Spring is finally, sort-of, almost, maybe on it’s way to Cleveland! This often makes me feel restless and motivates me to clean like I haven’t cleaned all winter. Does this weather make you feel the same way? Or does the thought of all that work feel too daunting? Here are some books that will guide you, turning it into an easier process than it seems at the start:
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
Margareta Magnusson, a Swedish artist, describes how to clear the clutter from your home in funny but down to earth manner. With tips on down-sizing, deciding what to get rid of and what to keep, and suggestions for what to do with unwanted items Magnusson’s thin volume made me think a lot. Her main concern is the burden placed on children and other family members when those that die leave houses full of clothes, furniture, and keepsakes behind for them to sort through. She states that it’s never to early to be thinking about this and that a clutter free house can actually make people feel calmer and happier.
Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark
More Swedish tips you say? Yes, more Swedish tips! Seeing as Sweden is one of the Top 3 Happiest Countries in the World they must know something! The title “lagom” means “not too much and not too little-just right” in Swedish and is a very important concept in their everyday lives. Brantmark introduces the reader to the concept of Lagom and then the book is divided into sections of how one can incorporate it into their life. Beautiful photographs of nature and interiors accompany her tips and tricks to balance your life, as well as quotes that fit the topic she’s talking about.
Marie Kondo is a Japanese cleaning consultant, you may have heard of her. When her book first came out there was a clamor around it as people tried to get it. It’s been a little while so I thought I would bring her up again. She goes in depth on how one should whittle their possessions down and why. She is by far the strictest instructor in these books, she recommends that cleaning out your house should be done in as little amount of time as possible because the longer you drag it out the more likely you are to keep stuff you really don’t need. In the case of your wardrobe, Marie says that you should bring ALL your clothes into one room and sort them out into keep piles and get rid of piles, and if you forgot something in a different room then it must not be important enough to keep! If you really have a lot of tough cleaning to do, this might be the book for you!
Other books that might help you get cleaning:
Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class On the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Joy of Less by Francine Jay