I tried 'Swedish death cleaning' and it worked 😱 (my organizing secret!)

Hey, guys! A couple years ago I made a video where I "Swedish death" cleaned my husband Charlie's closet...and it actually worked! I fell in love with the method--it works with all your possessions, from big to little. Even your sentimental clutter. So come clean and declutter with me. I feel like we could all use that in 2021. My last video on how to organize your home using Dollar Tree products landed on the YouTube trending page, and so many of you asked in the comments how to declutter and simplify your life to get organized. You said you felt overwhelmed, so I made this honest video about how I Swedish death cleaned my home to declutter and live more minimally. I wouldn't say I'm a minimalist, but living lighter has freed up so much more time to spend with family. Zero regrets! Thank you for letting me be so honest here and for watching!

#doitonadime #organize #declutter

(note this book is geared toward those over 65, but the wisdom applies here, too!)

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Write me at:
Kathryn "Doitonadime"
P.O. Box 1436
Matthews, NC USA
28106-1436

Music by licensed by Epidemic Sound.

FTC Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely my own. This post also contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. It doesn't cost you any extra. Thank you for your continued support to keep Do It On A Dime going!

[DoItOnaDime]

Thank you for letting me get so personal in this video 🥰

Organizations to donate to (you can schedule pickups!):
❤️Salvation Army : satruck.org/donate/choose )
❤️Habitat for Humanity:

[donnabradshaw]

I remember hearing about a mom, who after being widowed, realized how much her son missed dad. So she took her husband's favorite suits and had them made into a quilt for her son to take to college with him. She told him that it would like being wrapped up in a warm hug from dad.

[Sonya_Barnes_On_Move]

I had a hard time parting with my grandmother's china, but it had bounced around our family for years. I finally took it to a friend who runs a local tea room we like to eat at. We got a meal out of it, but even better is seeing it on people's table arounds the tea room and enjoying it. That would have made grandma's heart so happy!

[mmsh]

I appreciate you and the work you do. I was raised by a single parent with clinical depression and was a hoarder. I realized I was continuing the lifestyle. I finally had a wake up call after my mother passed away and purchased my first home. Thank you for being you and being understanding of homes that have clutter. It's not always laziness. Thank you.

[angieayars]

I like the fact that you mention how losing so many loved ones is a big reason people collect so much stuff, I can relate, it's like all you have left of them ...it's hard

[lynnjo]

This one brought out lots of tears. I hold on to too many things and I can feel they are starting to wear me down. Thank you.

[waldemarwiese]

Thank you so much for your words "You are enough"...this words touch my heart.

[chantellejones]

Bawling my eyes out! I recently lost my daughter. This video inspired me to start making a blanket out of her clothing. ❤️

[amberhines]

My husband died 10 years ago and I have had the hardest time letting go of his thing. Anything, even silly paper he wrote on just because he wrote on it. I have managed to let go of most of it, but I am still working through it. You sharing the story and letter from your great grandmother hit me right in the heart because I know I need to let go. I love the bear idea. I actually have a shirt of his that would make a really cool bear. And I collect bears, so I may go that route. Thank you for sharing :) <3

[DanieW]

I’ve heard you say “you are enough” countless times. For some reason today I really needed it. Thank you

[helenascribe]

My mom, who is originally from Finland, has always done this. I remember as a kid hearing her tell my dad, "Don't hang onto stuff you don't want the kids to have to go through when we're dead." I used to think that was morbid, but now I get it. 🙄

[Wpopurple]

When she held up that teddy bear and said her brother I started
Sorry for your loss Kathryn ♥️ thank you for keeping our spirits high May God always keep you smiling

[idoallthethings]

I make bears, pillows and quilts for people out of their family members clothing. Its such a wonderful (and decluttering) way to preserve memories while not taking up space with boxes and bags of things you will never see.

[lins]

One way that has always helped me to say "goodbye" is to take a photo or photos of the item. Super easy anymore because you can put those photos on a thumb drive. Takes little space. 😊

[jencruise]

I love when one sentence hits home and motivates you. "If it takes more than 5 mins to tidy a room, stuff needs to go".

[michellerochemediarelations]

This video brought tears to my eyes as it brought me back to when I decided to sell my 2200 sq foot home that was chock full top to bottom (not in a hoardin way, but 16 years of collecting and accumulating). I read the "Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, " although I was just 55, and it changed my life. It took me about 5 months to do it (my Mom died in the middle of it), but I sold my home and kept just enough to furnish a place for one person. I now live in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house (thankfully it has a walk-up attic for storage) that I keep very tidy (except my office, LOL). DOWNSIZING was the best thing I ever did! I can clean my house in an hour, and I also have peace of mind knowing I am not leaving a big mess for my relatives to clean up if I should go tomorrow.

[marthakasten]

"Everything you own owns a part of you." This really hit home - I am inching toward making the Mental Shift that I know I need in order to commit to letting go of the stuff I have accumulated over the 18 years we have been in our old (1892) house raising our two children. Thank you for helping me by sharing your journey!

[conservachick]

When my mom passed away two years ago, we were left with a lot of "stuff." But everything was sentimental to me!! I'm finally starting to let go...and this video definitely helped.❤

[vivid]

there is nothing more satisfying than a fully clean/decluttered house !!

[dawnswan]

"A better and more faithful reminder..." man oh man, I needed to hear this. My folks have passed 26 years ago, and we are now at the point of downsizing for retirement. Knowing I can't take all the sentimental things with me, especially those that belonged to my parents, and my kids when they were small, is torture. Your comment about finding a "faithful reminder" is so, so true. I think I can tackle those sentimental items a little easier now. Swedish Death Cleaning is an excellent book. Your video was great. Thanks for sharing. :)