How To Store Human Ashes

The death of a loved one is an emotional and difficult time for everyone involved. Knowing how to store human ashes is important so you can always keep your loved ones close.

When it comes to storing the ashes of a loved one, there are many options available in the market, which can often be overwhelming.

Choosing the right container to hold the ashes is a personal decision and requires careful consideration.

From simple urns to intricate and decorative options, it’s essential to understand the different types of containers available and their features before making a decision.

In this article, we will discuss how to store human ashes and important things you should keep in mind. Also, note that all of these options apply to pet ashes as well.

Common Types Of Cremation Containers

Urns

When learning how to store human ashes, urns are often the most common type of container used.

They come in various materials, such as ceramic, metal, glass, or wood, and can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a simple and understated urn or an elaborate and decorative one.

Keepsakes

Keepsakes are smaller containers that hold a small amount of ashes. These containers are perfect for sharing ashes among family members or for keeping a small portion of ashes close to you.

Jewelry

Placing the ashes of a loved one in jewelry items has become an increasingly popular option in recent years.

This type of jewelry, often referred to as cremation jewelry, allows individuals to keep a small amount of their loved one’s ashes close to them at all times, providing a sense of comfort and connection.

Biodegradable Options

When considering how to store human ashes, if you plan to bury the ashes, a biodegradable container made from materials like cardboard, paper, or even salt can be used.

This is an eco-friendly option and is an ideal choice for those who wish to bury the ashes in a meaningful location.

Options For Storing Human Ashes

Home

When considering how to store human ashes, storing them at home is a common choice for many. You can display the container in a special place, such as a mantle or shelf.

However, it is essential to ensure that the container is not in a location that could be easily knocked over or damaged

Columbarium

A columbarium is a structure specifically designed to store urns. It can be located in a cemetery or other location. Some columbariums are indoors, while others are outdoor structures.

Cemetery

Many people choose to bury the urn in a cemetery. This provides a permanent location where family members can visit and pay their respects.

Scattering

When learning how to store human ashes, if you choose to scatter the ashes, there are various options available.

Scattering the ashes in a place that held a special meaning to the deceased, such as a favorite park or beach, can be a meaningful way to honor their memory.

Memorialization

When considering how to store human ashes, creating a memorial in honor of the deceased can be a meaningful way to keep their memory alive.

A physical monument, such as a headstone or plaque, can provide a permanent location where family and friends can visit and pay their respects.

These monuments come in various styles and designs, from traditional to modern, and can be personalized with engravings or other personal touches, making them a unique and sentimental way to remember the deceased.

Factors To Consider When Learning How To Store Human Ashes

Temperature and Humidity

It is important to store ashes in a location that is cool and dry. Extreme temperatures or humidity can damage the container or cause the ashes to deteriorate.

Safety

If you choose to store the ashes at home, make sure that the container is placed in a safe location.

Keep it away from areas that are prone to accidents, such as high-traffic areas or places where children and pets play.

Privacy

If you choose to store the ashes in a public location, such as a columbarium or cemetery, consider the level of privacy that is important to you.

Some people prefer a private location, while others are comfortable with a more public setting.

Personal Preferences

When learning how to store human ashes, it’s essential to remember that the type of container and location for storing ashes is a personal decision.

It’s important to consider the preferences of the deceased and their family members when making these decisions.

Some individuals may prefer to have their ashes scattered in a specific location, while others may prefer to have them stored in an urn or other container.

Things To Consider When Storing Ashes In Different Locations

Home

If you choose to keep the ashes at home, you may want to consider placing them in a special location, such as a dedicated shelf or mantle.

You can also decorate the area with photos, flowers, or other mementos to create a special tribute.

It is important to keep the ashes in a location that is away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture.

Public Location

If you decide to store the ashes in a public location, such as a columbarium or cemetery, there are many options available.

A columbarium is a structure specifically designed to store urns and can be located in a cemetery or other location. Some columbariums are indoors, while others are outdoor structures.

Cemetery

When learning how to store human ashes, many people choose to bury the urn in a cemetery.

This option provides a permanent location where family members can visit and pay their respects, creating a meaningful and sentimental way to honor the memory of the deceased.

Parks

If you choose to scatter the ashes, there are several options available. You can scatter the ashes in a place that was meaningful to the deceased, such as a favorite park or beach.

Regulations Regarding The Scattering Of Ashes

When considering how to store human ashes, if you choose to scatter the ashes, it’s important to check local regulations regarding the scattering of ashes, as some areas may have specific laws regarding where and how ashes can be scattered.

It’s crucial to adhere to these regulations to ensure that the scattering process is carried out with respect and care.

Alternatively, you can choose to scatter the ashes in a biodegradable container made from materials like cardboard, paper, or even salt.

This option is environmentally friendly and allows for the ashes to be scattered in a meaningful location while also being respectful to the environment.

Creating a memorial in honor of the deceased is another way to store their ashes. This can be a physical monument, such as a plaque or headstone, or a digital tribute, such as a website or social media page.

Memorialization can provide a lasting tribute to your loved one and a way to remember their life and legacy.

Is It Bad To Keep Human Ashes At Home?

No! It is not bad to keep human ashes at home. Although some people are concerned about the safety of keeping human or pet ashes at home due to possible mishandling and contamination, it is actually safe to do so if you follow the proper precautions.

Pets and family members who have been cremated should be placed in a cremation urn or air-tight container before they can be kept at home.

The crematory will usually put the ashes in a temporary container or an urn given by the family.

These items are not harmful to people or animals, so you will never have any issues with contamination.

There is no scientific data that shows that ashes can be harmful if you accidentally inhale a small amount, touch them, or come in contact with them.

Transferring Ashes From One Container To Another

When you first get ashes they will most likely be in a plastic bag within another temporary container supplied by the crematorium.

The easiest option to transfer these ashes would be to simply remove the plastic bag from the container and move it to the final resting place provided it’s big enough.

If you are looking to transfer the remains without the provided bag here is what you need to do.

First place the urn or container on a flat surface lined with paper to catch any ashes that may fall.

Instead of pouring out the ashes from the bag’s top, snip a small hole in one of the corners. This can assist you in limiting the flow of ashes that are released at once.

To keep everything clean and precise you can use a funnel kit to help guide the ashes into their new resting place.

If any ashes fall onto the paper, carefully guide them to the center of the paper and slowly fold the paper over so you can lift and pour them back into the urn or provided container.

How To Store Ashes At Home

When learning how to store human ashes, deciding how to store and handle them once they are brought home is a personal decision.

It’s essential to consider the safety of young children and pets, so it’s recommended to keep ashes away from them.

Keeping ashes in a secure location, such as a dedicated shelf or mantle, can be a suitable option for many people.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the container or urn is stored in a location that is cool and dry to prevent any damage to the container or the ashes.

You can keep ashes in a location that is easily accessible, such as on the mantle of your fireplace, or keep them in a more hidden and private location.

If you are planning on burying the ashes in your backyard or at sea, a biodegradable urn would be a great choice.

Creative Ways to Honor Deceased Loved Ones

There are many creative ways to store and honor your pets’ and loved ones’ ashes. You can choose to bury the remains, keep them at home in an urn or container, or scatter their ashes. It is best to find a way that highlights their personality, memories, and legacy.

Growing Plants

If you had a pet or family member who loved spending time in the garden or park you may consider mixing their ashes with compost to grow a flower or plant. What better way of honoring someone who loved nature and the outdoors.

Create a Work of Art

When considering how to store human ashes, another unique and personalized option is to turn the ashes into a work of art.

This creative and meaningful way to honor the memory of the deceased involves working with artists who specialize in this type of artwork.

These artists can create unique pieces, such as paintings, jewelry, or even glass sculptures, that incorporate the ashes into the design.

This option allows for a one-of-a-kind tribute to the deceased and can be a beautiful and sentimental way to keep their memory close.

Turn Ashes Into a Real Diamond

Eterneva is a company that was featured on the TV show Shark Tank. Eterneva specializes in growing diamonds from cremated remains.

Eterneva uses carbon from the ashes of your loved ones and turns them into beautiful real diamonds. This is a great way to keep your loved ones close forever.

When considering how to store human ashes, it’s essential to keep in mind that the death of a loved one or pet can be an emotional and challenging time, and deciding how to store their ashes is a deeply personal decision.

Fortunately, there are many options available when it comes to storing ashes, including urns, keepsakes, biodegradable containers, columbariums, cemeteries, scattering, and memorialization.

It is important to consider factors such as temperature and humidity, safety, privacy, and personal preferences when choosing a storage option.

It is also safe to keep human or pet ashes at home if proper precautions are followed. Ultimately, whatever option you choose, treating the ashes with respect and honoring the memory of your loved one is key.

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