Essential Information Your Family Should Have Before You Die

Planning for your own death might feel a little morbid, but the truth is, it's one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. When someone dies, the smallest decisions can suddenly feel enormous. If you’ve left them a roadmap, it can take away a huge layer of stress.

This isn’t about funeral planning (although more and more people are now doing that, too). This is about practical, emotional, and even digital matters—the things your spouse, partner, children or close family should know in advance.

Here’s a helpful list to start with:

1. Key Documents

• Where your will is kept
• Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
• Insurance policies (life, health, house, car)
• Pension or retirement information
• Property deeds or lease details
• Funeral plan documents, if you have them

2. Banking and Finances

• All bank accounts (including online-only or credit unions or bonds)
• Investment or savings accounts
• Debts or loans still outstanding
• Mortgage details
• Direct debits and standing orders
• Access to online banking (logins or who to contact)
• Pensions

3. Digital Life

• Phone/laptop passwords
• Email logins
• Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
• Streaming services or subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon)
• Digital photo libraries or sentimental files

4. Household and Utilities

• Electricity, gas, broadband, bin collection
• TV licence and car tax
• Alarm codes, safe codes, hidden keys
• Name and number of plumber, electrician, etc.

5. Medical

• Your GP and pharmacy details
• Any ongoing prescriptions or conditions
• Health insurance details
• Preferred hospital or hospice if ever relevant

6. People to Contact

• Family and close friends
• Employer or colleagues
• Solicitor or accountant
• Funeral director (if already in touch)

7. Your Wishes

• Burial or cremation preference
• Any songs, readings, or rituals you love
• Flowers, donations, or something else?
• The vibe you’d want: quiet and traditional, or upbeat and personal?
• Would you like the wake at home? Pub gathering after? Something else?

You can jot all of this into a document, or use a spreadsheet or simple notebook. Just let someone know where to find it.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to plan everything down to the hymns and ham sandwiches. But a few notes here and there? They go a long way.

Above all, this is about making life easier for those who’ll miss you most. One less thing for them to worry about.

And if you’d like a template to help you get started, feel free to reach out to me at The Funeral Planner.