Helping your family

By carrying out just a few everyday tasks now, we can make an emotional time in the future much easier for our loved ones

When we lose somebody close to us it can be heart breaking to go through their belongings. Deciding what to keep, what to gift to others and what to sell or donate isn’t just a deeply emotional task, it can be a mammoth job to take on – especially if they were the type of person who liked to keep everything. Of course, one day in the future, our loved ones will be faced with the same task when we’re no longer around. The good news is that we can make the experience much easier for them, both practically and emotionally. Read on for three simple steps to help you feel organised and make some important decisions along the way.

Declutter your home...

Decluttering can make you feel good, plus you could help a worthwhile cause by taking unwanted belongings to a charity shop. Set time aside and tackle just one room at a time, and plan a small reward for yourself at the end of the day. If you’re struggling to part with things, ask yourself “do I really need this?” If not, ask “does it make me happy?”

Create a file

Next, go through all your paperwork and throw away anything that’s out of date. Gather your remaining documents such as latest bank statements, mortgage information, insurance policies, bills and warranties and organise them in an expanding file. Try to keep it updated and let your partner, or other trusted person, know where it is.

Make a funeral plan

If you really want to help your family in the future then don’t overlook the practical, emotional and financial benefits of a funeral plan. By making important decisions about your send-off now, your loved ones won’t be left to make them at a time of considerable grief. You can also relieve the possible financial burden on them by paying for the essential costs of your funeral in advance. The cost of a funeral is rising by 7%* each year and now stands at over £4,000**. With a plan in place you can ‘lock in’ the costs at today’s prices, saving you or your family potentially thousands of pounds; you can also spread the costs if you wish. It doesn’t take long to arrange a plan, but it could make a significant difference to your loved ones when the time comes for it to be needed.