Death Cleaning
By Jenn Wood

I’ve been death cleaning. I learned about this when I lived in Germany and heard it comes from Sweden. The idea is to clean up your life for when you’re no longer here. Start with material things and finances so they’re not a burden to loved ones later.

I’ve been at it for about two weeks now. Death cleaning feels familiar. Shifting back and forth between the U.S. and Europe for over two decades kept me minimal with stuff. I sorted often to stay organized and travel light with the 23kg luggage limit, staying in sublets. I was death cleaning not knowing it was a thing.

I sort through what’s accumulated during the last five years in the States  — from the Pacific Northwest and New Mexico mostly. I came back at the end of 2020. I scan the usual things many of us probably have: old photographs, clothes, books, jewelry, birthday cards, driver's licenses, college transcripts, expired passports, souvenirs, library cards…

And I chant: Let everything that wants to go, go. Let everything that wants to come, come. 

Left clothing donations at the bus stop near the library. Sold a rug I liked, but didn’t fit in my current space. The woman who took it seemed ready to put it to good use. I watch how I feel, what I notice while sorting and letting go… It flows. It’s fun.

Make a quick pass through the kitchen and leave a rolling pin and bundt pan in a free box on the corner. I make a list of small fixes as I zoom around.

Anxiety around wildfires looms. I’m at the Oregon/California border now.  We have to be prepared to evacuate. It’s a learning curve for me with two years of wildfire experience. I learned last year that “go bag” is really everything you put in your car when you drive out of town with thousands of other people seeking refuge. Worst-case scenario, “what don’t you want to burn?” Is basically the question. I fill canvas shopping bags with keepsakes I will put in the car if it comes to that. Death cleaning serves fire prep, too.

I recycle paper documents. Surprised I had so many. No shredder, so I tear my name, address, account numbers off bank, medical, tax paperwork for the burn pile at my sister’s place. The paper docs lead to digital ones. I make a quick pass at email and laptop. I start to click unsubscribe. I delete old contacts and threads. Subtle shifts towards putting my energy and time elsewhere.

I fill out forms for my sister and niece. They are the beneficiaries of small retirement accounts from various jobs.

In the midst of all this, new things and energy come in. My sister brings me a second hand blouse, pair of pants, and a jumpsuit. This coming and going process. Let go and receive!

About four weeks in, I try a SoulCollage® workshop with Lea. I browse old books of photographs and paintings found outside a used bookshop. I tear and cut out the images that spark for me. I glue down a background on cardboard a bit bigger than a post card. I paste an image of penguins flinging into the ocean, a turtle, volcano, and butterfly. I love the effect.

One day at sunrise, I remember what a friend taught me about clearing energy. I light a palo santo stick in a bowl and walk intentionally through the four rooms, upstairs and downstairs, letting the smoke and scent permeate. I open closet doors, pause, and hold the smoldering wood in each corner. I open the windows and doors. Then, step outside with a handful of table salt. I toss the grains around the perimeter of the condo, claiming light, love, protection.

I scan the pine bookshelf and release paperbacks I know I won’t read, and others might love. I take these to one of those little library cupboards. Go to good homes, good people! I whisper.

Death cleaning helps me focus. I practice the Buddhist precepts in daily life. I hold humanity and the planet in my heart.

Spring is here. It’s been RAINING and everyone talks about how grateful they are for it. No snow pack to speak of this year. And we are back to the heavy threat of fire.

All of this swirling inside and out. And a hibiscus tree out back. Its bright leaves are alive, no pink blossoms yet, only green. 

Letting go of physical things and emotions. Thank you for the memories of this life so far. And I wonder about everything that didn’t make it here to this moment. All the things released already or lost.

I come back from a walk and felt the impulse to tell you about about death cleaning. Thanks for letting me tell you. Heading into week six now and am starting to feel done, for now ;)

Let us know if you say yes and try death cleaning.