138: Swedish Death Cleaning with Emily McDermott
Author: Cloud10
March 31, 2026
Duration: 50:20
How would your loved ones feel if they had to go through your stuff after you're gone?
It's tough to think about, but the emotional weight of decluttering is heavy for those we leave behind.
No one wants their family grieving while sorting through a lifetime of belongings—wondering what to keep, what to toss, and what any of it truly meant.
That’s where Swedish death cleaning comes in. More than just decluttering, it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to organize your life now so your loved ones aren’t overwhelmed later.
I was so happy to sit down with Emily McDermott of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm to talk through:
• What types of things to declutter and organize today in the off chance we pass away unexpectedly
• What is "the sign up list" and how does it preserve your family's relationships?
• What book do we recommend to help you through the process?
Walk away knowing:
What is Swedish death cleaning?
Why Swedish death cleaning matters
How to begin Swedish death cleaning
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
Website: www.shannonleyko.com
Instagram: @shannonleyko
TikTok: @shannon_leyko
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown
Weekly Newsletter: The L.E.S.S. Express
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EMILY MCDERMOTT
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast
IG: @simplybyemmy
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
Storyworth Memoirs to capture your loved one's life— get $10+ off: www.storyworth.com/paring
When I Die Binders on Etsy
LegacyBox.com to digitize your photos
Ep 22: Decluttering Photos On Our Phones & In Our Homes
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
Free 20 Decluttering Roadblocks (with specific advice for each)
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)
Treasures of the Heart: A 7-Day Bible Study on Breaking Free from Material Attachments (free)
Free 15 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas
Free Gift Request Email Template
Free Know Your Why Worksheet
Complete Guide to Decluttering Kid Stuff
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