THE DEATH DISPATCH
A newsletter about death that you’ll actually look forward to reading. Weekly. Honest. Never a euphemism.
FROM STEPHANIE
Every object you own becomes someone else’s decision when you die. Some things carry stories. Some things are useful. Some things are expired coupons and six mystery charging cables. Sorting one small space now is a practical kindness to the people who will eventually have to sort it all.
THE NUMBER
1
One drawer is enough for today. Death cleaning is not a weekend-long punishment. Start small, finish the space, and make one clear decision about what stays, what goes, and what should reach a specific person.
THIS WEEK'S READ
Death Cleaning: The Swedish Art of Decluttering Before You Die
Döstädning is the practice of reducing the physical burden you leave behind. The point is to make fewer decisions that somebody else will have to make while grieving.
THE PRACTICAL PART
Empty one drawer
Set a ten-minute timer. Throw away the trash. Donate what is useful. Label anything with a story or intended recipient. Stop when the timer ends. You have officially made your death less annoying.
DECIDE WHO GETS WHAT
If an object should go to a specific person, write down the decision now. Put their name with the item or add it to your planning file. Clear instructions protect the story and reduce the chance of an argument later.
SEND THIS TO SOMEBODY
Forward this to the person whose basement could qualify as an archaeological site. Love them. Mean it.
You're going to die. Let's talk about it.
MORTL