What to Do When Someone Dies: A Simple Checklist
There’s no good time to be making this list.
If you’re here because you’ve just lost someone — I’m so sorry. Nothing about this is easy, and the admin that follows a death can feel like a strange kind of second grief: dull, heavy, relentless.
This isn’t everything. It’s not tailored to a specific country or legal system. But it’s a good place to start — a gentle overview of some of the things people often need to do, roughly in the order they tend to come up.
You don’t have to do it all at once. You don’t have to do it alone.
In the first few days
Take a moment. There’s no rush. Unless there are urgent circumstances, you can pause.
Notify close family or friends. Just a few people to begin with.
Arrange for a medical professional to confirm the death. Depending on where you are, this might be a doctor, coroner, or emergency services.
Look after anyone vulnerable. Pets, children, elderly relatives.
Secure the home and belongings, if needed. Especially if the person lived alone.
Within a week or so
Register the death. This gives you the death certificate, which you’ll need for many next steps.
Start funeral arrangements. Check for any existing plans or wishes.
Tell other close friends and family. Don’t feel you need to do it all at once.
Check for organ donation or body donation arrangements.
Look for the will. Try to locate the most recent version and note the executor.
In the first few weeks
Notify key organisations. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, employers, landlords, etc.
Redirect post or mail. This can help you spot bills or accounts that need closing.
Start collecting documents. Things like the will, birth/marriage certificates, ID, bank statements, property info.
Check for urgent bills. Utilities, mortgage or rent, car insurance.
Begin sorting out the estate. The executor (or administrator, if there’s no will) may need to apply for legal authority — often called probate, confirmation, or letters of administration.
In the following months
Continue closing or transferring accounts. Subscriptions, memberships, pensions, benefits, utilities.
Handle personal belongings. Take your time. Ask for help if it’s emotional.
Keep track of expenses. Funeral costs, legal fees, etc. These may be repaid from the estate.
Prepare estate accounts. These show what came in, what went out, and what’s left to distribute.
Share out the estate. This might be simple, or it might take a while, depending on what’s involved.
When you’re ready
Look after yourself. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Make space for how you’re feeling.
Ask for help if you need it. From family, friends, professionals, or support groups.
Remember it’s okay if things aren’t perfect. You’re doing your best.
If you’d like a structured way to stay on top of the admin — to track tasks, list accounts, record expenses, and create clear estate accounts — I’ve made a spreadsheet that can help.
You don’t need to get everything done in a hurry. Start where you are.
