Janet’s review of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning > Likes and Comments

I am so sorry that you didn't like the book, especially because I had the opposite reaction. It's one of the VERY few books I've read by authors outside of the organizing profession that I've found to be compelling, and so many of my clients have come to me after reading the book.

It's been particularly powerful to me because, their children/family members have come to me, wanting me to work with their parents and the parents had no interest, I have suggested the book, and after the book, the interest skyrockets.

I've also found that the book gave me ways to talk about certain approaches to legacy items, and I love the idea of having a box of things that are important to you, but which you can mark for disposal without examination after you're gone. I've already started working on such a box for myself.

I think we tend to forget what it's like to be SO outside the organizing profession to feel like downsizing is a mysterious and scary process. I'm bummed that you didn't like it, but as you say, it's short and easy, so at least you didn't feel like you wasted a lot of time on it.

Also, some parts were quite entertaining.

For many years, I've had what I call my treasure box, and have joked that it can be tossed when I'm gone because there's nothing in it that anyone would find remotely interesting. Turns out I was on the right track! Now I just need to make sure it's true, then I can go ahead and label that box!