I’m helping my mother-in-law with ‘Swedish death cleaning.’ I wish more families did this while they have the chance.

Every year, my husband and I make the trek from California to Michigan to live with his 85-year-old mom, Elizabeth, for a few months.

These have been lovely family visits that give us a chance to spend time together, and they’ve also allowed me to help her with Swedish death cleaning.

This decluttering method focuses on getting things in order before you die, largely so that loved ones won’t be left with a lot of stuff to sort through and make decisions about.

I’ve always been a natural declutterer. My family knows that if I visit, there’s a good chance a junk drawer, closet, or cabinet is getting organized.

Helping...