All adults need at least the basic documents essential for estate planning — a simple will, an advanced directive (or living will) and a medical power of attorney. Of course, the older you get and the more items of value you acquire during your lifetime, the more your estate plan can evolve into something more complex.
Below is a type of estate planning that has a European flair and focuses more on the practical side of your life.
What to know about Swedish death cleaning
Döstädning is the Swedish word for this practice, and it was coined in 2017 by Margareta Magnusson, a Swedish author. She advises that all people 65 and up engage in this to ease the tasks their loved ones will face while still grieving their death.
But those of all ages can take a literal page from her book and realize that this type of estate planning has a role just as important as document preparation.
Why you should do it now
If you died today, what messes would your loved ones stumble over when sorting through your things? Almost everyone has something that they would prefer to keep private, whether it’s revealing photos, letters from past loves or other deeply personal items.
If you would prefer that your spouse, children, parents or siblings not have access to these things, get rid of them now.
Make it easier for your family
Swedish death cleaning isn’t just for keeping secrets hidden. It’s also about making things easier for your survivors at a very difficult time for them. Make a file with all your estate plan information that they can easily access. Safety deposit boxes are not ideal because survivors typically have to have a death certificate to access the contents, and that could take weeks.
Also, you don’t have to do this alone. Qualified professionals can help you at each stage of the process, from financial and legal advisers to cleaning and organizational pros. Don’t put it off another day!
