FAQs About Keeping Cremains at Home

December 27, 2022

Wondering what to do with your loved one’s cremains after their cremation service in Morrison, IL? There are many options for what you can do with a loved one’s cremated remains, from scattering and burying them to interring them in a columbarium. You can also keep cremated remains at home. 

Here are answers to common questions for more information: 

  1. Can you keep cremated remains at home? Yes, you can keep cremate remains at home. There is nothing weird, harmful, or unsafe about keeping cremated remains in your home. Cremated ashes are clean and sanitary. The process of cremation has eliminated any potential contamination. What’s more, cremains are kept secure in a bag, making it very difficult for someone to tamper with them or spill them.  
  2. Is it bad luck to keep cremains in your house? It’s easy to understand why some people might think it’s bad luck to keep cremated remains in their house, but it’s not. Certain religions or belief systems might discourage keeping cremains in a home, but that doesn’t mean its unlucky. Others might feel keeping cremains at home will bring in a bad energy, but still others find it makes them feel better to have their loved one close. It all depends on personal preferences and beliefs.  
  3. Is it legal to keep cremated remains in a house? It is not illegal to keep cremated remains in a house. There are also no laws against scattering or burying cremains on your personal property.  
  4. Does the Bible say anything about keeping cremains at home? The Bible neither advocates nor condemns the act of cremation or keeping your loved one’s cremated remains in your home. The closest thing to keeping cremains at home that the Bible mentions is the story of King Saul’s men burning his son’s bodies to cleanse them and respect their memories.  
  5. How long can ashes be kept after cremation? Cremated remains are sterile and static, meaning they don’t have any bacteria and will not decompose. This is because the high heat used to cremate the body is hot enough to kill bacteria and rapidly break down any substances that would decompose naturally over time. Therefore, you can keep cremated remains as long as you’d like.  
  6. Can the funeral home dispose of the ashes for me? Some funeral homes and crematories will dispose of cremated remains for you, but you must give them clear instructions as to what you want done with the remains.  
  7. What do you do if you don’t want the cremated remains? If you don’t want the deceased’s cremains, you can either have someone else bury them, scatter them, or otherwise inter them or you can leave them at the crematory or funeral home for them to dispose of.  

Do you have more questions about cremation services? We are here to help if you want to learn more about keeping cremated remains at home or about Morrison, IL cremation services. Give us a call or pay us a visit for more information on our services and what we can do for you in your time of loss.  

Pink magnolia blossoms on a branch near cremation services in Morrison, IL.
September 14, 2026
Cremation services in Morrison, IL can include a meaningful viewing before the service. For caring guidance, call (815) 626 1131.
Pink poppy against a clear blue sky near funeral homes in Morrison, IL.
September 7, 2026
Planning a welcoming visitation? Funeral homes Morrison, IL families can consider timing and guest needs. For caring guidance, call (815) 626 1131.
Memorial candle and stone beside river at sunset for cremation services in Fulton, IL.
August 24, 2026
Compassionate cremation services Fulton, IL with caring grief support. Call Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation at (815) 626-1131 today.
Peaceful memorial garden with pond and bench for funeral homes in Fulton, IL.
August 17, 2026
Plan ahead with funeral homes Fulton, IL guidance that brings peace of mind. Call Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation at (815) 626-1131 today.
Peaceful lakeside sunset with memorial bench for cremation services in Amboy, IL.
August 10, 2026
Thoughtful cremation services Amboy, IL with personalized care and guidance. Call Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation at (815) 626-1131 today.
Peaceful cemetery garden at sunset for funeral homes in Amboy, IL.
July 28, 2026
Honor every life with meaningful funeral homes Amboy, IL services. Speak with our caring team at (815) 626-1131 to plan a personal tribute.
Cremation memorial display with urn and keepsakes for cremation services in Morrison, IL.
July 27, 2026
Cremation services Morrison, IL offer personalized memorial options and compassionate guidance. Call (815) 626-1131 for caring support.
Funeral home memorial garden with bench overlooking a peaceful pond in Morrison, IL.
July 20, 2026
Funeral homes Morrison, IL provide compassionate support, meaningful services, and guidance. Call (815) 626-1131 for caring assistance.
Cremation planning guide and checklist for cremation services in Fulton, IL.
July 13, 2026
Cremation services Fulton, IL offer peace of mind through thoughtful planning. Speak with Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation at (815) 626-1131.
Funeral home entrance with landscaped walkway for funeral services in Fulton, IL.
July 6, 2026
Funeral homes Fulton, IL provide guidance, remembrance, and grief support. Speak with Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation at (815) 626-1131.