The Gentle Art of Swedish Cleaning

• Start Small & Stay Consistent – Begin with larger items first then start with a single room, drawer, or category (like clothing or books) and gradually work your way through the house. 

• Sort by “Keep, Donate, Discard” – Be mindful about what truly adds value to your life and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. Keeping in mind that storing precious items may destroy or deteriorate them. Use bins or labelled boxes to sort items or label with colored dot stickers. 

    Red dots - get rid of

Green dots - Keep

  Yellow dots - revisit

• Ask Yourself: Would I Want My Loved Ones to Deal With This? – A key principle of Swedish cleaning is removing unnecessary burdens for others. Ask yourself - Will I ever need this? Will it benefit anyone by keeping it? Sometimes it helps to involve loved ones in the decision making.

• Organize Important Documents – Keep essential paperwork (wills, financial records, and personal documents) in a designated, labeled folder for easy access.

• Embrace Minimalism – Keep only what you love and use. A clutter-free home creates a calm and stress-free environment.

• Declutter Clothing with the “One In, One Out” Rule – For every new item you bring in, remove one to maintain balance.

• Reduce Sentimental Clutter – Keep a few cherished memories, but digitize photos and letters to save space while preserving their value.

• Maintain the System – Swedish cleaning isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle. Regularly revisit areas to keep your home organized and peaceful.