Just got laid off, what should I do first? - what worked for you?

I lost my job as a paralegal and I am not sure what to do first. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I have a box of my things and a short letter about benefits.

File for unemployment right away. Do not wait for severance decisions. The date you file can matter.

Give yourself the first couple of days to be upset. I did, and then I felt able to plan.