Important Instructions
Important Instructions is the free-text field for everything that doesn't fit a structured form — physical-world breadcrumbs, where things are kept, who to call, what your family should do first. One free-text area, no structure.
What to Write Here
Think of this as the note you'd leave a trusted contact who's walking into your life cold. Anything that requires a memory or a "by the way" rather than a credential.
Where physical things are kept
Safe combinations, where the safe key lives, location of the will, where the safe deposit box is and how to access it.
Who to call first
Your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, primary doctor, employer's HR contact — name, role, and phone number.
Home and access notes
Where spare keys are kept, alarm system codes, neighbors who have a key, the dog's vet contact, the housekeeper's day.
Wishes and priorities
"Cancel my Netflix immediately," "leave the email account active for 6 months," "the cat goes to my sister." Short directional notes.
How to Write It
Start with what they need on day one
If your family had to deal with this tomorrow, what's the first thing they'd need to know? Write that.
Use plain language and short sentences
"Will is in the top desk drawer at home." "Attorney is Sarah Cohen at 212-555-1234." Each line is its own self-contained note.
Group by topic with bold headers
Try sections like "Physical documents," "Key contacts," "Pets," "Wishes." Makes it easier to scan when someone is stressed.
Update annually
Trust Blocks reminds you yearly. Re-read what you wrote and adjust — life moves, advisors change, dogs come and go.
Why This Matters
Most of what makes daily life work isn't in any password manager — it's in your head. Where the spare key is. Who to call about the leaky pipe. Why you cancelled the gym membership last month. This Essential captures all of it before it's lost.