Funeral Planning Checklist | Free US Checklist That Saves Progress

Identify who has legal authority or family responsibility for arrangements.
Locate any will, advance wishes, pre-paid funeral plan or cemetery paperwork.
Choose / contact a funeral home, cremation provider or other authorized provider.
Ask for the General Price List before agreeing to optional goods or services.
Ask how many certified death certificates may be needed.

Secure the person's home, pets, mail and valuables.
Notify employer / pension provider if relevant.
Confirm Social Security has been notified and ask about survivor benefits if relevant.
Identify executor or estate representative and locate key financial records.
Begin a list of banks, insurers, lenders and subscriptions to handle later.
Keep records for final tax and estate matters.
Make a later plan for phone, email, social media and digital accounts.

Record people who should receive thank-you notes if the family wants to send them.
Distribute or safely store food and collect borrowed items.
Gather funeral bills and receipts in one place.
Do not rush major decisions about belongings unless there is a practical need.
Make a short list of estate / account tasks for the next few weeks, not all at once.

One list, in a sensible order.