Granny Frump. Grandmama Addams. Grandma Georgina and Grandma Josephine. Nana Fern Schaeffer. Grandma Moses. And now Margareta Magnusson, who I dub "Grandma Organizer." Ms. Magnusson is the author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, and best I can tell the first to illustrate this particular decluttering philosophy for the rest of the world. And I'm going to go so far as to say "I bet all the other books about this subject are copycatted, inferior and don't bother!"
I can hear you mumbling "Philosophy?" Yes, absolutely. Ms. Magnusson isn't concerned with exact methods of downsizing: she's not an Organizer who's going to help anyone figure out that you need clear square bins with green lids, add purple labels, ALL CAPS. She's telling stories of her history, her family; going through the process at her pace. But her instincts are on par with the formidable founders of my craft: that making keep/let go decisions in as unhurried, thoughtful, clear-eyed and fearless a mindset as possible is freeing and empowering, and a great gift to friends and family. I've finally found the uncluttering book I would recommend to seniors, rather than all the others about seniors.
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