What Supplies You Really Need for a Home Funeral

One of the most common questions families ask when considering a home funeral is, “What do we actually need?” The answer often surprises people. A home funeral does not require expensive equipment or specialised products. In most cases, the supplies are simple, practical, and already familiar.

The goal is not to recreate a funeral home at home, but to care for the body with dignity, comfort, and respect, while giving family and friends time and space to say goodbye.

The Essentials

At its core, a home funeral requires only a few basic items.

A safe resting place for the body

This can be a bed, a table, a cooling board, or a sturdy surface at a comfortable height. The body should be positioned somewhere quiet and accessible, out of sunlight, allowing loved ones to visit easily.

Cooling

Cooling is essential to slow natural changes in the body. This is usually achieved with reusable ice packs, frozen water bottles, or dry ice (where appropriate and permitted). Cooling boards are helpful but not mandatory. The key is consistent, gentle cooling under the head and around the torso.

Absorbent materials

Cotton sheets, towels, and absorbent pads help manage natural fluids. These should be changed as needed and kept nearby for ease and comfort.

Personal care items

Mild soap, warm water, washcloths, and perhaps gloves are all you need for washing and caring for the body. Families often find this care deeply meaningful and intimate.

A shroud or coffin

This can be as simple or personal as you wish. A shroud might be a natural-fibre sheet, blanket, or specially made burial wrap. A coffin may be handmade, purchased, or hired, depending on burial or cremation plans.

Helpful but Optional Supplies

Some items are not essential but can make the experience smoother.

• Candles or soft lighting to create a calm atmosphere
• Essential oils or flowers for scent and ritual (used gently)
• A thermometer to monitor room temperature
• A notebook to record care times, visitors, or reflections
• Music, prayers, or readings meaningful to the family

These additions are about comfort and ritual, not requirement.

What You Don’t Need

Families are often relieved to learn what is not necessary.

• Embalming is not required for a home funeral
• Professional-grade equipment is rarely needed
• Cosmetic products are optional and often unnecessary
• A rushed timeline is not required

With proper cooling and care, families can spend meaningful time with their person, usually over one to three days, depending on circumstances and local regulations.

Support Makes a Difference

While families can manage a home funeral themselves, many choose to work with an end-of- life doula or home funeral guide. Support can include practical guidance, emotional reassurance, and help navigating legal requirements, allowing families to focus on what matters most.

A home funeral is not about having the “right” things. It is about intention, presence, and care. With a small number of simple supplies and the support you need, it can be a deeply personal and healing experience.