Whether expected or unexpected, the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences many of us will ever face. Just when we need solace and room to grieve, the technical necessities of administering an estate begin.

While it can be difficult to think about these kinds of issues, doing so is important. Many of us have already taken steps to ease that burden, such as preparing a will or a trust. But fine details, the kind that often get overlooked, can have a surprising impact on estates. Gathering the practical details of your life in an organized, centralized way can go a long way in assisting your loved ones.

We can’t erase the pain of loss, but thoughtful planning can help loved ones navigate a difficult time with greater clarity.

Create a centralized list of information to help your loved ones and advisors stay focused.

When someone passes, a lot of information-heavy tasks — such as insurance claims, property transfers and taxation issues (both personal and estate) — must be handled in a timely manner. You can help your loved ones by preparing some important information long before they need it.

Start with the basics: information about insurance policies, a list of assets and accounts in your name and where they’re located, usernames and passwords as needed, the location of your estate planning documents, and your preferences or arrangements related to burial or cremation.

And think beyond those needs, as important as they are. Consider your daily life — do you have social media accounts, for example? Would you want your virtual friends and acquaintances to know of your passing? Would you want your accounts set to private or deleted altogether? Can your loved ones log into those accounts with a username and password, or will they need more-complicated access, such as two-factor authentication?

Another example: The data required to complete a death certificate or obituary may be difficult for your survivors to gather. Find out what your loved ones will need — your legal counsel can help you determine that — and leave this information for them.

Don’t assume that your loved ones know your wishes.

Planning for post-death events can be a monumental task. Don’t add to that burden by assuming your loved ones will know what kind of ceremony — if any — you want after you pass.

Leave written directions for the kind of funeral or life celebration you’d prefer, and how (and how broadly) you’d like to notify people of your passing. Ideally, your instructions should include a list of friends, acquaintances and organizations that you’d wish to be notified of your death, along with contact information.

Your Private Wealth Advisor can be part of this process.

The work of organizing your information can give you a fresh perspective on your estate planning process. You might even uncover some blind spots. Sharing these documents with your Private Wealth Advisor can contribute to your planning process, sometimes in surprising ways — after all, your advisors won’t automatically know your wishes either.

Similarly, you might want to have a trusted third party keep track of these documents until they’re needed. Your Private Wealth Advisor can help in this role so that your information and wishes go to the right people at the right time. They can also help you keep your documentation organized, centralized and safe.

Have conversations about your estate early.

Even modest estates require a lot of attention, good preparation and ample support. Who gets that heirloom lamp, and how should the family photo album be divided? Those challenges are multiplied for estates of high net worth individuals due to their size and complexity. While you’re planning, don’t shy away from having difficult conversations and putting those thoughts down on paper. If you need help getting started, your Private Wealth Advisor, as well as your tax and legal advisors, can give you direction.

Putting this information all in one place does more than facilitate your legacy. It gives your loved ones a clear directive, which can help them focus during a stressful time and prevent them from second-guessing themselves or your intentions.