We’d all like to have a slightly tidier, more ordered and less cluttered house. Perhaps, like my family, you have an attic full of old LPs and clothes, or boxes of old Lego hidden in a built-in wardrobe, or even bookshelves full of books with spines that have long faded. Two news articles published recently provide some helpful tips to help make the process of de-cluttering a little easier.
Swedish Death Cleaning
One recent trend is to undertake a process called Swedish Death Cleaning. That may sound a little morbid, but the Daily Mail recently published an article on the new phenomenon. Believe it or not, it is a theory from bestselling author Marie Kondo, who argues that to help prevent your children from being lumbered with the unwanted task of cleaning out your house once you’ve gone, everyone should ask themselves: ‘Will anyone I know be happier if I save this?’
Putting a positive spin on what might initially appear to be a morbid concept, Kondo thinks that ‘death cleaning’ makes us think about others, particularly whether or not our belongings will place a practical or emotional burden on those dealing with them after we’ve gone.
A Clean House is a Happy House
The idea of Swedish Death Cleaning might seem like something to do in the future, but consider the recent experience of a family in America who dramatically improved their standard of living by hiring a house cleaner. Writing about their experience on the NBC News website, they argue that by spending money on a cleaner their overall quality of life has improved dramatically. While they were reluctant at first, they conclude the article by saying that ‘With a clean house and the responsibility lifted I’m more likely to invite people over and enjoy some much needed social connection, to spend longer with my dog on our walk to the park, and in general to do things that make me feel happy and healthy.’
It’s often been said that a tidy home is a happy home. One recent study by the University of California even concluded that stress levels were lower in couples with cleaner homes. Perhaps this latest trend of Swedish Death Cleaning could help you or your family enjoy a less-anxious and cluttered life. And maybe hiring a cleaning service to help with that process could enable you to live a happier life.
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