When a loved one dies there are a lot of things their surviving family members need to consider. One of those is what to do with all the belongings that person left behind. In many cases that can be completely overwhelming, because people tend to accumulate a lot of things. Between the clothes, household items, knickknacks, papers, and other items, there’s a lot to sort through and decide on.

Younger generations are also making it more and more clear that they don’t want the “good” China dishes or the furniture that’s been in the family for 100 years. They want their own things, and they aren’t interested in holding onto the past. With that in mind, many people are looking for ways to let go of more of what they own as they age.

Still, there’s a psychological attachment to possessions, and that can make it hard to send them on their way. One of the ways to get started is through the concept of “Swedish death cleaning.” This puts an emphasis on taking a careful look at your relationship with your belongings, and finding ways to make your life simpler through the process of decluttering. It’s not always easy and can take some time, but it can help you feel lighter and ease the future burden for your loved ones, too.

There are both emotional and environmental benefits when you reduce clutter, and gaining insight into psychological attachment is one of the benefits. Sometimes, becoming too attached to material things can lead to hoarding and other problematic behaviors. Ultimately, the goal of Swedish death cleaning is to prioritize experiences instead of material possessions.

There is reason to believe that doing this makes people happier and increases their well-being, making it easier for them to let go of things they don’t really need and focus on all the time they can spend with their loved ones. Whether they want to travel and have adventures, or they’re looking for a peaceful time to relax and unwind, not being surrounded by so many things to maintain can improve their quality of life.

A carefully prepared estate plan will ensure your health and financial wishes are known should you become incapacitated and that, after death, your wealth remains secure until it passes to your beneficiaries. A properly prepared plan saves money on court costs, taxes, and fees, and reduces the risk of familial strife. Contact us today to learn more!