Most of us don’t want to think about what happens after we’re gone. But here’s a simple exercise that gives your family clarity, reduces confusion, and spares them having to assemble a million puzzle pieces.
Call it the Green Box (or whatever colour works for you). The purpose is this:
Put everything your family will need to manage your affairs in one place, ideally a single labelled box or folder, so they know exactly where to look.
Michael Girdley originally popularised this concept in his post “The Green Box Your Family Will Thank You For”
Here’s how you can build your version of it.
1. Start with a “Guide” sheet
Begin with a document titled “Start Here: What’s in This Box” (or similar). Use it as a map.
It should include:
- A table of contents or checklist of what’s inside
- Notes about where additional documents or digital files can be found
- An emergency or “first call” list, who to notify first (spouse, children, executor, solicitor, etc.)
This way, whoever opens it knows where to begin, with no fumbling or guesswork.
2. Personal and emotional items
Because this is more than just logistics. It is also about closure, love, and peace of mind.
- Letters to spouse, children, parents, or anyone you want to address after your passing
- Mementos or keepsakes, with a note on whom you hope they go to
- Personal wishes, funeral, memorial, burial or cremation preferences
- Any legacy messages, spiritual or philosophical wishes
3. Legal and administrative documents
Make sure your family has access to the legal foundation. Examples:
- Your will
- Powers of attorney (financial and healthcare)
- Deeds, titles, and ownership documents (houses, land, vehicles)
- Trust documents (if you have them)
- Insurance policies (life, home, auto, health)
- Pension and retirement account details
- Beneficiary designations (for life insurance and retirement)
4. Financial and asset records
This is often the hardest part to pull together, but also one of the most valuable.
Include:
- Bank account statements (current and recent)
- Investment or portfolio statements
- List of debts and liabilities (mortgages, credit cards, loans)
- Real estate property records
- Valuations for high value personal property (jewellery, collections)
- Business ownership documents (if relevant)
- Memberships, loyalty or reward accounts (airline miles, hotel points, etc.)
5. Digital and access information
Modern life depends on online accounts, and failing to leave access can turn into a nightmare for survivors.
- Passwords or a master password (for your password manager, if you use one)
- List of online accounts (email, social media, banking, utilities, subscriptions)
- Backup access instructions (two factor authentication, recovery emails, security questions)
- Device passcodes if needed (phone, laptop, tablet)
- Copies of critical identification: passport, birth certificate, driving licence
6. Contacts, advisors and instructions
Make it easy for your family to pick up where you left off.
- Contact information for your professional advisors (lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, insurance brokers)
- Instructions or preferences for who you trust to make decisions
- Any guidance you have on business continuity (if you own a business)
- A “to notify” list (organisations, agencies, people)
7. Final steps and loose ends
Even a perfect legal plan can leave some blank spots. Include:
- Funeral or memorial service preferences and budget
- Any last messages or wishes not covered elsewhere
- Instructions for distributing personal property not handled via will
- A timeline, which tasks to accomplish soon after your passing, and who should do them
- Notes on any ambiguous or unresolved issues
8. Secure it, and make sure they know where it is
That “box” can be a physical box, folder, fireproof safe, or even a locked filing cabinet. You could also use a safe deposit box or digital vault (for digitised versions).
Key things to manage:
- Location: Let a trusted person know where the box is (spouse, executor, trusted child)
- Access: If it is locked, how will they open it? Key location, combination, or instructions
- Updates: Revisit and update at least annually, or whenever big life changes occur, such as marriage, children, new assets, or a change in advisers
Why bother?
- It spares your loved ones from scrambling in crisis
- It prevents missed deadlines, lost documents, and costly mistakes
- It gives you a sense of control and peace, knowing you have tidied up
- It lets your loved ones focus on mourning and healing, not logistics
A few thoughts and caveats
Don’t let perfection paralyse you. Start with what you have, and build over time
Keep privacy in mind. Some documents are very sensitive, balance accessibility with security
Be realistic. You may not have all the answers now, and that is okay. Just record your current wishes, and leave space to revise
Review regularly. As your life, finances, or relationships change, so should your Green Box
Want to Read the Original?
You can find the original post by Michael Girdley, “The Green Box Your Family Will Thank You For,” here: https://www.girdley.com/post/the-green-box-your-family-will-thank-you-for
It is a helpful inspiration and offers his personal take and variations.