Losing a loved one brings many difficult moments, and handling their ashes can be one of the most tender. Many people don’t know where to begin, so if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—we’re here to help. The guide below will walk you through the process, step by step.
1. Before You Begin
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Because this can be a deeply personal experience, we recommend reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or funeral professional for support if needed.
Make sure you have the correct sized urn. Most adults will need an adult sized urn, the most standard size.
>> For more information, visit About Urn Sizes Guide. <<
Keep the tag before you transfer. Ashes will come from the crematorium with a metal ID tag inside a plastic bag and temporary container.
2. Choose your Filling Method
Ashes are commonly returned in a sealed plastic bag, placed within a temporary container until a permanent urn is chosen. Once you’re ready, there are a few different ways to transfer the ashes, depending on your comfort level and how the urn will be used. Here are the three most widely used:
Pour Ashes Directly into the Urn (Most common) Place the ashes from the plastic bag directly into an urn.
Bag Transfer (Fastest and easiest) Transfer the entire bag from the temporary container into the urn.
Bag to Bag (Common when sharing ashes) Pour ashes from the plastic bag into a new plastic bag inside the urn.
3. Gather Necessary Supplies
- Urn of your choice (correctly sized)
- Temporary container from the funeral home or crematorium
- Towel or newspaper
- Large funnel (or piece of paper shaped into a funnel)
- Scissors
- Mask and gloves (optional). Though ashes are non-toxic, you may wish to use a mask as some of the particles are fine and wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
- Glue (optional). If you plan to seal the urn, you'll need glue appropriate for the material of the urn.
4. Prepare Your Space
Lay out your towel or newspaper on a flat surface.
Put on the mask and gloves.
Place the urn on your covered surface, with a funnel in reach.
4. Fill the Urn
TRANSFERRING A BAG OF ASHES
Open the urn and place inside. If you choose to transfer the entire bag, simply take the top of your new cremation urn and maneuver the bag with the contents into your urn. You may have to move the bag around a bit (or open it) so it fits into the urn.
POURING ASHES DIRECTLY INTO AN URN
Remove the lid from your new urn.
Place the funnel inside the opening of the new urn.
Open the temporary container and remove the bag holding the ashes. (Keep the metal ID tag with the ashes).
Cut a corner of the bag containing the remains, creating an opening through which you can slowly pour the cremated remains into the funnel. (Similar to squeezing frosting out of a bag.)
Pour gently, lifting the funnel slightly upwards as the urn fills to create more room for ashes.
Replace the lid or threaded closure once you have placed all of the ashes into the urn. (If you want to seal your urn, this is the time. Sealant and instructions should be provided with your specific product.)