Swedish Death Cleaning Poem by Sheena Blackhall

Swedish Death Cleaning
In Sweden, 'döstädning' (which translates to 'death cleaning) is the cultural tradition of decluttering and organizing your life before passing away.

You're old, so it should come as no surprise
That death approaches nearer every day
In Sweden that's the time to minimise

Digital clutter? Streamline if you're wise
Leave IT passwords handy, on display
Delete old files. Cut data down to size

Donate/sell/bin your clothing from old buys
Tip out your drawers- send surplus gear away
Who cares what lies behind that childhood prize!

Gather certificates. Dust off the flies
Your next of kin will need them urgently
Practical matters precede tears and sighs

To tidy up pre-death's the Swedish way
Fill up the skip. Downsize relentlessly