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"Death cleaning" is the literal translation of the Swedish word dostadning, which means an uncluttering process that begins as people age. (Helloquence, Unsplash)

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The phrase "death cleaning" may sound jarring to unaccustomed ears, but the concept makes sense. It's about getting rid of excess rather than leaving a mess for your heirs to sort out.

By LIZ WESTON , NerdWallet , AP December 22, 2017