Home Funeral Supplies List: Everything You Need to Buy

The Essential Supplies

You don't need specialty equipment for a home funeral. Everything on this list comes from a grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, or general retailer. Research estimates family-directed costs at $300 to $680, depending on your cooling method and container choice.

Cooling Supplies ($20–$150)

You need one primary cooling method. Choose based on availability and your comfort level:

Dry ice ($50–$150 for a three-day vigil)

• 30 pounds for initial setup, then 10–20 pounds daily
• Available at grocery store ice cream sections (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway), ice suppliers, welding supply shops
• Call ahead — not every location stocks it every day
• Also need: paper bags for wrapping, bath towels for insulation, a 3-to-4-inch foam insulating pad

Techni-Ice polymer sheets ($40–$60)

• Buy 12 sheets (6 on the body, 6 in the freezer rotating)
• Available online — order in advance if possible
• Reusable across multiple days
• Also need: pillowcases to encase the sheets

Frozen gel packs ($20–$40)

• 6 to 8 large packs, rotated every 3–4 hours
• Available at any pharmacy or dollar store
• Least effective for multi-day vigils but adequate for one day
• Also need: pillowcases for wrapping

Body Care Supplies ($30–$50)

• Two washbasins — one for soapy water, one for rinse water
• Mild soap or botanical body wash — nothing harsh or heavily fragranced
• Clean towels — at least four bath towels and several washcloths
• Disposable gloves — a box of nitrile or latex gloves
• Disinfecting oral swabs — for cleaning the mouth and teeth
• Adult diapers or high-absorbency pads — placed under the perineal area
• Waterproof wound dressings — for covering any open wounds
• Heavy-duty scissors — for removing medical tubing if applicable

Optional but appreciated:

• Essential oils or flower petals for the rinse water
• Dry shampoo (easier than a full hair wash)
• Lotion for the hands and face
• Light makeup supplies if desired

Positioning Supplies ($10–$15)

• Small fabric weights for the eyelids — make these by filling small cloth bags with dry rice, sand, or salt
• Soft scarf or fabric strip — for closing the jaw (wrapped under the chin, tied at the crown)
• A small pillow — to elevate the head slightly for natural appearance

Room Protection ($20–$30)

• Heavy-duty waterproof plastic sheeting — painter's drop cloths work well; place under the body to protect the mattress/surface
• Additional absorbent underpads — disposable bed pads from the pharmacy
• Trash bags — for soiled materials

Container ($50–$350)

You need something for the body to rest on during the vigil and for transport to the crematory or burial site:

• Burial shroud ($75–$250) — a simple cotton or linen wrap; available from natural burial suppliers online
• Cardboard cremation container ($50–$200) — available from crematories, some funeral supply companies, and online retailers
• Pine casket ($50–$350) — from independent woodworkers, online retailers, or built by the family
• A flat board or door (free) — some families simply use a sturdy board draped with fabric for the vigil, then transfer to a container for transport

Vigil and Ceremony Supplies

These aren't strictly necessary for body care, but most families want them:

• Candles and candle holders
• Fresh flowers or greenery
• Photographs and personal mementos
• A guest book or memory cards
• Chairs or cushions for visitors

Where to Source Everything

The Home Funeral / Family-Directed Guide includes a printable supply checklist with quantities calibrated to your vigil length, plus sourcing tips for every item.