Funeral home cooler rental vs. outside storage
For funeral home owners and managers · Last checked October 13, 2026
Short answer
Rent a cooler when you need more capacity at your own site for several months and you have the floor space and power for it. Use outside storage when you need capacity for days or weeks, when you have no space or power to spare, or when you need it today. Many funeral homes use both: a rented or owned cooler for active cases, and outside storage for overflow and extended holds.
Two ways to add capacity without buying
If buying a new cooler is not right for you now, you have two other choices. You can rent a cooler and install it at your site. Or you can pay a storage provider to hold decedents at its facility. Our guide on buying a cooler compares ownership costs. This guide compares the two options that do not need a purchase.
How they compare
- Lead time: a rented cooler must be delivered and installed, which can take days or weeks. Outside storage can start on the day that space is confirmed.
- Minimum term: cooler rentals usually have a monthly minimum. Outside storage is priced by the day, by the week or under a contract.
- Floor space: a rented cooler needs a place at your site that is not open to the public. Outside storage uses none of your space.
- Power and service: a rented cooler adds to your electric bill and needs a dedicated circuit. With outside storage, the provider pays for power and service.
- Transfers: a rented cooler needs no transfers. Outside storage needs a transfer in and a transfer out for each decedent.
- Records: with your own cooler, your staff keep the temperature and access logs. A storage provider keeps them for its facility, and you get copies.
When a rented cooler is the better choice
- You expect a high volume for several months, for example during a long flu season.
- Most of your cases need viewings or preparation at your site.
- You have a suitable room, a dedicated circuit and staff for daily logs.
When outside storage is the better choice
- You need capacity now, not after a delivery.
- Your overflow comes in short peaks, not for months at a time.
- You have extended holds: families who wait for travel, permits or a court decision.
- You have no room or power for another unit.
A simple cost check
Ask a cooler rental company for the monthly price, the delivery and installation price, and the minimum term. Add your estimate for power. Then ask a storage provider for a daily or weekly rate. Multiply the rate by the number of decedent-days that you expect. Add the staff time for each transfer. Compare the two totals for the same period.
Sources
This article gives general information. It is not legal advice. Check current rules with the agency named in each source.
Questions
Yes. Outside storage can cover the days between your order and the installation.
Not always. Some providers take overflow when space is available. A reserved-capacity contract makes sure that positions are ready when you call.
Sutter Heritage
Secure refrigerated decedent storage in Live Oak, California, for funeral homes, agencies and hospitals.