The art of death cleaning: 'When my father died, it cost thousands to get his stuff removed. When I go, I don't want my kids to have to do the same'

In her book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson instructs readers to embrace minimalism and says putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming.

The idea is that clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you.

Irish people are beginning to embrace the Swedish practice of death cleaning, decluttering their lives to lessen the burden on loved ones when they die.

The effect, they say, can be liberating and life-affirming, creating more space and time for living.

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