"Swedish Death Cleaning" (it really works... BUT CAN WE DO IT?)

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"Swedish Death Cleaning" (it really works... BUT CAN WE DO IT?) Today we are helping a friend declutter a lifetime of stuff that was handed down to him.
Decluttering with Swedish Death Cleaning - Don't Burden Your Family: • Decluttering with Swed...
Decluttering with my mom Playlist: • Decluttering and Organ...
Blog Posts:
Swedish Death Cleaning Blog Post: shannontorrens.com/declutteri...
Declutter Motivation Post: shannontorrens.com/declutter-...
VLOG Channel: / @woodglueru
Instagram: / shannontorrens
#swedishdeathcleaning #familyminimalism
I tried "Swedish Death Cleaning" (and it worked!)
00:00 Swedish Death Cleaning
00:31 Getting Bins Down
01:17 Starting the decluttering process
03:12 Decluttering Homemade Ornaments
05:33 Quotes from the Swedish Death Cleaning Book
07:16 How to Check if something is worth money
08:24 Conversation about the importance of Decluttering while you can
11:17 The difference between Swedish Death Cleaning and Regular Decluttering
15:45 TTFN High Five

[@karladoyle6241]

Your Mom has gone from a resistant participant to your decluttering wingman. Just shows how good decluttering can be.

[@brightpurpleviking]

My daughter has zero sentiment when it comes to things. The only reason she would want anything of mine is to see how much she could sell it for…so my husband and I are going to sell it all and take a nice trip instead. My son, however, is a borderline hoarder and would keep it all just to keep it all…another reason to sell it all now.

[@shannontorrens1]

I love to hear this! Because a nice trip for you is what you deserve. =)

[@leoren2685]

You should offer some of the most meaningful pieces to your son rather than to just secretly destroy what he would treasure. It is his family, too.

[@brightpurpleviking]

@@leoren2685 nobody is doing anything in secret or doing anything sinister. He is just the type to hoard things without thought of sentimentality. Four TVs in one room, side tables everywhere, any and all books, all the clothes he has ever owned even if they don’t fit, over 100 pairs of shoes, etc etc etc …it’s a thing.

[@sct4040]

Yes, take that trip with your money, enjoy!

[@andeebee2530]

I love the idea of leaving a few little notes. I’m 55 and recently had a medical scare that gave me motivation to declutter further. When I was in the emergency department being kept alive, one thing that went through my head was that no one in my family knew my passwords or important things like my will, insurance etc. As well as decluttering, I’m about to make sure my family know what and where all my important info is.

[@jilllunceford4114]

Check out the Clutter Fairy. She recently did a video about things you should have set up. Made me really think what I need to do.

[@MikeyDonna]

I would tell myself that if I had never inherited all this I wouldn’t be going through this piece by piece. So I would take all to the antique store in one fell swoop and be done with it, not even removing the lids. I’m not earning any money by keeping it boxed up in the attic so I don’t know what’s inside anyway. I’ve been through this with my mother. I just bit the bullet and did it, over and done with. All I kept was a hand made quilt and a needlework piece. No guilt, that stuff was her stuff, not mine. Donna

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Donna, that is excellent you were able to do that! I know it can be harder for some to let go.

[@brodiemasoon3339]

Feel like I'm watching an episode of "Hoarders."

[@mwebb3014]

I really love donating everything because, when I need something, I visit thrift stores first and am so grateful when I find a high quality item I need for a reasonable price. I like to pass that excitement along to others. I don’t enjoy the hassle of selling unless it is truly a high dollar item that is in demand.

[@shannontorrens1]

I totally agree!

[@bergerfry5424]

Our niece works at a middle school and loves our historical items for class. The second grade teachers have grandmas wash stand with pitcher basin and lower shelf had the chamber pot. It shows the students actual history. When they read through the Little House books it brings the story to realization. I also donated all craft supplies, office supplies, bookcases, even socks still in packages…for us it’s easier to get it out of our care.

[@fabienneroure9995]

Great video ladies! My mother passed away a long time ago (I was young) and my father kept everything. A few years ago he downsized and we helped him declutter his stuff and my mom's.I will be honest, it was absolute hell😡Aside from all my mom' stuff, my father kept every pieces of paper and receipts all the way from when he was young. My dad was unable to go through everything so we did it. After going through that ordeal ( I know it was not my father's intention but it was an ordeal nonetheless), I decided three years ago to do a major decluttering in my home (I decluttered with a vengeance lol ). I organised all the photos with notes and made the kids a memory box. All my personal papers are in order in a big binder so my family won't have to look everywhere for them. It's hard enough going through someone's passing away without having to deal with tons of stuff. Now I do have lots of plants, I mean a lot, so the deal is if something was to happen to me they can give all the plants away without feeling guilty. I'm not perfect and we don't when it's our time to go but I want to make it as easy as possible for my family to deal with things🤗 Take care and blessings from Ontario Canada😘🌼🌟

[@susannovak8263]

I really enjoyed this video! While the book about Swedish death cleaning may have brought it into popularity, the practice has been around for generations in Swedish culture. As a teenager back in the 1960s, I helped my Swedish grandmother do her sorting and decluttering while she explained to me how she had helped her elders with this same process. What a valuable lesson I learned!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I felt sad for this family. Looking at the date line I realized I was also 30 in 1993.😢 It just makes you realize life is such a gift. I was very ill in my early 20’s and had to have life saving surgery. It just makes me so grateful to be here.❤️🙏 My husband and I only have one son and the last thing I want to do is leave him with the burden of decluttering all our belongings during the grieving process. I’m trying to explain this to my husband. Shannon thanks again for doing a video with your mom. You have such a beautiful relationship.❤️🙏

[@carolcusick8579]

After watching you and your mom, I realize you need someone to laugh (and at times cry) with while doing a sentimental decluttering! ❤️

[@jacoblawrence6580]

Great video! I am 28 and my family is currently this at the moment with my grandparents things. My grandparents were born in the 1920's and raised during the great depression. They saved everything. My grandmother I believe wanted to be more organized, but because my grandfather later developed Alzheimer's, she was not able to do all of the things that she wanted to. She had a stroke in 2009, and we had to place my grandpa in a Nursing home and he later passed that December. My grandmother recovered pretty well, but then broke a hip in 2013. There were some complications with the surgery and she had to be placed in Rehab/nursing home. She passed in 2017 at the age of 92. We just started going through the house this past summer and it has been overwhelming. I have sorted pictures, newspapers, cards, letters. My grandparents saved all of their parents belongings, and my grandfather's mother saved all of her mother's things so it quite a lot. Still have a lot more to go through. But doing this at a younger age has helped me see what is important and what isn't.

[@roslynmorton7066]

I am doing a Diploma in Family history and it has shown me the value of writing down the memories, taking photos of the family history items and then decluttering all the everyday stuff. However, I am a quilter and that will be a lot to move on, however, easy to donate once I am gone. I am now 70 and enjoy decluttering a cupboard at a time every few weeks.

[@Onurtime]

To be fair, when you store something for two decades, without looking at it, it gives you the benefit of a more neutral perspective, because you don't remember the items. If you try and sort through the estate of someone who passed away, if they are dear to you, you need time for the pain to subside.

[@inspiringsimple]

This is amazing. If I found out my parents kept stuff like this for 25 years I would beg them to donate everything.

[@KellyB3]

I love the reminder of this video. I think Swedish Death is great at any age. My mom left me with so much junk. She was very depressed before she passed and had hoarded so much. She was also a shopaholic. I was drowning in her things. That was such a terrible time in my life. Thanks for the content ♥️

[@bex438]

My mum was a hoarder and shopaholic too Kelly and left a house full of 60 years worth of things for me to sort out when she passed away, it was a really tough time and made me resolve ot to have/keep things that I no longer wanted/needed x

[@CocoB22]

I can so relate. ❤

[@shaunmcarthur745]

I just saw this episode today. It was really helpful! The sentence that helped the most was something like, If you have enjoyed something then now you can get rid of it. Plus I found it helpful when you talked about how our children do not want our stuff! Thank you, Shannon so much! I feel like I can do this! Love, Shaun

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Shaun, I am so happy to hear this. Good luck with your decluttering. =)

[@almabackstrom5414]

My folks were hang on to everything type of people. They lived during the great depression ,so I understand. My mom hated my decluttering and just always said that after I'm gone , it will keep you busy. Sigh. I've always been a minimal person and I love to see people using their things. If you arent using, pass it on. My husband still struggles with this, but he finally sees the value of it. I am 70 and love a missionary grandma life. I go where my kids need me. We only own a handful of things, but its everything we need. It's so easy to pack and move. When each of my 9 kids moved out of our home, they were expected to take all their belongings. They still make fun of me for that but how else do you learn to deal with your stuff? 4 of the 9 kids are bothered by clutter like their mom. The rest are clutter bugs. Haha. Life is interesting.❤

[@1Lightdancer]

My daughter and i have been song this on my garage! My dad died in '92, and my mom 12 years later. My daughter had stored those 'we'll go through them later' things, then they moved into my garage during her divorce season! ... so things from my folks and of hers, plus mine own overflow!! ... it takes us awhile to recover from sessions - but so good to be doing, as I prepare to move into my grannie flat!

[@susantonkin287]

We have recently moved house and took over three hundred boxes and one hundred bags with us after thirty eight years at our previous home which was all our married life and inherited things from our parents...Now decluttering on a massive scale...We are not well and have been overwhelmed by the amount of stuff...Cannot decorate or clean properly until it is dealt with...Pleased three hundred boxes have been dealt with in seven weeks...A friend is doing tip runs and a charity is collecting from us which has been a great help...

[@shannontorrens1]

Wow Susan, that sounds like a lot of work. It will feel great when it's all cleared out. =)

[@Beverly2020]

I just asked my nieces if they wanted my mother’s beautiful Haviland china. Years ago she generously gave it to me-along with her silver and crystal because she knew I would use it. And I did. But I no longer entertain Ike that. My nieces are excited to get it and I’m more excited to see that empty shelf space and I know it would make my mother happy to know that it’s loved again. Here’s a reality check…I just saw a listing for 70 pieces of this china for $150. I remember spending $60 40 years ago for a single serving piece. This no longer has the monetary value that some people believe it to have. Let it go. Find people who want your belongings before someone else comes in and just tosses it. Love your videos! They motivate me.

[@annrogers8129]

How you both were with one another reminded me of my mother and I. We used just dissolve into fit of laughter when we’re doing things together around the house. Thank you for bringing back those precious memories. ❤❤

[@denisebunker6674]

I love the Buy Nothing Facebook sites because you are giving to people who love it. And even if it’s a reseller I’m helping a local person make income. The selling of stuff sounds so overwhelming. I’m too lazy. 😂😂 I love the method of Swedish Death Cleaning.

[@ourtubesocks]

Yes!!! Buy Nothing is the best!! I always get happy when Declutter videos mention it as an alternative to thrift stores.

[@Nan-59]

I would suggest doing this before age 65. Especially if you have any health challenges!

[@bananaanna1373]

You might be surprised at how much things are NOT worth. You can only get what you find someone to pay. The “in-thing” is mid-century modern. Casual and colorful. This video shows what burdens things truly are that are not being used. But some of those similar items can become cherished simply by the associated memories, i.e. a teapot that Mom and Grandma shared tea in with granddaughter.

[@kbarnettbarnett8273]

I can’t tell you how much stuff I’ve decluttered. It’s nice to open a cabinet or door and not have things fall out. I don’t need two of a lot of things so one was gone. The hard one was my clothes, but I did it and will do more. You’ve both really inspired me and I’m so happy I did this.

[@The_Joy_Finder]

This was interesting. Clever strategy to store it away until the initial emotions subside. A lot to get through though.

[@annabraithwaite7284]

I love this idea. It would be a great tradition to start with your parents. It would help then know what you would handed down or kept once they pass. My mum asks me often if id like something from her home. I imagine it would be a huge weight of her mind to know its ok to just keep things for herself. Not everyone else.

[@janetkeane9781]

I’m the first born female of the family that was handed (saddled with) two generations or more of stuff then also my kids stuff that remained for too long. But no longer - hooray - at 65, I refuse to do this to my daughter. Worth the emotions to get rid of or give to new homes.

[@barbkandel777]

Now the Dynamic Duo is out spreading their joy (and incredible decluttering skills) to others. Love it! ❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Yay! Thank you!

[@dianehardt9117]

Thanks for this video. I have the Swedish Death Cleaning book and it’s a good time to re-read it. Just last week I dealt with old china tea cups that were my aunt’s who passed away two years ago at the age of 89. They were given to her by her aunt (my great aunt) many years ago. I reached out to my great aunt’s daughter who is 93! I’ve never met her and we had a lovely phone conversation. She was not interested in the tea cups that were originally her mothers nor was her daughter so I donated them the next day. They were not sentimental to me but I thought they might be to the original owners family.

[@carolann811]

I feel like everyone of a certain age has items from Occupied Japan and Germany. Fathers, brothers, uncles went away to the war and brought back mementos for their wives, sisters, and family. I'm going through this now with the passing of my mother. Occupied Japan china which is fairly worthless and some things from Germany that are of some value. On balance, they all can go. They aren't my memories so they're not mine to keep. Someone else who appreciates these pieces not for the sentimental value but as collectors can enjoy them.

[@JenniferPerryMyScraproom]

I only have a couple of boxes from family members to sort but I totally understand not being ready. I am so not ready so the boxes will stay where they are. As far as the rest of my house - getting ready for interior painters is a great way to declutter. 🙂 I was given a 2 week window to get the house ready for the painters and we managed to totally declutter 3,500 sq ft of house and it felt great! 1 - got junk truck, 10 loads to the donation center, and about 3 loads to the city dump. It helped that we rented a small storage unit for the "keep stuff" to have a safe place to be while the painters were working. The funny part was is that I did not think my house was cluttered because we had so much space. It is amazing what can be accumulated in 20 years.

[@Nan-59]

“Well anyone be happier if I be save this” is the quote for ME! It really says it all!!

[@micheleohmer4117]

I reserved the book: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning from the library, I can't wait to read it! You and your Mom are so lovely!

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Michele, I loved that book.

[@bb_lz9790]

It's a fun book to read! There's an interview of Margareta Magnusson by one of her neighbors on KZbin. They take a trip down to their storage lockers and her comment about the interviewer's locker is priceless. I laugh every time I watch it.

[@ap85jp87]

I just love it when your Mom is with you, she is delightful!

[@jans8139]

Its 10 years since my mother died and it took me two years to go through her stuff. It was very emotional and difficult. All that is left to sort is the photographs & news clippings/scrapbooks she made of life events.

[@emilyhammer4192]

Thank you for showing your emotions! Decluttering items because they belonged to a loved one can be so hard.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Emily, I was so sad when I heard the story of what happened because of course we can always imagine how we would feel if it happened to us. I hope you are doing well.

[@lindaroyal8161]

Another good video! You & your mom could do a whole series of helping folks with SDC, I would watch them. Love the way you & your mom interact.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Linda! I hope you have a great day.

[@bgholmq]

I second this! I love your videos with your mom!

[@bananaanna1373]

Yep, love Mom.

[@rebeckamattisson5083]

Your mom is pure gold!

[@susan5661]

I love keeping one item from family member collections that I have memories from, and donate all the rest. Great video Shannon and Mom!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Susan I hope you have a great week.

[@supergran1000]

"It doesn't mean anything to anybody else". Sobering, but true. I've also applied that to the buying of souvenirs when on holiday. Nobody else will appreciate the little ornaments and knick-knacks that you bring back for them. If you MUST buy something, then let it be genuine quality items or, better, food!

[@shannontorrens1]

I completely agree with this! I hope you are doing well.

[@mjcossel6136]

Just today I was thinking that my kids should get all edibles as Christmas gifts! 😂 I think that could be fun!

[@monicaosterhaus6917]

Thank you for explaining the difference between decluttering and Swedish death cleaning. Love the videos with your mom.

[@happydays1336]

I read a humorous thing: "There has never been a hearse that's towing a U-Haul." I think it 100% describes Swedish Death Cleaning.

[@TPayne-fm8ie]

I love these videos with your Mom. You two have a great relationship. My Mom is over 90 and it's become a struggle to get her to part with anything that can be reused or has any value whatsoever.

[@sandramooso9400]

I was so excited to see you did another video with your Mom.

[@shannontorrens1]

More to come!

[@GoingGreenMom]

Somewhere between my brother getting married, his wife forcing my Dad out of the house, and them moving, all of our family Christmas decorations disappeared. Glad I had a few things from when I moved out, but the Christmas stockings Grandmother needlepointed for us, the personalized witchball Christmas ornaments, and some little nutcracker things I do really miss. I'm sure there were some horsehair hats, crocheted wreaths etc in there too, but I had a few from Grandmother and Granddad's. I really need to do my sentimental bins.... I expect it is not really much of anything I remember much about. We use most of the stuff we have inherited from people.

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

Love seeing a glimpse of Levi.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SCsweettea]

I love your mom. She is like my girlfriends. I am doing the same process decluttering is so satisfying. More mom please

[@aliceaustin3603]

You said to make decluttering fun and laugh --- you sure can with your mom. She is a hoot and I love her!

[@julielauwers5630]

I have listened to the Art of Swedish Death Cleaning twice on audible. I really like that book. I am working with a neighbor who is older and we are slowly but surely working through some of her things. 😊

[@terryruiz7417]

I'm going through this now. My died late last year, and now I'm trying to gently go through my parents home...my 95 year old mother still lives there and is hanging on tightly to things. Not easy! I know the majority of work will be done when she's gone, but if I can just get a good sort now, it will be helpful. Eventually I can see myself hiring someone to handle an estate sale. Burdening is exactly what this feels like. Parents have collected!!!

[@JudelovesRiver12]

I went through my sentimental bin the past weekend and it was an emotional rollercoaster for sure. I ended up getting rid of half my stuff though and only kept the truly sentimental things. Very refreshing!

[@shannontorrens1]

Yay! That is great.

[@tgayer1]

I think that Christmas ornaments can be very sentimental, but in this case, it sounds like these ornaments belonged to his mom’s parents or grandparents.

[@puggynugz922]

Your mom is so pretty!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Oh my! Well done! I’m 66 and I have another few boxes of this kind of stuff.

[@shannontorrens1]

That is awesome!

[@siameseire]

You two are fabulous; soothing, calm, compassionate and fun.

[@dorisochoa116]

So nice of you both to help a friend. Your mom seems like a decluttering pro now! Awesome that she can speak from experience! You guys rock! Your videos are always so enjoyable and relatable 😊

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you so much!

[@luzking9487]

I was in my late 30’s when my mother passed away. I have a few totes to go through. Some have a few clothing. And have that perfume smell. :) It’s hard. I’m planning on sorting it out and see which grandchildren want anything or donate it. I think 2 boxes at a time is good to go through. Does take your energy away. Blessings

[@shannontorrens1]

That is a great idea to take it slow, because it does take a lot of thought and energy. I wish you luck.

[@jenniferwright8355]

I can't stress enough how helpful this is for the children. Good job! ❤

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! 🙂

[@ariwithlove]

You two are a fun duo! 💞

[@korab.23]

I liked the idea of "spark joy" but in practice, I couldn't make it work. This makes more sense to me.

[@debnelson3979]

You and your mom had some great ideas. My suggestion to go with check on eBay is to click on the "completed auctions" to see if the same type of items actually sold and, if they did, how much they sold for. I always check the completed before deciding whether to list or donate. Just FYI

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Deb! We do exactly the same thing, so happy you shared that tip.

[@juliebrooke6099]

Great to just get started. When it seems overwhelming starting with just one or two boxes is a good idea.

[@mysikind8076]

My mother in law passed away almost a year ago and it's only now that the family is going through her things. I have three daughters and they are very different so one may want to keep things other two not so much. Much of the stuff are antiques so is deciding what hold sentiment and others that don't. A number of things are of historical value but for my husband some are very sentimental. I don't think he's ready to let go of some things yet. So we'll have to go back through those in the future. It's difficult to let go of things that one has sentimental value to. We'll get there. I have things from my Great great parents and grandparents in my home but we still use them. Old and New can mix beautifully. Some great advice in this video. ❤️

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I wish you luck going through all your items. =)

[@aparnakulkarni1640]

It is really difficult to give away our loved ones things. I gave away my mother's clothes which were at my place. As she is staying at different place and don't need them. She is there, still I got panicked as if something is gone from my life. May be the hardest thing to admit nothing and no one last forever. Its a fear of losing someone while decluttering their things when they are still with you. I think you will understand what I meant to say. Even a broken thing of your loved one is hard to part away.

[@holly5791]

The only thing I would say is bump that 65 years old back to 55. I suddenly became disabled at age 64. Now, I am doing the decluttering, have no one to help me and it is an arduous task...to say the least.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Holly, sorry to hear that. I think you are right the sooner the better when it comes to decluttering!

[@jessicamoon2973]

You and your mom are so cute together!! I really enjoyed this helpful video and it made me smile 😊

[@jillbruce3624]

I love you gals - wish you were my friends/neighbors.

[@fayeashcroft7066]

Also loved the older episode when your mum cleaned out her bedroom and got rid of the chair and other stuff Fantastic Just love yr channel Shannon and Mum Australia 🇦🇺 🦘🦘🦘🎾🎾🎾❤️❤️❤️🐎🐎🐎🌺🌺🌺

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Faye! I hope you are having a good week.

[@fayeashcroft7066]

Just love ❤️ love ❤️ love ❤️ How you and yr mum work together Fantastic If i don’t use it I ask other members of family do they want it ??? It’s always no. Off to the op / charity shop Happy memories of my parents but the crockery not needed anymore. Better to have what you really like and are going to yse it Putting stuff in attics roofs doesn’t solve the problem if toooo much stuff Great episode Thanks Shannon and yr mum Australia 🇦🇺 🎾🎾🦘🦘

[@tgayer1]

I was sure I kept my grandparents’ coffee grinder, which my parents had at their house, but I haven’t come across it yet. It might be in a box of stuff from their house that I’m sorting through.

[@jennifersershen927]

Silver can be sold to a reputable dealer for the weight-shop around on silver prices as a lot of antique dealers don’t give a good rate. Also, Facebook marketplace is an effortless way to sell.

[@22ERICSHELLY]

Thanks! May Jesus continue to bless you and your family

[@shannontorrens1]

Same to you!

[@hazleah6271]

That was by far the best video I have seen on this subject. It was perfect - it’s so hard for a lot of people, myself included. You two make a great team!

[@shannontorrens1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saritarossi3939]

Great video - I loved the discussion of the differences in decluttering and death cleaning. As always love you and your mom's interactions - you are a great team.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I hope you are doing well.

[@VaraVannerSimpleLiving]

You can recycle broken metals like the candle holder and sometimes even get money for scraping. Check for nearby metal recyclers before just discarding. :)

[@jennyjenkins877]

I love the idea for this video and hope it becomes a series!

[@johannathorisdottir2456]

Hey there wow swedish deathcleaning i like it! I love getting rid of stuff everyday! have a very nice day

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! You too!

[@loridaou2897]

This is a really great video. Thanks. And you and your mom continue to bring joy in these videos. Thank you for sharing!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Lori!

[@annfarrell6479]

Shannon, I just love the videos you make with your mom. You two are hilarious. 😂 I’ve discussed Swedish death cleaning with my family. They have been very receptive. It has really made a difference in what I chose to keep or give space to in my home. Thanks for sharing.

[@shannontorrens1]

Hi Ann, Thank you! I hope you have a great day.

[@lisalopez5078]

We just renovated our house and we both have started the Swedish Death Cleaning I came across it while being off work during the pandemic and let me tell you my grandmother and mother in my opinion were and are horders and in 2017 we have had to move my mother and since then it has been my mission to declutter my mother makes you feel so guilty to get rid of thing but funny story I ran into a much older woman last year in Hobby Lobby and I was looking at fall decor I said to her do I need another fall decoration she said well we grow and change in our lives and when I want new I buy new and I either donate ,giveaway or throw away ! WOW did that open my eyes !! Love the Swedish Death Clean it has improved my life so far I still have a lot more to go but I work on it often !!

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you for sharing that story Lisa! I hope you are having a good day.

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I think 65 is a good age to start this process if you’re in good health. I’ve been trying to slowly get rid of things now in my 50’s as I have an autoimmune disease and very rarely feel well. I have told my husband I wanted to start the Swedish dearth cleaning as I really don’t know how I’m going to feel in years to come. It’s difficult for me now so I can’t see it getting any easier as I age.😩

[@shannontorrens1]

What a great idea to start going through things when you feel up for it. This is one reason I like to keep my sentimental things as minimal as possible now even though I am only in my 30s.

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

@@shannontorrens1 luckily you’ve been smart enough to start while you’re still so young. When you’re older I’m sure you’ll not have much to go through. As always I love seeing your mom.🥰

[@lesliedaubert1411]

When my mom moved, she left behind some furniture that I needed, and some I didn't. I had a china cabinet that I posted to sell it. My mom was not happy. But I had a friend who needed the exact type that I had. So she bought it. My mom was happy that she knew that it was going to someone she liked. I have a long empty trunk that I don't need, and won't use. Mothballs smell inside. She told me that she didn't want me to give it away to anybody that wasn't family. I didn't know it was my grandmother's. But I don't see my grandma with that trunk.

[@gurubhaikhalsa9337]

That's a very relevant statement, if you don't see your grandma with that trunk, it's not worth keeping.

[@toullieuxraphaelle9868]

Even if you don’t want to keep old papers like magazines and newspaper, please give them a new home ! It’s an incredible source of information about a period and a lot of enthousiasts about history would want them. Other than that, I think it’s a good thing to minimize those not so emotional or valuable heritage. 😊

[@Janneli2024]

My stuff is not about the money mine brings me joy from my childhood teenage years and beautiful gifts that my mother gave me over the years or notes my dad wrote to me what my children do with it is there choice it’s only my memory clutter for now 👍🏻

[@Silkytoaster]

Very good video . I think the excellent explanation given at the 12 minute mark about what Swedish death cleaning is vs decluttering would have been better placed in the first few minutes if the video rather than at the end . Strangely this came up on my you tube while I am actually reading the book 😂. The gods are telling me something.

[@shannontorrens1]

That is so funny! The internet is watching and following everything we do and think about (just kidding). I added that at the end just in case people don't know what Swedish Death Cleaning is, But I have a full video on the topic called the difference between Swedish Death Cleaning and Decluttering. =)

[@Dranma51]

I’ve had to come to terms with getting rid of some of my parents things. My kids went through it and took what they wanted, I took what I wanted and kept important papers and pictures. But the rest has to go! Very emotional! ❤️😔

[@zillahwells4063]

Great video. You and your mom are so funny too.

[@shannontorrens1]

😊 thank you

[@ashleyashley4701]

👍🏼🤗🌹❤️😘

[@hesanflicka8208]

"There is a chip in it but it is made in..." Into trash immediately!

[@shannontorrens1]

hahaha we think alike LOL

[@chloeruegg2352]

Super information - great information. I just finished reading Matt Paxton’s book and a few months ago read the Swedish Death Cleaning book. Both valuable resources. As is this video. I always watch the most pertinent-to-me videos twice (at a minimum) and this one surely is. Thanks Shannon. Hugs to you and your mom. 🥰

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you Chloe! I am so happy it has been helpful. I hope you have a nice day.

[@bonessam9618]

Oh wow. I didn't know Matt Paxton had a book. We are talking about the guy that's on Hoarder's, correct? Or is there another Matt Paxton?

[@chloeruegg2352]

@@bonessam9618 Hi Bones! Yes, it’s the same fellow from Hoarders. The book is great.

[@technicalboy1545]

Nice

[@shannontorrens1]

Thanks

[@onlyapilgrim]

this is so random, but where are your shorts from? i love the length

[@shannontorrens1]

Those are from Khols. I had to get something after I had my baby because nothing fit!

[@PHBRNTGGR2]

Your hair is so cute again! I love it this way! Speaking of saving things…my parents have saved stuff from both sets of my grandparents and older friends that have passed on. They are so afraid of giving away anything of value so there are things that they have had sitting in storage for like 30 years. Finally a few months ago they let go of some of it to auction places. The things they think are really worth money though…or things they are not sure who painted it or what not….still sitting. They have a pile of old records. Both my brother and my son were willing to take them and my parents agreed - then they thought they’d be worth money so took them back🥴 and back into the closet on the shelf they went🤦‍♀️. I’ve warned them that my brother will rent a dumpster and throw it all out when they pass on. I’ll go through it but I’m certainly not going to be hanging on to anything wondering if it’s worth money.

[@shannontorrens1]

Thank you! I think that the value of something can really hold people up on decluttering. My mom was always told everything would be worth so much if you just hold onto it and now we are realizing that all the stuff she saved isn't worth anything.

[@supergran1000]

@@shannontorrens1 So true! An item is only worth what someone else will pay for it. Its age isn't necessarily a factor in its worth. I really believe we have to rethink our attitude towards value. The benefits of having less has to outweigh any financial considerations. And, let's face it, isn't getting stuff valued and sold an absolute pain? No wonder we put it off.

[@A222Z]

Hold on to the silver -- prices will probably start rising this next year & it will be worth alot.

[@MR-rw3vc]

👍

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I have tried to sell some silver platters before but was told they were not solid silver so we’re really not valuable. I ended up donating them to the Salvation Army. Of course it doesn’t hurt to try but just so this family has a warning if they think they might be valuable. Even if the candelabra is broken it could be worth money if it was silver. These buyers just melt pieces down and buy them for the precious metals.

[@MrFoziy79]

Ladies ladies ladies, I just started watching and was horrified you both climbed the loft ladder in flip-flops, PLEASE be more careful.

[@shannontorrens1]

We love to live on the edge =)

[@gwenj5419]

Going through my mom's stuff and I just found a note someone wrote my grandfather wanting him to pick up his tool box. Why did he keep that and why did my mom still have it? Makes no sense.

[@shannontorrens1]

I think sometimes we just throw things in a bin and say we will get to it later. =)

[@micheleohmer4117]

I heard you ask if they wanted that head bust. There are several different styles but I think it is similar to one I have. It is a Mid Century Modern Marwal Chalkware Vintage Hawaiian Polynesian Woman Bust. Some are more valuable than others but they are worth money!

[@shannontorrens1]

OMG I will have to tell them if they haven't donated everything yet.