How To Transfer Ashes To A New Urn

Losing a loved one or a pet can be one of the most difficult times of your life.

The grief you feel is often intensified by the tangible, everyday reminders of their absence. This can make even small decisions, such as transferring their ashes to a new urn, emotionally charged.

Some find comfort in creating a final resting place that truly reflects the essence of the person they’ve lost. But others may struggle with the logistics and emotions tied to this process.

Whatever path you choose, it’s essential to know that this transfer doesn’t have to be this difficult

Whether you enlist the help of professionals or decide to take on this responsibility yourself, there is a way to make transferring ashes a respectful and peaceful experience.

How to transfer ashes into a cremation urn

There are two primary ways you can transfer ashes into a new urn – doing it yourself, or leaving it to professionals.

Option1: Leave it to the professionals

For some, the thought of transferring ashes on your own can feel overwhelming or intimidating.

In these cases, it may be best to reach out to a professional who can handle this process with the utmost care and respect.

Funeral homes, crematoriums or specialized service providers can help place the ashes in the urn you’ve chosen, ensuring that the remains are treated with dignity.

This professional handling can bring peace of mind, knowing that every step is carried out with respect and care.

Option 2: Do it yourself

If you feel capable of transferring the ashes into a cremation urn on your own, the process doesn’t have to be difficult.

Cremated remains generally arrive from the funeral home or crematorium in a durable polyethylene bag. This bag is often placed inside a temporary box or urn made of cardboard or plastic.

The bag is usually sealed, labeled for identification, and accompanied by a certificate of cremation, which you should keep as a record. Cremation ashes are normally safe to handle. They are generally not toxic and do not present any health hazard.

However, the remains do consist of fine particles, which vary in texture from a powdery, sandy feel to a gravelly, granulated consistency.

Because of this, it's best to handle the ashes with care to avoid inhaling or spilling them.

Step-by-step guide to transferring ashes to a cremation urn

If you've decided to transfer the ashes from their original bag into a more permanent urn, these guidelines will help you do so with respect and confidence.

Prepare your workspace

Transferring ashes can be a delicate and emotional task. But it’s essential to ensure your workspace is carefully prepared to minimize the risk of spillage.

Turn off fans & air conditioning and close windows

Make sure ceiling fans or air conditioning systems are off to prevent any airflow that could disrupt the ashes. Even a small breeze can cause ashes to scatter unexpectedly.

Shut any windows to avoid drafts, as even a slight breeze can move fine particles of ash.

Ensure good lighting

A well-lit workspace makes the process easier and reduces the chance of mishaps, as you’ll be able to see each step clearly.

Lay down newspaper

Cover the surface where you’ll be working with newspaper to catch any stray ashes. This can help prevent mess and makes it easy to collect any particles that might spill.

Keep pets and children away

Ensure small children and pets are not in the area, as they may inadvertently disrupt the process.

Prepare the urns

Place both the temporary container holding the ashes and the new cremation urn on a stable surface, close to each other and within easy reach.

Before starting, familiarize yourself with how the permanent urn opens and closes. Some urns have unique latches, clasps, or screw-top lids, and it’s helpful to know how they work beforehand to avoid struggling with them during the transfer.

Position the urn on a stable surface

Make sure the urn sits level and secure on the table, away from the edge to prevent accidental tipping.

If you’re dividing ashes into several keepsake urns, have all the containers open and ready to go before starting the transfer.

Position the ashes bag

Place the sealed bag of ashes next to or inside the urn, depending on the urn’s opening.

It’s best to determine the bag’s placement within the urn before cutting it open to keep the transfer as smooth and controlled as possible.

Wide-mouthed urns

If the urn has a wide opening, place the sealed bag inside and then carefully cut a small opening in the bag to allow ashes to flow out gradually.

Narrow-mouthed urns or tighter spaces

If the urn opening is smaller, you might prefer to use a funnel for a controlled pour. Alternatively, consider placing a fresh bag inside the urn and using a funnel to pour the ashes into the inner bag, which can then be sealed.

Transfer the ashes to the permanent urn

When you’re ready, carefully transfer the ashes to the urn, using the method that suits your urn’s opening and your comfort level.

For wide-mouthed urns

Position the ashes bag inside the urn and make a small X-shaped cut in the bag with scissors. Gently pull the bag back to let the ashes flow out slowly. For larger amounts, use both hands to stabilize and gently shake the bag if necessary.

For narrow-mouthed urns or larger quantities

Place a funnel over the urn’s opening. Loosen the bag’s seal or carefully snip a corner to create a small opening. Hold the urn steady with one hand while pouring slowly with the other or ask someone to help stabilize the urn as you pour.

Clean up any spillage

After transferring the ashes, carefully move the urn to a stable spot, and use the newspaper to collect any minor spillage.

Lift the urn and gather the newspaper

Set the urn on a secure surface, then gently funnel the newspaper to guide any spilled ashes back into the urn.

If needed, use the funnel to return any stray ashes from the newspaper into the urn. Close the urn with care, ensuring it’s well-sealed to protect the contents.

Align the lid properly

Center the lid, checking that any ridges or threads are aligned. A tight fit ensures the ashes are secure and protected.

Confirm closure

Once the lid is on, double-check around the edges to confirm the urn is properly closed.

Transfer your ashes to an urn that’s right for you

Whether you decide to transfer ashes yourself or enlist professional assistance, choosing a meaningful urn or keepsake can bring comfort during a time of grief.

A well-chosen urn can become a cherished symbol of remembrance, creating a peaceful resting place that reflects the life and personality of your loved one. We invite you to explore our collection of beautifully crafted cremation urns to find one that honors your loved one in the way they deserve.