Life's unpredictable. When last did you update all your most important documents?

It is a good idea to have both a physical and digital folder in place, which contains all the documents and information your loved ones will need in an emergency, in any situation where you're not able to speak for yourself, or in the event of death. This will help your loved ones immensely, streamlining things for them as they sort out any outstanding issues, assist with wrapping up your affairs or ensuring your wishes are met.

Here are some crucial housekeeping steps to take each year, to ensure your affairs are always in order:

Create a will and update it annually

Your last will and testament (usually just called a will) is one of the most important documents to create and keep updated. An up-to-date will is key to guiding all the elements that need to be sorted out in the event of your death. Your loved ones will be grieving, and a will makes it all that much easier for them as it clarifies your wishes.

Your will states what should happen to your assets when you die. This could include property, money, art, cars, and businesses. If you have minor children, your will also states how and who will take care of them after your death (the guardian or guardians you appoint).

It is a good idea to update your will annually or in the event of any life-changing events such as a child's birth, a relevant death, a divorce and so on. If you die without a will, your estate could be passed on to someone you have not chosen to receive it, and those you care about may miss out on being beneficiaries as you intended. In this sense, your will is also key to making sure that your dependents are well taken care of when you are no longer around.

- For more information, bespoke support (and possible discounts) on drafting a will, visit Discovery Wills and Trust services.

Practical arrangements for after a death

These are several things your family will need to consider when you pass away. To make their lives easier, you could leave a checklist of what they will need to do when you die.

• Anyone who knew you can identify your body. They will also have to get your death certificate, which will be issued by a doctor or state mortuary, depending on where and how you died. If you died of an unnatural cause, a post-mortem will first be conducted before your body is released and a death certificate issued.
• Your loved ones can arrange a funeral for you. If you have specific wishes for how your funeral should be conducted, these can be written into your will. Discussing burial or cremation options with a funeral director will make the process easier for your family. It is also important to inform your family of whether you have a funeral plan, as this will cover the costs associated with the funeral and make the process easier and faster.

- Read more on how to handle the practical arrangements of a loved one's death. 

Are you a registered organ donor? Have you let your loved ones know?

Let your loved ones know that you have signed up to donate your organs when you die. Organ donors must have their organs removed as soon as possible after brain death has been declared to ensure the organs can be transplanted successfully. By law, two independent doctors have to certify brain death. As soon as the donated organs or tissue have been removed, the body is returned to the family to bury or cremate.

Why is donating our organs a good idea?

• One organ donor can save seven other people's lives and one tissue donor can help up to 50 people.
• At any given time, up to 2,000 South African adults and children are waiting for a lifesaving solid organ (including heart, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney) or corneal transplant.
• For more information or to become an organ donor, simply register with the Organ Donor Foundation or call 0800 22 66 11 toll-free during office hours.

For more about the real-life impact of organ donation, read about how a heart transplant saved 18-year-old Pedro Basson's life.