Funeral Planning Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to stay organized during funeral planning. Check off tasks as you complete them to ensure nothing important is overlooked.

Tip: You don't need to do everything alone. Delegate tasks to family members, friends, or funeral professionals to share the burden.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

  • Contact authorities or medical professional to pronounce death
  • Notify immediate family members and close friends
  • Contact funeral home or crematory
  • Secure the home and valuable possessions
  • Care for dependents (children, pets, elderly family)
  • Locate important documents (will, insurance policies, etc.)

Funeral Arrangements (Days 1-3)

  • Meet with funeral director to discuss services
  • Decide on burial or cremation
  • Select casket or urn
  • Choose service location (funeral home, church, etc.)
  • Set date and time for services
  • Arrange transportation (hearse, limousines)
  • Select flowers, music, readings
  • Designate pallbearers
  • Request General Price List and compare costs

Documentation & Notifications

  • Obtain death certificates (order 5-10 certified copies)
  • Contact Social Security Administration
  • Notify life insurance companies
  • Contact banks and financial institutions
  • Notify employer and union (if applicable)
  • Cancel health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid
  • Notify credit card companies
  • Contact Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Update voter registration

Memorial Service Details

  • Write or approve obituary
  • Create funeral program/order of service
  • Select photos for display
  • Designate eulogy speakers
  • Arrange for guest book and memorial cards
  • Coordinate reception or gathering
  • Plan for out-of-town guests (lodging, meals)
  • Arrange livestream if needed

Legal & Financial

  • Locate will and contact attorney
  • Identify and contact executor/personal representative
  • Secure home and property
  • Change locks if needed
  • Contact life insurance agent
  • Notify pension/retirement plan administrators
  • Contact mortgage lender
  • Review and update beneficiaries on accounts

Post-Funeral Tasks (Weeks 1-4)

  • Send thank-you notes to those who helped
  • File insurance claims
  • Begin probate process if needed
  • Cancel subscriptions and memberships
  • Forward mail or update addresses
  • Transfer or close utility accounts
  • Return rental equipment (wheelchair, oxygen, etc.)
  • Archive or organize belongings
  • Seek grief counseling or support groups

Additional Resources

What To Do When Someone Dies

Step-by-step guide for Texas.

Cost Estimator

Calculate funeral expenses.

Find Funeral Homes

Connect with providers.