The scariest part about death isn’t dying, it’s how brutally unprepared it leaves the people who love you most.
That was the reminder one Malaysian man shared on Threads when he suggested creating a digital “In Case I Die” folder on Google Drive.
His post listed simple but powerful steps to make life easier for loved ones after one’s passing and it quickly struck a chord with netizens.
The “In Case I Die” checklist
To drive home his point, the man shared a detailed checklist of what such a folder should contain. It wasn’t just about documents, but also about leaving clear instructions so loved ones wouldn’t be left scrambling in confusion.
Here’s what he suggested including:
- Create a Google Drive folder named “In Case I Die.”
- Store life insurance, bank account, and inheritance (hibah) documents.
- Write a Word document called “Password List” with all usernames, passwords, and instructions — for example, whether to deactivate or maintain accounts like Threads or charity-linked pages.
- Add important contact numbers such as your boss, family members, or inheritance officers.
- Keep a list of debts, updated every two months.
- Include a list of monthly bills.
- Share your Google account password with your spouse.
- Leave behind an apology note.
After sharing his list, he ended with a haunting but practical question: “What else is important?”
Netizens respond with more ideas
That question unlocked a flood of replies, with many Malaysians offering their own takes on how to prepare. Some came from a place of practicality, while others carried a deeply emotional tone.
One netizen recommended using secure tools like LastPass instead of Google Drive to pass on passwords safely.
Another revealed that they already had a pocket file labelled “For when I’m gone,” which even included instructions for caring for their cats.
The suggestions didn’t stop there. Among the more popular ideas were:
- Recording a video message for loved ones.
- Reminding heirs to renew Google Drive subscriptions if credit cards are terminated.
- Requesting that social media accounts be closed.
- Keeping a hardcopy version in a diary, not just digital files.
From digital checklists to estate planning
While some focused on digital and personal reminders, others raised bigger concerns about financial planning and family disputes after death.
Several highlighted the importance of preparing hibah (inheritance transfer) documents for houses to avoid complications under Islamic inheritance law.
Others pointed out that heirs can claim immediate death benefits from agencies such as Tabung Haji, ASNB, KWSP, and Bank Rakyat, often around RM2,000 each to help with funeral or urgent expenses.
Perhaps the strongest advice came from those who stressed appointing a trusted estate administrator. To them, this was the key step to ensuring assets are distributed smoothly and family conflicts are avoided.
“At least we make things easier”
Despite the morbid subject, many commenters agreed the original post carried an important reminder: preparing for death isn’t about us, but about sparing our loved ones unnecessary pain.
As one person wrote:
We don’t know when we’ll die. At least this way, even in death, we’ve made things easier for others.”
Another admitted they already practice a similar habit whenever they travel or get admitted to hospital:
“I always put aside a file with all related info and give it to my emergency contact. This just reminded me to improve it.”
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