Can I keep the ashes of a loved one at home?
Yes — in the United States, keeping cremated remains at home is generally allowed. Here is how to do it safely and what to think about for the long term.
Key points
- No federal law prohibits keeping cremated remains at home, and states generally allow it. No permit is needed to keep them.
- The crematory returns remains in a temporary container; you can keep them in it or move them to an urn.
- Burying or scattering remains later is where rules come in — check local requirements before you do either.
- Make a plan for what should happen to the remains in the future, and write it down.
Is it legal?
Cremated remains are not considered a health hazard, and keeping them in a private home is generally permitted throughout the U.S. The person with the legal right to control disposition — usually the next of kin who authorized the cremation, or someone designated in advance — receives the remains and decides what happens to them. Remains can also be divided among family members, for example using keepsake urns, though it is wise to agree on this as a family first.
Rules apply when you want to bury remains (for example, on private land, where local zoning or health rules can matter) or scatter them (on public land, in parks, or at sea). See scattering ashes at sea and burying vs. scattering ashes.
Faith and family considerations
Some traditions have views on keeping remains at home. For example, the Catholic Church permits cremation but asks that cremated remains be kept in a sacred place such as a cemetery or columbarium rather than at home or scattered. Hindu tradition commonly involves immersing ashes in a river. If faith matters to your family, a clergy member or faith leader can explain the expectations of your tradition.
Choosing a container
The crematory returns remains in a temporary container, usually rigid plastic or cardboard, with the remains in a sealed bag inside. It is fine to keep them in it while you decide. If you choose an urn:
- Capacity matters more than outer size. A common rule of thumb is about one cubic inch of capacity per pound of the person's healthy body weight; a typical adult urn is around 200 cubic inches. Our urn size calculator explains this.
- Material: wood, metal, ceramic and stone are durable choices for keeping at home. Biodegradable urns are designed for burial or water and are not ideal for long-term display.
- Closure: look for a secure, threaded lid or bottom panel, especially if children or pets are in the home.
See our guide to choosing an urn.
Where and how to keep them
- Choose a stable surface away from heavy foot traffic and where it can't easily be knocked over — a shelf, mantel or cabinet.
- Keep remains in their inner sealed bag inside the urn; this makes moving or transferring them later easier.
- Keep wooden urns away from direct sun and moisture; dust with a soft dry cloth.
- Many families create a small memorial space with a photo, a candle or meaningful objects. Others prefer a private place. There is no right answer.
- Keep the crematory's certificate of cremation with your important papers — you'll want it if you travel with or later bury the remains.
Moving or traveling with remains
When you move house, carry the urn yourself rather than packing it with household goods. For air travel, the TSA allows cremated remains in carry-on bags, but the container must be able to pass through X-ray screening, and officers will not open it. See traveling with cremated remains.
Plan for the future
One of the most common problems is uncertainty years later: who keeps the remains when the person caring for them dies or moves? Consider:
- Writing down your wishes for the remains and telling your family
- Whether the remains should eventually be buried with, or near, a spouse
- Whether a columbarium niche or cemetery placement may suit the family better long term
There is no deadline. Many families keep remains at home for a time and decide later.
Sources and references
- Transportation Security Administration: Cremated Remains (What Can I Bring?)
- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Ad resurgendum cum Christo: Instruction regarding the burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation (2016)
Rules, benefit amounts and prices change. Where a source is a government agency, check it directly for current figures. See our sources and fact-checking policy.
This guide is general educational information from Serene Farewells, an independent publisher. It is not legal, medical, financial or tax advice, and Serene Farewells is not a funeral provider. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. Spot an error? Tell us.