvia.j]

This was the most gentle explanation of this that I have ever seen. Thank you so much.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, I'm so happy to hear that!

[@janhaydon1505]

Such an inspiring video Benita.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@emmacannon2011]

What a calm, positive and healthy way to approach the topic of death. Weirdly, I found it comforting. I love all of your videos but this one especially. Thanks Benita. ❤️

[@waisanchan5850]

I’ve heard about death cleaning. But your video was done very well in explaining and giving examples of the gentle art of death cleaning. Thank you😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@sheilahenderson5973]

Thank you for this thought provoking and inspiring video 🤍

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching it!

[@ymb6987]

Benita, thank you so much for sharing your experience. Soo glad that you were able to declutter with her. I read the book and truly enjoyed it while taking away tips that have served great purpose!

[@BenitaLarsson]

It’s such a good book with so much great advice!

[@ShayBK]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences on such a tough topic.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching the video!

[@FabiWe91]

My parents, who are in their early sixties, recently moved from their old family home to a way smaller apartment. Before I had already started my own decluttering and minimalism journey. So when it became obvious that they would sell the house in the near future, I gave my Marie Condo book to my mom. And they really took her lessons to their hearts! They decluttered radically and are now left with around 25% of their former belongings. So proud of them.

[@alisonmckenzie1415]

Lovely seeing your mom’s home and the possessions you kept of hers.I also kept some of my parents possessions and enjoy seeing them around my home.Thank you Benita🫶🏻.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@RobEbbutt]

What an admirable video, Benita! Very sympathetically presented by you. Never heard of the term 'Swedish death cleaning' of course, but as someone approaching seventy years old I have dealt with possessions and estates of my late Uncle then my Mom in recent years. Yes, it isn't easy and there was a lot to do! Thanks for sharing your experience. And may we wish you a happy Christmas and a productive 2024! xxx

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much! God jul!

[@julesmeans8174]

I love the book too. So relaxing. Downsizing my mum’s big house was a challenge and MM is a comforting voice on audio. Highly recommend!!! ✨🏠✨

[@BenitaLarsson]

Ooh, I should listen to the audio version too!

[@linedallaire9631]

Thank you, Benita.... loved it as usual . Love from a friend in Canada 🇨🇦 ❤️

[@BenitaLarsson]

So happy that you enjoyed it!

[@quirkycottageshenanigans9003]

Such a touching video sharing your mom's home & contents. I really enjoyed this video especially on how you chose the items you kept & the process you went thru. I'm missng my sweet mom & this made me lovingly think of her. ❤

[@briangenny8670]

Thankyou Benita for covering this topic I have read and enjoyed the book. 3 years on since my mum passed away I still have papers and photos to go through this has been helpful.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m so happy if it’s a helpful video!

[@maureenshaw737]

Gosh Benita, you have had SUCH a lot on your plate this past year. Wishing you love, strength and the bright green shoots of Spring-to-come 🌱🪴🐝

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much!

[@frappuccino68]

I was amazed that the caption of your first birthday pic was in German! I love Margareta’s book so much and it all makes so much sense. Thanks for tackling this subject. Hallo and hej from Cologne, Germany! 👋🏻

[@BenitaLarsson]

It does make total sense, doesn’t it!

[@jessiemacleod6100]

Oh this video was so well put together. It was personal and practical. I loved that Willy got that beautiful picture of you, and that you were wearing your moms cozy cardigan. I do have the audio book, its great and nice to hear her voice. Thanks for this special video. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much!

[@theungraded]

Thank you for another heartwarming and practical sharing. Read that book and thinking of reading again to decide on my on Swedish death cleaning plan! It is beautiful to be able to plan ahead intentionally!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching again!

[@Costanza_G]

Tak for sharing this with us, I find it a very sensible thing to do, things don’t come with us in the afterlife and usually we have too many stuff!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Costanza_G]

@@BenitaLarsson I am a swede inside aha! Although I am italian I am a minimalist like you, don’t like to have a lot of stuff, especially when I’ll be old! My parents have many things and will be daunting to reduce it all

[@lisaschumacher7111]

Thank you Benita❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@melaniehoffman8512]

Thank you for this very needed video.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@olivemaycards]

Love those photos!! I enjoyed the book too, found it helpful and not at all morbid. I think we all have stories of relatives who didn’t (couldn’t) face their own mortality and left behind big messes. It’s awful to be angry at a person you’re grieving for. I have tried to learn from the relatives I visit - if I am annoyed with them for keeping something broken they’ll never fix I look around my own home for the same kind of clutter. It’s much easier to see other people’s junk than our own! There was an American show about death cleaning with Swedish experts who guide people through the process. It was quite fun but only available on Peacock streaming - it was maybe a bit too blunt/honest for network TV.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I saw that show! The first episode was a bit off putting but then it picked up and I loved it!

[@juliebrown3720]

Thank you for sharing this explaining this in great detail. Your Mums house was beautiful I can hope my home will be less cluttered in years to come.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@noonunoon]

Sorry for your loss. Such a sweet and considerate mom you got. I'm on the decluttering journey. And hopefully my mom will see the benefit of the less cluttered home and start doing the Swedish death cleaning too.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m sure that will motivate her too!

[@martha4136]

I was gifted this book , have read it twice, it truly inspired me and I have been going through things, don’t want to burden my children with too much. I truly enjoyed this video and always admire what you do, thank you.

[@BenitaLarsson]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@dianeyoung8068]

I agree, I am so happy that I have been active decluttering and I am very careful about what comes into our house. I do not want to leave a ton of things for my kids to have to deal with when we are gone. Thanks for the thoughtful video and reminder.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much for watching it!

[@nicolablom8053]

Love your videos, thank you for all the content. Please share a home tour! Love the beautiful floors and doors!

[@BenitaLarsson]

There’s an empty apartment tour here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2mchpd_msdkoKssi=WMD-Bk3NBK9uI2KP