JUST IN CASE, END OF LIFE PLANNER, LEGACY PLANNING - ARE YOU PREPARED IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU?

END OF LIFE - NOT A SUBJECT ANYONE WANTS TO THINK ABOUT BUT DO YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW YOUR WISHES IF YOU DIED OR WERE UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEM? THIS END OF LIFE PLANNER IS HERE TO HELP.

When my parents passed away, although we didn't have long, I have core memories of sitting in the hospital with my Father whilst he gave me all his passwords, told me where his Will was, told my Mother his funeral wishes and he left this world knowing I would sort it all out.

Unexpectedly and very quickly 18 months later, I also lost my darling Mother too.

The grief was overwhelming and having to deal with that, the world just entering a global pandemic lockdown and trying to clear and sell my family home - well - it wasn't fun.

What would have been even harder is if I hadn't had the chance to chat with my Mother about her wishes and already know all about the house and bills. My End of Life planner takes all the wondering away.

Both my parents died at 76, quick and unexpected but there was time in hospital to race through logistics.

What if you had a heart attack or car accident and there was no time to let people know your wishes and how your home is run?

What if you were suddenly incapacitated in hospital and unable to make decisions and let your loved ones know your wishes.

What if you woke up to hear a loved one had passed away overnight?

What legacy will you leave behind? For me I would like it to be love and also organisation so it is not left to my loved ones to try to figure it all out.

Whilst I am sorry this is not a cheery subject, it is one that needs addressing and burying our heads in the sand ostrich style is not going to make it go away.

My lovely colleague Emma Gray is a grief coach and calls this "sadmin" which I think is a wonderful term and sums it up perfectly.

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1: Think about your wishes

As I have said, not a fun thought but isn't it better that your wishes are thought through, shared and then hopefully not seen for decades rather than not thinking and letting others know what you would like?

Write down your funeral wishes, music, reading etc.

Think about who you would want to have your favourite jewellery or items of clothing.

Do you have art or photographs that it is important people know about?

2: Your home and life

Do you run a home but all your admin is on your computer or in your brain?

Who else knows where your passwords are, what savings accounts you have?

By listing all these things down, from investments to who cleans the windows - you are leaving your home in order were anything to happen - what a gift!

3: Take your time

Like with decluttering your home, this will and should take time.

Don't rush these major decisions. If you have the luxury of doing this whilst young and in good health then take your time and discuss with the relevant people.

Seek legal and financial advice where appropriate.

4: Write it down and store safely

I have created a 30 page bundle to help get your life admin and wishes documented.

It can be printed out and hand written or edited online and shared and saved on a computer.

JUST IN CASE/LEGACY PLANNING BUNDLE

Always ensure important documents are stored safely. Keeping your Will, LPA's and other documents in a lockable fireproof box or safe is the best way as it also keeps passwords and sensitive information protected.

In conclusion: Whilst no one wants to think about leaving their loved ones, one of the greatest gifts can actually be leaving having everything in order and your legacy planned to at least make things easier. Using this Just in Case/Legacy Planning bundle to document your wishes, storing it safely and then forgetting about it and living your life is a very good use of a few hours.

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.

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