In the wake of losing a loved one, planning a funeral can be difficult for the surviving family members. That’s why many people choose to finalize their own funeral arrangements. Preplanning allows your loved ones to focus on finding closure, and it gives you peace of mind knowing that all the details have been taken care of. To make the process easier, follow the helpful tips below.

4 Simple Tips for Planning a Funeral

1. Finalize Your Will

If you don’t have a will in place, now is the time to put one together. This legal document is responsible for naming an executor or power of attorney, who will see to it that your wishes are respected and the funeral is carried out as you planned for.

2. Organize End-of-Life Documents

Prevent loved ones from needing to sift through years of paperwork by keeping end-of-life documents in one location. The types of documentation will vary, but they typically include your will, birth certificate, life insurance policy, military records, financial paperwork, and marriage licenses. Although your funeral will be prepayed for, these documents will still be necessary to verify all your information after your passing, so keep them in a secure, water-resistant container and entrust a responsible family member with its location.

3. Compare Businesses

Compare a few companies before deciding on a funeral home. Request quotes from at least three different organization, and make sure each one includes an itemized list of products and services provided. Remember, you can choose to purchase certain high-ticket items, like caskets and headstones, separately to help reduce costs.

4. Write It All Down

Though it might be a difficult conversation to have, talk to your loved ones about the funeral services you want to plan for. Write down every detail, no matter how small. This can include the types of flowers you want, the outfit you’d like to be buried in, your desired obituary, and your headstone epithet. File these instructions with the rest of your end-of-life documents, so your loved ones can verify your wishes have been adhered to with the funeral home.

Taking care of the details ahead of time will provide you and your family with peace of mind during an otherwise difficult time. If you’re ready to start planning a funeral, the compassionate team at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV, is here to help. For 100 years, they’ve helped residents in the area put together beautiful memorials that honor the legacy of lost loved ones. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call (304) 724-6500 to schedule an appointment today.