Handling the Body during a Home Funeral

If you’ve handled a sleeping body, you know how unwieldy it can be. Add to the fact that a dead body goes through different states, it can be a challenge but not one that is insurmountable. After death, rigor mortis, stiffening of the body, will commence around 3 hours and peak around 12 hours. From there, the body gradually relaxes. This natural phase may have some bearing on when you chose to prepare the body.

Moving the body will take some finesse and strength. Usually six adults are required to move an adult body. In the absence of a professional gurney, a sheet under the body, gripped, at regular intervals will suffice.

With the proper death paperwork, you can transport the body in your own vehicle. If you transport a body across state lines, you will need to comply with each state's regulations, which may entail embalming. Note that many states honor death permits from other states. The quickest way to verify state regulations is to contact the state health department. For long distances, you will also need a means of refrigeration, like dry ice.

Lisa S.
August 27, 2010