There are many factors involved in choosing the right funeral home to meet your needs. So many, in fact, that most people have no idea how to list or prioritize them.

There are effective ways to go about it, though. Many of the factors are personal, of course, but some are actually financial and geographical.

What follows is a brief overview. We’ll delve into some of these factors, and this run-through should provide you with everything you need to do more research and make the right choice.

Start with location. Most people rarely think about this, but unless you have a specific funeral home in mind you do have a choice. Consider the logistics of your decision, then start by establishing a search zone and then a map for the home you want.

Religion is another factor. More obvious, of course, but you’d be surprised how many families fail to establish the nature of the service and the viewing to the point where everything’s locked down and in place, especially when the death is sudden.

There are also logistics issues pertaining to what the funeral home will handle. Some funeral homes, for instance, operate their own cemeteries or crematories, and in many instances, this can make them a more convenient choice.

Comfort level’s next. The funeral director is the primary point of contact for most partners and families, and it’s important to feel a high level of comfort with the director. Is this person in tune with your emotional needs? On the same page with you when it comes to the practical aspects? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself and keep track of the answers as you go.

Then there’s pricing. It’s a subject no one wants to talk or think about, but quality funerals aren’t cheap. Nobody wants to skimp on this particular aspect of the life cycle, so you need to have a price range that will meet everyone’s needs.

Which brings us to goods and services. It’s a strange term to associate with a funeral, but many funeral homes sell things like caskets, religious paraphernalia other things that are either essential or close. You need to know which ones you want and which ones you don’t, then formulate a plan for that and stick to it closely.

These are just a few of the most important factors to consider when choosing a funeral home. As you research them, you’ll also run into others, and by the time you’re done, you’ll likely know everything you need to know to make the right choice.