By Margareta MagnussonWell, here I am on the 38th day of my solitude in the time of corona in Stockholm, Sweden. I belong to the so-called "riskgrupp," anyone over 70 who also has other medical problems. That's me: I'm an 85-year-old with reduced lung capacity and I like to dance a little too much.
We "riskgrupp" members have been advised to stay indoors and not meet with or touch other people, or touch things touched by other people. I follow the rules. I am still alive and would not dream of stepping outside, even though spring is coming and there is sun.
My quarantine is self-chosen, not government-ordered. Our government has taken a different approach to corona: we are trusted to be responsible, to stay home, and stay healthy. The government realizes that we would probably act like irresponsible children if we had been ordered to self-quarantine.
Margareta Magnusson
Source: Alexander Mahmoud / Courtesy of Margareta Magnusson
Our prime minister, Stefan Lövén, never comes on the news telling us what to do. Here, we leave it to the experts. I will listen to a leading epidemiologist in a badly-knitted sweater long before I would listen to a politician in a suit.
Corona "sucks," to put it mildly. My children use this word in English even when speaking Swedish, I think it is very useful, particularly these days. I miss my family and friends terribly. But I am very grateful to be in reasonably good health, and at home.
Like many of us, I have created a new schedule for my days. It includes reading my beloved daily newspaper (it arrives every morning at 4:15 and I now actually have time to read it very carefully), sitting in front of my computer writing emails, ordering food, paying bills, and following a light gymnastic program on TV. After I have showered, I get dressed and put myself together in front of the mirror – even though I will probably not see anyone for months.
I think a valuable thing that we old people can do when we are forced to stay in is to "death clean" – the Swedish word being"dostadning." You can only watch so much TV. And for sure you can watch too much dreadful news. Why not instead start sorting out your stuff?
The idea is that when we die we should not leave a mountain of crap behind us for our loved ones to clean up. Why would your family and friends want to take time out of their busy lives to clean your mess, when you clearly could have taken care of it yourself? Remember, your kids and your other loved ones may want SOME of your stuff when you are gone – but not ALL of your stuff. So, we can help them make the selections.
During lockdown, it might be difficult to get rid of big things like furniture, gardening tools, etc. If that's the case, tackle the smaller items of everyday life.
Many of us have boxes of old documents, letters, and papers. Frankly, if you haven't looked at them for years, why should someone else have to? I suggest that you buy yourself a paper shredder - if you can order one to be delivered. Or you can make a bonfire later. If this isn't possible, just put the papers in boxes or bags and put them in the recycling. Make sure to really destroy any paper that may upset your descendants. (To be sure I understood which financial records I could get rid of, I contacted my local tax authorities.)
If you have too many photos you can start by getting rid of those you regret that you ever took, be it because you no longer like the people in the picture, or you look terrible. If you have 34 pictures from someone's party, wedding or graduation, save three and send the rest to the person who is being celebrated, or deliver them in person after corona has passed. It will brighten their day. Only save what your loved ones would like to look at.
Getting rid of old letters may be harder. Just save a few for your own pleasure and never save any letters that may upset anyone. Put those in your hungry shredder, or your recycling. Or your bonfire-- but only use this option if you have access to a safe outdoor space. Our emergency responders have more important things to handle right now than putting out your fires!
I keep my favorite books on the bookshelf. I am rereading some that I had forgotten about and discovering I have a few new favorites, but the others I will pack up and give away maybe to charity, a second-hand book store, a library, school, or a young person who loves to read.
With all this done you might have time to think about what is in the attic and garage-- what can you get rid of, what to save. Now is the time to sort it out. If you are not strong enough to shift things around, make lists and instructions. Put post-its on furniture, lamps, carpets, etc. Write what you wish to be done with every item. A bookshelf to the local library, a table to a niece who recently got her first flat, or a painting to a friend.
And don't forget the all-important box that you label Throw Away. In this box, I keep small things that are very personal and just for me. A dried flower, a funny stone, a ticket, a beautiful little shell, a personal letter... Things that are valuable only to me, as they remind me of special days and happenings. When I am not here anymore the box can be thrown away by my children without needing to be sorted. Nobody, not even my kids will understand why I kept these things. And I will never have to explain. You can get yourself a box like that. It will feel like a secret friend.
Thirty minutes of death cleaning a day is a good starter. Work up to an hour a day. Reward yourself after every accomplishment: A nice coffee, a piece of cake, a warm shower, or a bath. If you hit three hours of death cleaning, I would suggest a cold beer.
When you are finished maybe corona will be finished too, and you can live happily for many years in your new uncluttered life. After all, death cleaning is about getting organized, not dying.
And when your time does come, if you have done your death cleaning, your loved ones will have a few nice things from you and they can spend pleasant evenings in the park, instead of spending them sorting through your cupboards and closets.
Get started.
Octogenarian Margareta Magnusson, of Stockholm, is the author of the international bestseller, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death-Cleaning."
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