Pause and take a breath.
The First 24 Hours
The first day after a loss can feel disorienting. Time moves strangely. Decisions feel heavier than usual. And many families worry they’re missing something or doing things “out of order.”
There is no perfect sequence. There is no expectation that everything is handled immediately.
If you’ve already taken care of some arrangements, that’s okay.
If you haven’t started yet, that’s okay too.
And if you’re somewhere in between, you’re exactly where many families find themselves.
This page offers gentle guidance on what is commonly addressed in the first 24 hours—and reassurance that support is available whenever you’re ready.
Common First-Day Considerations
Every family and situation is different, but in the first 24 hours, people often focus on a few immediate needs:
Notifying close family or friends
Connecting with a faith leader, if applicable
Ensuring personal belongings and the home are secure
Beginning conversations—informal and unfinished—about how your loved one might be honored
You do not need to finalize plans, choose vendors, or make permanent decisions right away. Those steps can come later, with clarity and support.
What Matters Most Right Now
In the first day, the most important thing is care—for yourself and for those closest to you.
Before thinking about planning or logistics, it’s okay to:
Pause and take a breath
Be with family or trusted people
Allow yourself not to have answers yet
Many decisions can wait. Nothing meaningful is lost by moving slowly.
If You’re Feeling Unsure or Overwhelmed
Many families reach a moment—sometimes within hours, sometimes days later—where they think:
“I just want to make sure we’re doing this thoughtfully.”
“I don’t want to miss something important.”
“I could use someone steady to walk us through this.”
That’s where we come in.
We support families at any point in the process—whether you’ve already handled some things or haven’t begun yet.