What digital accounts, files, subscriptions, and devices will you leave behind? Use this checklist to create an overview.
A large part of our lives is stored digitally. Photos are kept on phones and in the cloud, subscriptions renew automatically, and personal documents are spread across different devices and online services.
For family members and other loved ones, it is often unclear which digital assets someone had. They may not know which accounts exist, where important photos are stored, or which subscriptions need to be cancelled.
This digital legacy checklist helps you create an overview of what you have and what should happen to it. The goal is not to collect passwords and access codes. The goal is to provide clarity.
Before you begin
Use this checklist only to create an overview.
Do not store sensitive information in it, such as:
- Passwords
- PIN codes
- Government account login details
- Recovery codes
- Security codes
- Cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases
- Full banking details
For passwords and other access information, it is better to use a reliable password manager with an emergency access feature. You can also record where this information can be found and store those instructions in a secure physical location.
In MemoryVault, only describe where your loved ones can find the instructions. Do not add the sensitive information itself to the app.
The checklist is only intended to record what you have, approximately where it can be found, and what should happen to it.
Accounts and social media
Which online accounts do you have?
For each account, record:
- The name of the service
- The email address used
- Whether the account should be preserved or deleted
- Whether photos or messages should be downloaded first
- Where your loved ones can find additional instructions
Do not add a password. When necessary, your loved ones can use the platform’s official procedures.
Photos, videos, and files
Where are your most important digital memories and documents stored?
Record:
- Which folders or devices are important
- Which photos and videos should be preserved
- Who these files may be shared with
- Which private files should be deleted
- Approximately where important documents can be found
You do not need to describe every individual file. A brief instruction is usually enough.
For example:
The folder containing family photos on my external hard drive may be shared with my immediate family.
Subscriptions and online services
Which services are paid for or renewed automatically?
For each subscription, record:
- The name of the service
- What you use the service for
- Whether the subscription should be cancelled
- Which bank or payment method is used
- Whether the account contains important files
You do not need to include an account number or complete payment details. A general instruction is enough, for example:
My Netflix subscription is paid monthly through my Revolut account.
Devices
Which devices and storage media do you own?
For each device, record:
- Where the device is located
- Whether it contains important files
- Whether it may be kept
- Whether it should be transferred to someone else
- Whether it should be securely erased
Do not record an access code in the checklist. You can indicate where a secure access arrangement or instruction has been stored, such as in a password manager with emergency access or in a secure physical location.
Business-related digital matters
Do you own a business, website, or online project?
Briefly record:
- Who may handle these matters
- Which services should be cancelled
- Which projects should be transferred
- Where contracts or administrative records can be found
- Which clients or business partners should be informed
For business, legal, or financial matters, additional advice from an accountant, lawyer, or notary may be helpful.
Digital assets
Do you have digital accounts or files with financial value?
Only record:
- That the asset exists
- Which official provider manages it
- Who should be informed
- Where official or legal information can be found
Never store private keys, recovery phrases, or security codes in this checklist.
Personal wishes
What would you like to happen to your digital legacy?
Write down your wishes as clearly as possible.
For example:
The family photos on my external hard drive may be shared with my partner and children. My business files may be deleted after all ongoing projects have been completed.
Using the checklist in MemoryVault
This digital legacy checklist is available as a built-in feature in MemoryVault.
You do not need to maintain the checklist as a separate note, document, or file. Within the app, you can work through the different sections step by step and indicate what you have already arranged.
With the checklist in MemoryVault, you can:
- See which sections you have already completed
- Check off items step by step
- Link checklist items and related instructions to loved ones. This information is automatically shared with the selected loved ones when your vault is released
- Add additional notes and instructions in an organised way
- Save your progress
- Review and update completed items
- See which topics still require attention
The checklist is designed to help you maintain an overview. You do not need to connect external accounts to MemoryVault, and MemoryVault does not need to log in to other services.
Do not add passwords, PIN codes, recovery codes, private keys, or complete financial details. The checklist only records what you have and which matters you have already arranged.
Open the checklist in MemoryVault
Update your digital legacy step by step and continue later from where you left off.
Use MemoryVault for personal memories too
The checklist helps you arrange the practical side of your digital legacy. Other features within MemoryVault focus on the personal side.
You can, for example:
- Preserve memories
- Add photos and videos
- Write personal messages
- Link memories to loved ones
- Set up trusted contacts
The practical checklist and your personal memories are separate parts of MemoryVault, keeping both organised and easy to manage.
Review your checklist regularly
Your digital life is constantly changing. Review your checklist at least once a year.
You can choose a fixed time to do this, such as around your birthday or at the beginning of each year.
When you use the checklist in MemoryVault, you will receive a reminder every six months to review your information and wishes.
Start with the most important items
You do not need to complete everything at once.
Start, for example, with:
- Your most important email accounts
- The locations where your photos and videos are stored
- Your current subscriptions
- Your most important devices
- Your wishes for social media, accounts, and files
By working through the checklist step by step, you will gradually create a more complete overview.
Start my digital legacy checklist
Conclusion
A digital legacy checklist helps you keep track of the accounts, files, subscriptions, devices, and digital assets you have.
The goal is not to collect all your passwords and access codes in one central location. The goal is to create an overview: what exists, what should happen to it, and which matters have already been arranged?
With MemoryVault’s built-in checklist, you can record this step by step. Your progress is saved, allowing you to continue easily at a later time.
A well-organised digital legacy does not begin with centrally stored access to everything. It begins with clarity about what exists and what should happen to it.