Restfully Planning for the end of life can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to your loved ones. This comprehensive checklist is designed to help you take control, reduce stress for your family, and ensure that your personal wishes are honored with clarity and care.
Many people delay these conversations or tasks because they seem emotionally daunting. But with the right structure, it becomes a process of empowerment—taking care of your future so your loved ones can focus on healing and remembering you, rather than worrying about paperwork or logistics. Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to make thoughtful, personalized decisions that reflect your values and legacy.
1. Legal and Financial Documents
- ✅ Last Will and Testament
- Designates distribution of assets, guardianship of children, and specific personal requests.
- ✅ Living Will / Advance Healthcare Directive
- States your medical treatment preferences if you’re unable to communicate.
- ✅ Durable Power of Attorney (Financial & Healthcare)
- Appoints someone to manage your finances and make medical decisions.
- ✅ Trust Documents (if applicable)
- Helps avoid probate and manage complex estate distribution.
- ✅ HIPAA Authorization Form
- Allows designated individuals to access your medical records.
- ✅ Letter of Instruction
- Offers personal guidance not included in your legal documents (e.g., passwords, preferences).
Pro Tip: Keep all of these documents in one clearly labeled folder (physical and digital), and give a copy to your executor or trusted family member.
2. Funeral and Memorial Preferences
- ✅ Burial or Cremation Decision
- Clearly state your choice and any related instructions.
- ✅ Preferred Cemetery or Cremation Provider
- Include location, plot information, or crematory details.
- ✅ Memorial or Funeral Service Details
- Desired format (traditional, celebration of life, religious/secular, etc.)
- ✅ Obituary Information
- Draft key details or provide personal biography highlights.
- ✅ Music, Readings, and Participants
- Select favorite songs, readings, speakers, and officiants.
- ✅ Guest List or Notification List
- Identify who should be contacted and invited.
Pro Tip: Consider writing your own obituary or outline so your life is remembered in your own voice. It’s a deeply personal and comforting gesture for those you leave behind.
3. Personal and Digital Information
- ✅ Password Manager or Digital Legacy Plan
- Provide access to key accounts (email, social media, cloud storage).
- ✅ Social Media Instructions
- Indicate whether profiles should be memorialized or closed.
- ✅ Family Heirlooms and Personal Items
- Identify special items and recipients.
- ✅ Photos and Keepsakes
- Share access to albums or request digital memorials.
Mini Guide: Today, your digital presence is part of your legacy. Ensure your loved ones have access to important online accounts and know your wishes about what to preserve or delete.
4. Financial Accounts and Insurance
- ✅ Bank Accounts and Investment Portfolios
- Provide institution names, account numbers, and beneficiaries.
- ✅ Life Insurance Policies
- List policies, companies, and contact info.
- ✅ Outstanding Debts and Liabilities
- Document loans, credit cards, or personal debts.
- ✅ Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA, etc.)
- Include provider names, account details, and designated beneficiaries.
- ✅ Pension or Employer Benefits
- Include any survivor benefit details.
Pro Tip: Make a financial snapshot summary page for quick reference—a one-page overview of your entire financial landscape. It can save your family hours of confusion and stress.
5. Family and Legacy Planning
- ✅ Personal Messages or Legacy Letters
- Write notes, videos, or letters to loved ones.
- ✅ Charitable Giving or Legacy Donations
- Document any donations or causes you wish to support.
- ✅ Family Traditions or Cultural Requests
- Share values, rituals, or customs you’d like honored.
- ✅ Pet Care Instructions
- Provide care details and new guardians, if needed.
Idea: Consider writing a “Life Lessons” letter for your children, grandchildren, or loved ones. These stories and reflections are often the most cherished part of your legacy.
6. Post-Funeral Planning
- ✅ Executor Contact List
- List lawyers, financial advisors, and key contacts.
- ✅ Subscription or Utility Cancellations
- Note what services need canceling or transfer.
- ✅ Home and Property Management
- Provide instructions for real estate, storage units, or rentals.
- ✅ Final Document Storage Location
- Let your family know where your documents are stored (digitally and physically).
Checklist Add-on: Create a short form titled “After I’m Gone” with high-priority to-dos: who to call, where things are, and what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need both a will and a living trust?
- Possibly. A will ensures your wishes are carried out, while a trust can help avoid probate and speed up the process for your family.
How often should I update my end-of-life plan?
- Every 1-3 years or after a major life event (marriage, divorce, birth, asset change).
Can I plan my own memorial service in advance?
- Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Many people find peace in knowing their final celebration will reflect their life and values.
Is pre-paying for funeral services a good idea?
- It can be, but research your options. Prepaying locks in current rates, but make sure you work with reputable providers and understand refund policies.
Final Thoughts and Action Steps
You’ve now walked through the most comprehensive end-of-life planning checklist available. The next step is to take action—whether it’s starting a conversation with your family, writing your will, or selecting a provider.
Restfully provides tools and resources to make each of these steps easier.
- Use our interactive planning dashboard to store and manage your decisions.
- Book services directly through our vetted provider directory.
- Get help with documents and legacy planning through our concierge services.
Download the Full Checklist
Click here to download a printable version to fill in and share with your loved ones.
Restfully: Helping you plan ahead with clarity, compassion, and care.