death cleaning

American  

[deth klee-ning] / ˈdɛθ ˌkli nɪŋ /

noun

1. the process of cleaning and decluttering one’s home so as to spare others, especially family members, from the chore of it after one’s death.

   While I’m still strong and healthy, I’m going to commit to some serious death cleaning.

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Etymology

Origin of death cleaning

First recorded around 2017; a translation of Swedish döstädning, literally, “death cleaning,” equivalent to dö “to die” + städning, verbal noun from städa “to tidy, clean, clean up, clean out”

Example Sentences

Blöm: With death cleaning, we’re not interested in the amount of items you have.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2023

Döstädning, also known as Swedish death cleaning, comes at organizing from the dark side.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022

It made me want to start death cleaning early.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2019

In death cleaning, it is “Will anyone I know be happier if I save this?”

From The Guardian • Jan. 12, 2018

Magnusson, who has moved 17 times, says women often end up doing the death cleaning.

From Washington Post • Oct. 12, 2017