1. Get comfortable about thinking about dying and death and what it will mean to you and your loved ones.

~ Pay attention to others dying process and death

~ Listen for what matters to you in their dying

~ Discuss your thoughts with friends, family, others

2. Keep your legal Estate Documents up to date and accurate

~ Trust, will, POA for $, Advance Directive, Medical Releases (HIPAA), POLST, other relevant documents

~ Review docs annually and revise every 5 years (if needed)

~ Talk to family about what your plans are and who plays a role. If you think there will be complications, consider utilizing a fiduciary as a neutral, independent professional.

3. Locate and note down – possessions, valuables, assets, the stuff of life

~ Put a house book together for each property you own - see next blog for info about what a house book is.

~ Valuable antiques, jewelry, art, etc. can be photographed, described - include appraisals, receipts, and who the item will go to

~ Give stuff away while you can enjoy others enjoying it

~ Create a list of items to give away and to whom & update

4. Get comfortable talking about End of Life wishes and after death wishes with family, friends, people who will be involved.

~ Tell your hopes and intention, wishes and wants

~ Ask for input and questions - These are YOUR decisions though!

~ Decide if you want funeral, memorial, cremation, burial, home funeral

~ Find out who does what in your community and note info.

~ Make arrangements and pay, if appropriate, if you are elder, ill, etc.

5. Think about how to make the process easier on those who will do the work

~ Look at your life and think about what all would need to be done

~ Consolidate and give away

~ Think about if you become incapacitated: what needs to be done, where do you want to live, who will make decisions. Ensure proper documents are in place.

Then go and enjoy life with a lighter step and the knowledge that you have done what you could.