How to Take Care of Logistics After Losing a Loved One

When someone you love dies, the last thing you want to think about is paperwork, phone calls, and bills. Grief is exhausting, and yet, the practical side of loss doesn’t pause. While everyone’s timeline and circumstances are unique, there are certain logistics that will eventually need attention.

This list is here to serve as a gentle guide. You don’t have to tackle it all at once, and it’s okay to ask for help. If possible, enlist a trusted friend or family member to sit with you, make calls, or keep track of documents. Remember: you do not have to do everything in one sitting.

Practical Steps to Take After Someone Dies

1. Request multiple copies of the death certificate.
You’ll need official copies for banks, insurance companies, property transfers, and other institutions. It’s usually recommended to order at least 5.

2. Notify close family and friends.
This can feel overwhelming. Consider asking a trusted person to help make calls or send messages on your behalf, it’ll lighten your mental and emotional load.

3. Contact the funeral home or cremation service.
They can walk you through arrangements and provide necessary documentation.

4. Notify the person’s employer (if applicable).
Ask about final paychecks, benefits, or life insurance policies.

5. Reach out to Social Security.
If your loved one was receiving benefits, these need to be stopped. In some cases, survivors may be eligible for benefits.

6. Call the bank and financial institutions.
Accounts may need to be frozen, closed, or transferred. Be sure to ask about joint accounts and automatic payments. Anytime you go to the bank bring all paperwork that shows your are legally eligible to take care of this financial aspect such as documents like a Trust, Will, or Power of Attorney.

7. Cancel or transfer utilities and household bills.
Electric, gas, water, cable, streaming services—these add up. Decide what should be canceled and what should be transferred into your name.

8. Shut down or transfer their phone and internet.
This doesn’t need to be immediate. Many people keep their loved one’s phone active for a time, especially if it holds voicemail messages or sentimental texts. Do it when you are ready.

9. Manage insurance policies.
Contact life, health, auto, and homeowners insurance providers to notify them and learn about next steps.

10. Close or memorialize social media accounts.
Most platforms allow you to either close the account or set it to “memorial” status. This is a deeply personal choice, and you can do it when it feels right.

11. Redirect mail.
The post office can forward mail, which helps you catch bills, subscriptions, or correspondence that may have been overlooked.

12. Secure important documents.
Locate items such as a will, trust, marriage certificate, insurance policies, and property deeds. Keeping them in a safe folder will make future steps easier.

Give Yourself Permission to Go Slow

This list can feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and do not hesitate to ask for help. Remember, there is no “perfect” timeline. Some tasks may feel urgent, while others can wait until you have more emotional capacity.

You are not just checking boxes. You are grieving, remembering, and honoring. Be gentle with yourself in the process.