First Week After a Loss

A practical guide for navigating the first seven days — daily essentials, beginning funeral planning, and caring for yourself.

The first week after a loss is a time of both grief and practical responsibility. This checklist helps you manage daily essentials, begin funeral planning, handle early administrative tasks, and — importantly — care for yourself. Work through it one day at a time. There is no rush, and there is no single right way to do this.