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
Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)
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
SPONSORS:
$300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING
10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box: www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm
Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: www.everyplate.com/podcast - CODE: paring299
Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. https://www.wayfair.com/
High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at fabletics.com/PARING & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything.
20% off at Cozy Earth: www.cozyearth.com - code PARING
50% off MeUndies at www.meundies.com/paring - code PARING
Use code PARING at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!
20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
South Africa