A 47-year-old nurse from Bristol, who proudly identifies as a 'total maximalist', has embarked on a profound journey of preparation for the inevitable by decluttering an astonishing 60 bags' worth of belongings, with plans to continue this transformative process. Jade King is actively participating in the Swedish practice known as 'death cleaning', a concept that encourages individuals to thoughtfully reduce their possessions to ease the burden on loved ones after they pass away.
Embracing a Scandinavian Philosophy for a Simpler Life
The idea of 'death cleaning' was popularised by Margareta Magnusson in her influential book, 'The Gentle Art of Death Cleaning'. This philosophy advocates for paring down belongings to only the most essential items, focusing on retaining objects with significant personal meaning. For Jade, this practice emerged from a period of grief following the loss of her mother in December, when she realised that many of her purchasing habits were inherited from her parent.
A Therapeutic Process of Letting Go
Jade began her decluttering ritual after Christmas, starting with a light pass through her entire home before delving deeply into each room. She has already discarded old certificates, unused spices, and various gadgets, yet acknowledges there is 'quite a lot to get through'. The process has proven to be unexpectedly therapeutic, offering Jade valuable insights into her own happiness and spending patterns.
'I was doing a course on conscious dying, and it made me think I should be practising 'conscious living',' Jade explained. 'Death is a reality we all face, but often avoid thinking about. This has helped me confront it positively.'
Overcoming Sentimental Challenges
Despite the benefits, Jade admits that letting go of nostalgic items like jewellery or old photographs has been particularly challenging. 'I found it really hard to release these things,' she shared. 'I kept asking myself why I had held onto items I never used. It often related to money—I felt compelled to have the best of everything, multiples of all sorts.'
To navigate these emotional hurdles, Jade relies on support from friends. 'If I struggle to throw something away, I call a friend for advice. For instance, if it's something my mum gave me, they remind me that she wouldn't mind me letting it go.'
Transforming Financial and Mental Habits
Jade reflects that in the past, she was 'spending without thinking', frequently relying on credit cards and accumulating debt. However, her decluttering journey has revolutionised her perspective on material possessions. 'I'm not spending money unnecessarily now, and I haven't missed a thing. There are no regrets,' she stated.
The practice has not only cleared physical space but also mental clutter, creating a 'calmer' environment in her home. Jade has even incorporated elements of feng shui, removing items that contributed to 'stagnant energy' and welcoming a 'new energy' into her living space.
Practical Tips for Effective Decluttering
Jade offers several actionable tips for others interested in adopting a similar approach:
- Unsubscribe from promotional emails to reduce temptation.
- Delete shopping apps from your phone to curb impulse buys.
- Ask yourself 'is this a need or a want?' before making any purchase.
- Find alternative ways to achieve dopamine hits without shopping.
- Take regular breaks during decluttering sessions to avoid burnout.
Reactions and Environmental Considerations
While some of Jade's friends have expressed shock at the drastic changes in her home, calling it 'a bit extreme', others admire her proactive mindset. 'It's got a lot of them thinking about their own habits,' Jade noted.
Committed to sustainability, Jade donates her unwanted items to a local charity shop, which has collected donations four times already. She continues to revisit areas of her home to further trim down possessions, even considering parting with her television due to infrequent use.
Overall, Jade describes the 'death cleaning' ritual as a liberating experience that has provided immense mental clarity and a renewed appreciation for what truly matters in life.
