The concept of 'Norwegian life-cleaning' is simple, and at the heart of it lies a very real and raw, concern. Do you want your family to be burdened with decluttering your belongings later in life?
Here, our professional cleaners reveal why this technique is actually far better described as a decluttering method, with expert advice on how to utilize it in your own space, who it works best for, and why.
What is Norwegian life cleaning?
The aim of Norwegian life-cleaning is to take care of your home's decluttering before you reach the end of your life, so you can enjoy a streamlined space for years to come, and prevent burdening your loved ones with decluttering your belongings later. However, it doesn't matter if you're young or old – Norwegian life-cleaning is really suitable for any person, in any phase of life.
Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, explains, 'Norwegian life-cleaning, or dødsbo rydding, is a decluttering practice rooted in Scandinavian culture that encourages people to tidy and simplify their homes long before it becomes a necessity – often with the intention of not leaving a burden behind for loved ones.
'Unlike a one-time purge, it’s an ongoing, mindful process of letting go of things that no longer serve you, while keeping only what’s meaningful and useful.'
As Will Cotter, owner and COO of DeluxeMaid, highlights, this is essentially the same concept behind Swedish death cleaning, but with a more positive spin. 'It's framed a bit softer,' he says, 'more about clearing things out while you're still living well, not just in preparation for death.'
In doing so, each and every decluttering area is covered, from decluttering sentimental items to getting rid of the things minimalists always throw out daily.
Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service, adds, 'It's a decluttering method that's meant to be more all-encompassing, and when I have seen it in practice, it's much more of a lifestyle than it is simply a way to clean your house.'
How to use Norwegian life-cleaning in your home to keep it tidy
To start Norwegian life-cleaning, Karina suggests putting together a decluttering checklist, to set yourself up for a successful decluttering session, and beginning with storage zones, like attics, basements and closets. 'These are items where unused items tend to pile up,' she explains. Then, proceed by asking yourself would I want someone else to deal with this? 'This principle helps prioritize what's truly worth keeping,' adds Karina.
She also recommends working in short sessions to avoid overwhelm, assuring, 'A few hours each week can make a huge difference.' The Pomodoro technique for spring cleaning will be equally as effective here, creating a reliable structure that allows for regular breaks.
Similarly, the main way that Will advises using Norwegian life-cleaning is if you're struggling to get motivated to declutter. He says, 'Pick something up and ask yourself, "Okay, does this still bring me joy? Or is it just sitting here collecting guilt and dust?"
'Be intentional with what stays. If it has a purpose or a story you can still connect with, great. If not? Out it goes.'
If you're not sure how to know if an item sparks joy like Marie Kondo, look for items you immediately know you love, and go from there. If you're on the fence, chances are it doesn't really bring you any, or at least enough joy, and you would be better off donating or selling the decluttered items.
'I think many of us do keep things around out of obligation, such as gifts or decor we don't really like, and so this is the time to purge yourself of these items,' says Carolina. 'I have found that simply reducing the amount of "stuff" in my home can really help with long-term tidiness and decluttering goals.'
Then, turn your attention to heirlooms or special items that you may want to pass on to specific people, and chat with them about it. 'This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure your belongings find loving homes,' says Will. 'And, for the things you decide to keep, organize them in a way that makes sense.
'Create a scrapbook, a photo album, or just a nicely labeled box of memories,' that you can tuck away and enjoy looking through when the mood strikes.
Our cleaning experts also shared these additional tips for acing your Norwegian life-cleaning:
- Label as you go: 'Use ONUPGO Chalkboard Labels available at Amazon to mark what's staying, what's being donated, and what needs review,' recommends Karina. 'They're reusable, and make organization clear for everyone else involved.' Will also suggests using markers, masking tape, and sticky notes, such as the Post-it Super Sticky Notes available at Walmart for the same purpose, 'to write messages like "Give to Carla," or "Check with the kids," he says.
- Digitize what you can: Scan old photos, cards and documents to save space, get rid of paper clutter, and organize paperwork at home. 'The ScanSnap iX1600 Wireless or USB High-Speed Cloud Enabled Document, Photo & Receipt Scanner, available at Amazon, is a high-speed scanner that helps preserve memories without keeping all the physical clutter,' advises Karina.
- Use a shredder: If you're going through old paperwork with sensitive information, a shredder, such as the number one bestselling Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder and Credit Card Shredder available at Amazon, will help you recycle it safely and securely. 'Then, use a folder for important documents like birth certificates, wills, and property papers, if you want them super organized,' says Will.
- Set boundaries: 'Use simple bins like the mDesign Fabric Bin for Cube Organizer available at Amazon to create physical limits for how much you can keep in any one category – especially useful for sentimental items,' suggests Karina.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This set of two gorgeous storage boxes is beautiful enough to leave on display, filled with mementos of your favorite memories without taking up too much space or causing visual clutter.
This photo album, available in both faux brown and red leather, holds 200 standard 4" x 6" pictures, storing them in clear, photo-safe, acid-free, and PVC-free sheets.
Just like decluttering, scrapbooking is a therapeutic way to unwind. This scrapbook has a hardcover, made of classic linen cloth, and flexible insert options for versatility.
Who is Norwegian life-cleaning best for?
Really Norwegian life-cleaning is suitable for everyone, whether you're younger, older, looking to downsize, searching for decluttering tips for collectors and hoarders, or simply want to simplify your belongings (and life!)
'It's perfect for people who don't want to leave a mess behind, or just want to feel lighter, mentally and emotionally,' says Will. 'There's something surprisingly freeing about getting rid of stuff you no longer need. For example, I finally tossed those old chargers for phones I no longer own.
'It's not about the physical space, but it's like my brain gets decluttered too.'
Additionally, this is a great technique if you've recently experienced a major life shift, says Karina, like becoming an empty nester, retiring, or moving home, or for those who feel weighed down by stuff, and want their home to feel lighter, more intentional, and easier to maintain.
'It's best for people who really are looking for a more minimalist way of living in their home,' adds Carolina. 'If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed and stressed by clutter, or feel like you have too much stuff, then going through this process can really feel cathartic.'
These stackable storage bins are ideal for cutting clutter and keeping your belongings neat and organized.
There's no better way to hide clutter than popping it neatly under your bed and out of sight. These underbed storage bags are made of a breathable fabric to help prevent musty odors.
This stunning storage basket is large enough to store linens, blankets and bedding, with a woven design and convenient metal handles.
Meet our experts
'Once the initial clean-out is done, maintenance is simple – just continue to remove anything that no longer fits your lifestyle,' says Karina. Then, you can implement chores that make your home look put together without buying anything, like removing out-of-place items and making the bed.
