What is "put one's house in order"

alt. 1 (context literal English) To clean and arrange in an orderly manner the furnishings and other contents of one's house. 2 (context idiomatic English) To organize one's financial and other affairs, especially in preparation for a life-changing event. vb. 1 (context literal English) To clean and arrange in an orderly manner the furnishings and other contents of one's house. 2 (context idiomatic English) To organize one's financial and other affairs, especially in preparation for a life-changing event.