Dostadning: Leave light

Paradoxical as it may sound in this age of consumerism, decluttering, with its focus on getting rid of unused or rarely used items, is catching on with the young. This is more a nod to the reality that real estate is expensive and that one needs to keep only what one's abode can accommodate. But there is another concept with a similar goal, but with a more distinct philosophy, profound and spiritual. It is the Swedish concept of 'dostadning', translated as death cleaning, popularised by Margareta Magnusson.

As the name suggests, this concept acknowledges the fact that death is a reality and that we all need to prepare for our journey to the beyond. However, far too many of us forget that death comes unannounced. While preparing for the inevitable can be done by immersing yourself in prayers and ritual to clean up your 'book of deeds', rarely do we prepare by getting rid of things with an eye on not burdening the people whom you love and who will be staying on; the people who will be left to clean up the mess you leave behind.

The process is slower, longer and more thoughtful, and it helps get your things in order. It involves parting with things and giving them to people you care about. If it is a piece of memory from days gone by, it is important that we give it to someone who will care for it and respect sentiments. It is a typical Swedish DIY concept, rather than leaving it to some disinterested relative or stranger. It is more satisfying, a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life.