To those of you who have already arranged your affairs with a will, a trust, and other legal documents, my congratulations. I know you are enjoying peace of mind knowing you’ve done what you can to protect your hard-earned assets and loved ones.
That said, I’d like to suggest you also consider what is called “Swedish Death Cleaning.” Margareta Magnusson coined the phrase in her 2017 book, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” it has spread worldwide. There is nothing macabre about it … it is simply the act of decluttering and organizing your possessions while you’re still alive. You enjoy the benefits of living in a cleaner, tidier space, and your loved ones aren’t tasked with the burden of sorting through it all after you die.
The following provides the benefits of Swedish Death Cleaning for you now and your loved ones after you’ve passed away.
BENEFITS FOR YOU NOW:
Eases Your Transition
- Simplifies Moving: If you’re planning to downsize to a smaller home, clearing the clutter in advance makes the move easier and less stressful.
- Health and Safety: A decluttered home is generally safer, especially as you age. Fewer items around the house reduce the risk of falls or accidents.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
- Sense of Control: Taking charge of your belongings and decisions about them can provide a strong sense of control, particularly as you face the uncertainties of aging.
- Relief and Satisfaction: Many people find the decluttering process cathartic and satisfying, allowing them to reflect on their lives and the memories associated with their possessions.
Encourages Legacy Planning
- Philanthropy Opportunities: Decluttering may reveal items or assets that can be donated to charities or causes you care about, allowing you to leave a philanthropic legacy.
Strengthens Relationships
- Meaningful Conversations: The process of clearing clutter can open up opportunities for meaningful conversations with your loved ones about your life, values, and the legacy you wish to leave behind.
- Sharing Stories: Passing on items with a personal history allows you to share the stories and experiences associated with them, deepening connections with your family.
BENEFITS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
Reduces Stress
- Less Emotional Burden: By decluttering in advance, your loved ones aren’t forced to undergo what can be an overwhelming and emotional task.
- Avoiding Family Conflicts: We have all seen it or heard about it: siblings fighting over possessions. These conflicts can create lifelong estrangements, and you don’t want your loved ones to go through that.
Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored
- Personal Distribution: Clearing the clutter lets you decide who receives specific items. You can give sentimental or valuable possessions to the people who will genuinely appreciate them, ensuring that your intentions are fulfilled.
Financial Benefits
- Increased Value: By decluttering ahead of time, you can identify valuable items that might otherwise go unnoticed. These can be sold or appraised, potentially increasing the value of your estate.
- Reduced Costs: A smaller, more manageable estate can result in lower probate costs, storage fees, and other expenses associated with managing an estate after death.
Estate planning is more than just a folder with legal documents. Estate planning is a demonstration of your thoughtfulness and love for your heirs. It shows how much you care and want your passing to be as easy as possible for them. By decluttering your home, even gifting items to loved ones now can be a freeing experience. And you’ll know your loved ones won’t be faced with the job of sorting your belongings or, worse, arguing over them. I highly recommend it! If you want to update your estate plan (or start one), I’d be happy to assist. Together, we can create a unique plan that meets your wishes. Call 513-399-7526 to schedule a consultation, or visit my website, www.davidlefton.com, for more information.