What To Do When Someone Dies Checklist

If you’re reading this, someone just died and you’re likely overwhelmed. This is a simple, step‑by‑step guide to help you get through the first days without missing something important.

There is a lot to do after a death, but not all of it is urgent. What matters most right now is knowing what needs to happen first, what can wait, and what not to do yet.

This guide walks you through the early steps, in order, so you don’t have to hold everything in your head.

The First 24 Hours

These are the things that usually matter right away.

1. Make sure the death has been officially pronounced

If the death happened:

At home: a medical professional or hospice provider will need to pronounce the death

In a hospital or care facility: staff will handle this

You’ll need an official pronouncement before anything else can move forward.

2. Notify close family or friends

This is not about logistics — it’s about support. You shouldn’t do this alone.

3. Secure the immediate environment

If the person lived alone:

lock the home
take care of pets
collect important items (wallet, phone, keys, medications)

You are not “clearing out” the house yet. You’re just stabilizing things.

4. Contact the funeral home or cremation provider

You don’t need all the answers now. You’re simply initiating the next step so the body is cared for.

The Next Few Days

Order certified death certificates (plan for 5–10 copies)

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Locate key documents (if available)
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Will or trust
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Insurance policies
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Bank statements
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Attorney or advisor contact info
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Notify employer or former employer (if applicable)

Start a running list of tasks and accounts and any estate expense you have paid out of pocket

What Can Wait (and should)

These things often feel urgent, but usually aren’t in the first days:

closing bank or credit card accounts
selling property
distributing belongings
making big financial decisions

Nothing bad will happen if these wait. In fact, rushing often causes mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Closing accounts too soon (this can complicate probate)

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Giving away personal items immediately
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Assuming you know what’s required without checking

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Trying to do everything yourself
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You’re allowed to go slowly.

A Final Note About Grief and Admin

Grief makes even simple tasks harder. Forgetfulness, confusion, and emotional swings are common.

If something feels harder than it “should,” that’s not a failure - it’s grief.

If it helps to keep this checklist in one place instead of juggling tabs and notes, you can organize these steps inside Good Grief.

Printable Checklist