I’ve been there. The time after the conviction and before starting your sentence is very stressful, but there are a few things you can and should do to make your life during and after prison better.
For starters, you’ll want to coordinate with an attorney. They can guide you on legal and financial affairs you should address, like setting up a Power of Attorney, if necessary. A criminal justice or prison consultant can also help with this.
You’ll also need to make arrangements for your dependents. Ensure they have a stable guardian if you’re a primary caregiver, and set up financial provisions for their needs while you’re away.
Another important step is to sort out your finances. Pay off debts, or make arrangements to manage them. If possible, set up an account that a trusted friend or family member can manage for you to ensure your financial obligations — like a mortgage or insurance — are met.
Finally, take the time to learn more about your prison, what programs it has, what you can do to make your sentence easier, etc.