Signs It Might Be Time to Start Thinking About Death Planning

You don’t need to be dying to think about death.

Death planning isn’t something reserved for the very end of life—it’s something that quietly becomes relevant during many ordinary, human moments. Often, people feel a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge long before they have language for it.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it might be “time,” here are some signs that death planning may be calling you—not out of fear, but out of care.

1. You’ve Experienced a Big Life Shift

Major transitions tend to loosen old assumptions. Moving, marriage, divorce, becoming a parent, losing a job, or entering a new phase of life can all spark questions about what truly matters—and what you want your life (and death) to reflect.

2. You’ve Lost Someone (or Nearly Did)

Grief has a way of pulling death into clearer focus. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or supported someone through serious illness, you may suddenly see how unprepared most of us are—and how heavy that becomes for the people left behind.

3. You’re Living With Chronic Illness or Disability

You don’t need a terminal diagnosis to deserve autonomy and clarity. Living with ongoing illness often brings awareness of fragility, limits, and the importance of having your wishes honored—especially when energy is limited.

4. You’ve Started Wondering, “What Would I Want?”

Curiosity is a sign. Wondering about burial options, rituals, who would speak for you, or how you want to be remembered doesn’t mean something bad is about to happen. It means you’re paying attention.

5. You Want to Make Things Easier for the People You Love

Many people come to death planning not for themselves, but for their partners, children, friends, or chosen family. Making decisions now can be a final act of care—one that lightens the emotional load later.

6. You Feel Drawn to Meaning, Ritual, or Legacy

If you’ve been thinking more about values, ancestry, spirituality, or what you leave behind, death planning can be a grounding way to turn those reflections into something tangible.

You’re Allowed to Go Slowly

Death planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can begin with one conversation. One thought. One written wish. You don’t have to decide everything at once—and you’re allowed to change your mind.

Starting doesn’t mean inviting death in.

It means choosing presence, intention, and care—right now.