Protecting what can be saved
When a home or business is affected by a biohazard event, sewage, flooding or smoke, belongings are often in the way of remediation, and many are affected themselves. A pack-out removes contents from the work area so remediation can proceed, while each item is inventoried, cleaned if possible, documented if not, and stored until the property is ready.
How a pack-out works
- Inventory. Items are photographed and listed room by room, and the condition of each is noted.
- Sort items into three groups: unaffected, cleanable, and not salvageable.
- Pack unaffected and cleanable items for transport and storage.
- Clean salvageable items with methods suited to each material: hard goods, textiles, electronics (coordinated with specialists) and documents.
- Document non-salvageable items with photos and descriptions for your insurance claim before disposal, with your approval.
- Store packed items securely.
- Return and set items back in place after the property is restored.
What can usually be cleaned
Hard, non-porous items such as dishes, glass, metal, sealed wood furniture and many plastics usually clean well. Washable clothing and textiles often can be restored. Porous items saturated with bodily fluids or sewage, such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed toys and paper goods, often can't.
Sentimental items
Photos, letters, heirlooms and keepsakes deserve extra effort. We set them aside for careful handling and can refer you to document and photo restoration specialists.
Insurance
Most homeowner and renter policies cover contents damaged by covered events. A detailed inventory with photos is the foundation of a contents claim.
Common questions
Do I have to approve before anything is thrown away?
Yes. Non-salvageable items are documented and disposed of only with your or your adjuster's approval.
Where are my things stored?
In secure storage arranged for your project. We'll tell you where and provide the inventory.
Can you clean electronics?
Exteriors, yes. Electronics with internal contamination are referred to specialists for evaluation.