Incorporate Swedish death cleaning into your estate plan

On Behalf of | Feb 23, 2022 | Estate Planning

St. Paul has strong roots in the Swedish culture extending back many generations. The Swedes brought countless cultural traditions with them when they crossed oceans to get to their new home here in America.

One of those quaint customs your own ancestors likely took part in is “dostadning,” or death cleaning. While it might sound morbid, it isn’t at all. In fact, along with a well-drafted estate plan, it’s a small kindness you can do for those loved ones whom you leave behind as heirs and beneficiaries.

What is Swedish death cleaning?

Swedish death cleaning involves clearing your environment of unnecessary clutter. There is no denying the practicality (even necessity) of culling one’s environment of the detritus of a lifetime of living. Even the minimalists among us still have a few remaining loose ends that should be handled before we take our leave of the planet.

There is a joy to be had in gifting loved ones and close friends with special mementos from your past. Just make sure to ask if they want the items so you don’t unintentionally complicate their own death-cleaning plans.

Leaving clear directives helps your grieving loved ones

Just as you want to make it as easy as possible for your loved ones when you pass, it is equally vital to create a basic estate plan that includes all the necessary requirements, like:

  • Last will and testament
  • Health care directive
  • A medical power of attorney
  • A legal power of attorney
  • Various trusts to hold estate assets
  • Life insurance beneficiaries
  • Instructions on accessing documents when needed

After a death, the survivors are often paralyzed with grief. It is a kindness to do all you can now to streamline the Minnesota probate process for those left behind to mourn you.