The Joys of Swedish Death Cleaning

As we kick off a brand new year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how small shifts in our routines can create lasting change. With 2026 underway, many of us are thinking not just about resolutions, but about building habits that genuinely stick and bring more meaning to our everyday lives.

Changing habits isn’t easy — especially when it comes to creating new ways of preserving memories, stories, and the things that matter most. Whether you’re looking to be more intentional about documenting family histories, organizing meaningful items, or simply wanting to make sure important moments aren’t lost, we're here to help.

At Artifcts, we're big fans of the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, it's a must read in our view because it speaks to all of us no matter our day-to-day way of living. 

For example, are you the type of person for whom the moment an item is added to your to-do list you ignore it as though it were written in invisible ink? Or do you sweat that list out until it's done, hopefully as soon as possible, and then cross it off your list with great satisfaction? 

Yup, James Clear sees us all and has strategies to help. 

In case you haven't read, or have no interest in reading, his book, we've developed some practical strategies and insights to help you turn #HabitChange into lasting practices, and make 2026 the year you preserve what matters most in ways that are simple, sustainable, and personally meaningful. 

Read on for tips that will help you shape routines that support your goals — from starting new habits to keeping them — and bring purpose and clarity to how you care for the memories and items you treasure.

Three Habit Strategies for our Artifcts Community 

STRATEGY ONE 

Like everything else in life, to create new habits, you need to consider first what “rewards” you want from, in this case, Artifcting. Depending on your situation, maybe you identify with one of these, and it will help guide you to the right habit-based approach to Artifcting and what you do with your Artifct once you create it: 

• I need to be better organized and in greater control of the ‘stuff’ around me. Consider our 5 Ways to Start Artifcting, room by room, most valuable, most cherished, that closet you hate to open … 
• I want to make sure my loved one is not forgotten. Artifcting need not be a solo experience. Create an invite-only circle to share and remember those who you have lost. 
• I want to document and share my family history. Invite-only circles on Artifcts are one place to start so that you can invite family in to see heirlooms, but social media groups are often another great source of information, and you can easily share your Artifcts into social media for more fact and family lore gathering. 
• I love swapping good stories, laughing and remembering with friends and family. So try sharing an Artifct or two and see how that works for you; add audio or video too so your loved ones can hear your story in your voice.  

STRATEGY TWO 

Frame Artifcting as a "when" activity so it becomes intentional. The key here is to be very specific! 

• "Every Sunday when my husband watches the football game, I'll grab my phone and create two new Artifcts." 
• "When I add something into storage, I'll Artifct it first."
• “When I buy something over $100, I will ask myself, “Is this an Artifct?” and Artifct it on the spot (with receipt!) and fill in the full details later. 
• "When I unpack my suitcase, I'll Artifct my new mementos along with the photos from the trip." 
• "Every Friday when my son brings his art folder home, I’ll Artifct his projects with him while he has an after-school snack.” 

STRATEGY THREE 

Try out what Clear calls "habit stacking" to incorporate Artifcting into your regular routines and existing habits. 

• "Each season when I organize my closet, I'll Artifct any sentimental pieces, and then sort the items into three piles: keep, consignment, or donation." 
• "As I review my estate plan each year, I will check that my Artifcts are included in the tangible assets memorandum."
• “As I add an item to my daughter's baby keepsakes box, I will Artifct it. Then I will put the box away immediately.” 
• "While we put away the holiday decorations each winter, we will take breaks. During the breaks we’ll Artifct special ornaments, cards, etc.” 

The best way to build a new habit is to start small — and start now. Create one Artifct. See how easy it is. No pressure, no perfection required — just one story, one moment, one memory captured.

From there, build a rhythm that works for you, on your schedule. One Artifct a week adds up faster than you might expect. By the end of the year, you’ll have 52 Artifcts, 52 stories, and 52 memories preserved — a meaningful collection of what matters most.

This is how preservation becomes a habit — not a task. Begin today by creating your first Artifct. Happy Artifcting!

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© 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

Any mistakes in the interpretation of the habits to Artifcting belong to Artifcts. In fact, we would encourage you to download the free habit cheat sheets from the author at atomichabits.com/cheatsheet! 

Dear Artifcts Members, 

As we step into a brand-new year, I want to pause and say thank you. Artifcts exists because of you—your stories, your trust, and your belief that the memories behind our things matter just as much as the things themselves. As we reflect on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for what we’ve built together. 

This past year was one of meaningful growth and exciting milestones. We partnered with Clutter Cleaner to help families facing downsizing and life transitions preserve what truly matters—the stories and significance behind their belongings. This collaboration reinforced our shared belief that letting go of things doesn’t mean letting go of memories. 

We were also honored to be named one of Family Tree Magazine’s Top Genealogy Tech Websites for the third year in a row. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to supporting families, historians, and everyday memory-keepers with thoughtful, accessible technology. 

In 2025, I also had the opportunity to join the Northern Trust “Secrets of Enterprising Families” podcast, where we talked openly about legacy, loss, and practical estate planning. These conversations are at the heart of why Artifcts exists—to make space for reflection, clarity, and connection across generations. 

On the product side, we reached a major milestone with the launch of ARTIAssist, our first AI-backed feature. ARTIAssist was designed to make creating Artifcts easier and more intuitive, helping members capture historical and factual details behind their most cherished keepsakes. This was a big step forward for us, and we’re just getting started. 

None of this would be possible without your continued support, feedback, and enthusiasm. You inspire us every day. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about what’s to come: 

• Continued refinement of ARTIAssist and other AI-powered tools to help you create new Artifcts with confidence and ease 

• Virtual workshops designed to help you get the most out of every Artifcts feature 

• And a growing team, bringing new ideas, energy, and expertise to better serve our community 

Thank you for being part of the Artifcts family and for trusting us with your stories. Here’s to a new year filled with reflection, discovery, and connection—and to preserving what matters most, together. 

With gratitude and warm wishes for the year ahead, 

Co-Founder & CEO, Artifcts 
Happy New Year ✨ 

The holidays have a way of stirring up memories—some wrapped in joy, some tucked quietly into the corners of our hearts. This year, Artifcts is celebrating those moments in a way that’s meaningful, creative, and deeply personal with the 12 Days of Artifcts holiday challenge. 

If you’ve been following along on our social channels, you’ve seen how powerful a single object can be when paired with a story. An old photograph. A travel souvenir. A well-loved family quilt. These aren’t just “things.” They’re touchstones to the people, places, and moments that shaped us. 

The first four days of our 12 Days of Artifcts challenge. Objects with stories, your stories!

That’s what the 12 Days of Artifcts is all about—and we’d love for you to join in the fun. 

Are You Up for a Challenge? 

We promise, our “challenge,” doesn’t involve Tik Tok or ice buckets, and it’s simple enough to do even if you’ve never done one of those “I-saw-it-on-the-evening-news" challenges before. 

Over 12 days, we share 12 different themes, one per day via our Facebook and Instagram pages. Each theme invites you to choose a meaningful item from your life and Artifct it—capture a photo, add the story behind it, and preserve the memory digitally for yourself and for the people you love. 

By the end of the challenge, you’ll have: 

• 12 Artifcts
• 12 memories preserved
• 12 stories ready to share with family and friends—now or for generations to come 

There’s no right or wrong way to participate. Some people choose deeply sentimental items. Others lean into lighthearted or unexpected objects. Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

A Theme for Every Kind of Memory and Artifct 

Each day’s theme offers a gentle nudge to look at your life through a new lens. One day might spark a story about family traditions. Another might bring back a personal milestone, a favorite place, or a meaningful relationship. Some themes make you smile instantly; others may surprise you with memories you hadn’t thought about in years. That’s part of the magic. 

You don’t need museum-worthy artifacts. The beauty of Artifcts is that meaning isn’t measured by monetary value—it’s measured by connection. If an item holds a story only you can tell, it belongs here. 

Why Participate? 

Because memories fade—but stories don’t have to. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts is more than a creative challenge. It’s an opportunity to pause during a busy season and reflect. To document the moments that matter. To create something lasting that you can revisit, share, and pass on. 

Many participants tell us that once they start, they can’t stop. One Artifct leads to another. One memory unlocks three more. Before you know it, you’re building a living archive of your life (and your holidays!)—your way. 

Share the Joy 

One of our favorite parts of the challenge is seeing how people share their Artifcts with others. Share yours on social media, tag us, and use #12DaysofArtifcts to be part of the community countdown. Or keep them private, sharing only with family and close friends. However you participate, you’re contributing to something meaningful. 

And don’t worry, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, and preserving lasting memories and stories during the holidays.

It’s Not Too Late to Start 

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I missed a day… or five,” take a deep breath. You’re right on time. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts isn’t a race. Start today. Pick the theme that speaks to you most. Go back and fill in the others when you’re ready. The stories will wait for you. All that matters is beginning. 

As we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts, we invite you to reflect, remember, and create. At the end, you won’t just have a collection of items—you’ll have a collection of stories that only you can tell. 

So choose your first theme. Find your first item. And Artifct that {old photo, handmade ornament, special gift} or other holiday keepsake. From all of us at Artifcts, happy holidays and happy Artifcting! 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.