Death clean sweep

ADMIN COULD LESSEN LOVED ONES' GRIEF

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THE concept of “Swedish death cleaning” has been gaining momentum, with an abundance of videos popping up on social media encouraging people to declutter their homes in anticipation of their death to ease the burden on loved ones.

Its surge in popularity is not surprising as autumn seems like a perfect time for a big reset and clean, and Kara Gammell, personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket, is now suggesting we should apply this ‘death cleaning’ idea to our finances, as well as our overflowing cupboards.

“Most people don't like to think about these things because it feels really morbid, but I think this concept is quite useful,” says Kara. “It's about getting your ducks in a row to make things easier for people you care about down the line, and I think any trend that makes people get their finances in order is beneficial.

“Most people don't actually realise how much financial clutter they are leaving behind.”

She adds that it’s especially important to get your finances in order if you have children, a partner, or anyone who relies on you financially.

“It will be difficult enough for them if something did happen to you, the last thing they will want to do is try and figure out all the paperwork,” says Kara.