How to Prepare for Prison: A Practical Checklist

Last reviewed: June 2026

Quick answer: If you know a prison sentence is likely, the time before you go is precious. Sort your money and bills (set up direct debits or give someone power of attorney), arrange care for children, pets and dependants, tell your employer and landlord if needed, gather important phone numbers and addresses, register any health conditions and medication, and prepare your family for visits and contact. Going in organised reduces stress on the inside and protects the people who depend on you outside.

Few people get much warning, but if you do — for example, awaiting sentencing — using that window well makes an enormous difference. This checklist covers the practical, financial and emotional preparation that matters most.

Money and admin

Debt and unpaid bills cause real harm while you are away. Before you go, set up direct debits or standing orders for essential bills, cancel subscriptions you will not use, and consider giving a trusted person lasting power of attorney so they can manage your affairs legally. Make sure someone can access enough funds to send money to your prison account once you arrive, via the GOV.UK send money service.

Area	What to do before you go
Finances	Set up direct debits, cancel subscriptions, arrange power of attorney
Home	Speak to landlord/mortgage lender; protect tenancy where possible
Family	Arrange childcare, pet care, and explain things to children age-appropriately
Health	List medication and conditions; bring a repeat-prescription slip if you can
Contacts	Memorise or write down key phone numbers and addresses
Work	Decide what to tell your employer; check your rights

Looking after dependants

If you have children, planning who will care for them and how they will stay in contact is the single most important task. Be honest with them in an age-appropriate way; charities such as Pact and Children Heard and Seen support families through this. Arrange care for any pets and for adults who depend on you, and make sure schools or carers know who to contact.

Health and medication

Prison healthcare will reassess any medication, but you make their job easier — and your transition safer — by arriving with clear information. Note your conditions, current prescriptions and dosages, and any mental-health support you receive. Declare all of this at reception. Continuity of medication is far smoother when the information is clear from day one.

Preparing your mind and your family

Emotional preparation matters as much as paperwork. Talk to your family about how you will keep in touch — letters, phone calls and visits — and reassure them that contact is possible from the start. Reading about what to expect on your first time in prison and daily life inside together can take the fear out of the unknown.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Leaving bills and direct debits unmanaged, so debts and arrears build up while you are inside.
Not arranging legal authority for someone to act on your behalf.
Failing to write down phone numbers — mobiles are taken, and few people remember numbers by heart.
Taking valuables or excess property to court; most cannot come in and must be sent home.
Saying nothing to children, which often frightens them more than a gentle, honest explanation.

Advice from lived experience

Prison Guide was founded by Daniel Hockey, who served his own sentence (HMP Wandsworth, later open conditions at HMP Ford) and wrote The Secret Prisoner. His advice for anyone preparing: get your affairs in order while you still can, because once you are inside it is far harder to fix things on the outside. Read more on the about Daniel Hockey page.

Frequently asked questions

What should I take to court if I might be sentenced?

Travel light. Most property cannot come into prison and will be sent home or stored. Bring essential information (phone numbers, prescription details) on paper rather than valuables.

Can I keep my job?

It depends on your employer and contract. Some jobs can be held open or paused; check your rights and be aware that certain roles require disclosure. Citizens Advice can help.

Will my benefits or tenancy be affected?

They can be. Speak to your landlord and benefits office early — some support can be protected for short sentences if arranged in advance.

How will my family send me money?

Through the free GOV.UK prisoner money service using a debit card, once you have arrived and your account is active.

For independent help, see the Prison Reform Trust advice and information service and GOV.UK guidance on going to prison.